ROCHESTER – ESL Federal Credit Union, which operates 33 branches in the Rochester area including one in Medina, is pleased to announce that for the ninth time, Great Place to Work® and Fortune magazine named the locally-owned financial institution one of 2026’s Best Workplaces in New York State.
ESL ranked 8 on the list of 60 small and medium-sized companies, along with 40 large companies. The financial institution is included among several other respected New York-based large, medium, and small employers, including First American Equipment Finance, Doyle Security Systems, and QuickFi by Innovation in the small and medium category, and Wegmans, Labella Associates, and The Bonadio Group in the large category.
“We are grateful to once again be named to this list, as it’s a wonderful testament to the dedication of our team at ESL. Our employees consistently live our core values, laying the foundation for a positive workplace culture,” said Maureen Wolfe, executive vice president, chief administrative officer. “We recognize that a superior member experience begins with an exceptional employee experience. By regularly collaborating with and listening to our team, we can continue to grow as an organization and help uplift the communities we serve.”
To determine the Best Workplaces in New York, Great Place to Work® provides an opportunity for every employee at every GPTW-certified company in New York State to complete a survey. The company’s “For All Methodology” builds on the Trust Model by ensuring that very single employee, no matter who they are or what they do for their company, is having a consistently positive experience at work.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 June 2026 at 10:07 am
Fee for whole season includes dedicated dock space and utilities
Photo by Tom Rivers: This 34-foot-long yacht was in Medina’s Canal Basin over the weekend. Brian Hellner and his son Rollin want to make it available as an Airbnb for short-term overnight rentals.
MEDINA – The Village Board, after months of discussion and research, on Monday evening approved a fee for leasing dock space in the Canal Basin. Medina will be charging $35 per foot for boats to have exclusive access to a dock for the entire canal season.
That $35 a foot also includes utilities – water, electricity and a dump station to pump out sewage.
Medina has two requests to have boats utilized as Airbnbs or short-term overnight rentals for the canal season, which runs until Oct. 14.
Brian Hellner and his son Rollin want to make a 34-foot-long yacht available for rent. At $35 a foot, the fee for dedicated dock space will be $1,190 for the season.
The Erie Floatel, LLC also is seeking a lease for its house boat. That 24-foot-long boat will have to pay $840. The Erie Floatel is operated by Andrew Meier and Svein Lilleby
The Erie Floatel debuted last year as the first short-term rental to be stationed at Medina in the Erie Canal. Last year, the lease agreement was $220 for dedicated space at the south end of the canal, plus $100 for electric and water consumption for the season.
The two boats will be on the eastern end of Medina’s docking area to free up space along the basin wall for transient users. Village Trustee Jeff Wagner said transient users who are visiting Medina can continue to use the docks for free.
Wagner said he was in frequent discussions with the State Canal Corp. about a lease fee and dedicated dock space for long-term users. The Canal Corp. told him there has been a surge in requests to have boats used as short-term rentals on the canal.
The boat owners who want to use them as Airbnbs also need to get a permit from the Canal Corp.
Brian Hellner, owner of the North Star II boat, asked the Village Board to prorate the charge and knock a third off the cost because the canal season started on May 15.
But Wagner said the season is still in the early stages with the whole summer ahead. The board declined Hellner’s request.
Hellner operated a boat ride business from a 20-foot-long pontoon boat in the basin from 2023 to 2025 but is taking a break from that this year. With that business, in 2023 he was charged $125 a month or $625 for the season to have exclusive access to one of the docks.
Katy’s Dipped Delights/Parkitects, Banes and Jr. Wilson all scored wins in Medina Women’s Softball League action Monday evening.
Katy’s Dipped Delights/Parkitects 23, White Birch 19
Katy’s Dipped Delights/Parkitects outlasted White Birch in a high-scoring battle, pulling away late for a 23-19 victory.
White Birch came out swinging early, putting up five runs in the opening inning behind contributions from Aubrey Lewis, Ella Lewis, Morgan Ralph, Kenzie Muck, and Gracie Johnson, while Dana Cotriss and Brianna Paniccia added hits
Katy’s Dipped Delights/Parkitects answered immediately with a massive 12-run inning sparked by Jen Masse, Lorelei Sanders, Robin Blaun, Alishia Foss, Kristin Ball, Meredith Mohun, Grace Capstick, Kennedy Clark, and Miranda Howell
White Birch battled right back with eight runs of their own as Aubrey Lewis, Ella Lewis, Anna Lewis, Johnson, Buckland, Cotriss, Paniccia, and Mallory Albone all contributed hits. The teams remained deadlocked at 16-16 for two innings before Katy’s Dipped Delights/Parkitects broke through with key hits from Blaun, Foss, and Mohun to reclaim the lead at 19-16.
White Birch continued to push seventh inning, getting clutch hits from Ralph, Johnson, and Buckland, but Katy’s Dipped Delights/Parkitects held on to secure the 23-19 win.
Blaun and Foss each finished a perfect 5-for-5 at the plate, while Sanders went 4-for-5. For White Birch, Aubrey Lewis went 4-for-6, Ella Lewis finished 4-for-5, and Johnson also went 4-for-5.
Banes 14. Mr Septic 12
Two big scoring innings keyed Banes past Mr. Septic.
Banes scored 6 quick runs in the first inning on singles by by Connie Heschke and Jami Chatt, RBI single by Lindsay Chatt, 2 RBI double by Morgan Allis, RBI Single by Kathy Allen, singles by Sue Seefeldt and by Rileigh McCabe and RBI single by Teri Schrlau
Two runs in the fifth on a double by Kathy Allen, an error and RBI single by Teri Schrlau kept Banes up 9-5
Banes locked up the win by scoring 5 runs in the sixth on singles by Patti Page and Jami Chatt, RBI singles by Lindsay Chatt and Morgan Allis, a two-run single by single Kathy Allen and an RBI single by Sue Seefeldt.
Kathy Allen finished with 4 hits including a double as Connie Heschke, Jami Chatt and Lindsay Chatt eaxh had 3.
Jr. Wilson 21, Mera Hair 20
Jr. Wilson outlasted Mera Hair 21-20 as Bri Guzdek singled in the game winning run.
Chasity Chinn had 2 triples and a home run, Stormi Beach a double, triple and home run, Jessica Rosenbeck a home run and 2 singles, Alyssa Ramarge a home run and a single and Lizzy Zacher a double and 2 singles to highlight the Jr. Wilson offense.
Jodi Zacher, Jenn Thom and Connie Homequist each added 3 singles as Guzdek, Jaclyn Rodriquez and Butchie Stockwell each had 2.
As retired educators, we support the candidate with the experience and passion to reverse the assault on public education in America: Diana Kastenbaum.
Historically, the expansion of education and democracy went hand-in-hand; a defining feature of American democracy is the right to vote. Diana will protect mail-in voting, early voting, and other measures which make casting a ballot by legally registered voters less, not more, arduous.
Wealthy campaign donors and Political Action Committees shift the focus of officials elected by “dark money” to school choice, culture wars, and divisive policies, often fracturing local communities. Diana’s engagement via Concerned Citizens for NY24, her opposition to taking corporate PAC money, and her commitment to undo Citizens United are specific examples of her leadership.
Our Founding Fathers believed an educated electorate was essential to a stable democracy. Diana demonstrates that conviction as a SUNY Genesee Community College Trustee and appointee to the Association of Community College Trustees Rural National Advisory Council. She serves as a member of the Government Relations committees on both the national and state associations of community colleges where she advocates for our students, educators, and institutions in Albany and Washington.
Diana Kastenbaum is highly qualified and the right choice to represent NY-24 in Congress; we urge Democrats to vote for her in this month’s primary election on June 23rd.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 9 June 2026 at 9:38 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina players celebrate after capturing the state tournament Class B Regional on Saturday by nipping Oneonta 1-0. The win avenged a 2-1 loss to the Yellowjackets in last year’s regional and advances the Mustangs to the state Class B semifinals against Utica Notre Dame at 10 a.m. Friday at Binghamton University. In front are Jadon Luxon, Vinny Gray, Jimmy Dieter, Aidan Papaj, Hadrian Batista, Preston Woodworth, Kolton Fletcher and Ryan Pegelow. In back are Cam Fike, Jacob Duffina, Mason Berry, Steven Gobelli, Lathan McEwen-Miller and Carlos Doval.
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall players and coaches celebrate with the championship plaque after downing Beaver River 1-0 Saturday to claim the state tournament Class C Regional title. The win propels the Eagles into Friday’s state championship game against Ticonderoga at 10 a.m. at Mirabito Stadium in Binghamton. In front are Adrian Bucci, Vinnie D’Agostino, Jonny Conte and Izaiah Rivera. In back are Assistant Coach Tim Stedman, Head Coach Tige Noni, Andrew D’Agostino, CJ D’Agostino, Jacob Abrams, Nic Cole, Sammy Conte, Owen Collyer, Andrew Cole, Luca D’Agostino, Mikey Colucci and Assistant Coach Jeff Conte.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 June 2026 at 5:01 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Stacey Bancker, right, senior vice president of operations at the North Division of Healogics, presents a plaque to Lisa Albanese Klein, program director at Medina Memorial Hospital’s Wound Care Center, while medical director Dr. Joseph Canzoneri, left, and hospital CEO Marc Shurtz, left, look on. The presentation celebrates the Wound Care Center’s honor of being designated a “Wound Care Center of Distinction” by Healogics.
MEDINA – Medina Memorial Hospital’s Wound Care Center continues to earn praise for its excellent record of curing wounds.
For the second time, the Wound Care Center has been designated a “Center of Distinction” by Healogics, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care. The honor was earned for having achieved 82% wound mix adjusted CHR with a patient satisfaction rating of 96%.
“This is outstanding,” said Lisa Albanese Klein, program director at the Wound Care Center.
The honor was celebrated at a ceremony Wednesday afternoon, in which Stacey Bancker, senior vice president of operations at Healogics North Division, presented a plaque to Klein.
Hospital CEO Marc Shurtz welcomed guests and shared his praise for the team at the Wound Care Center. The team includes program director Lisa Albanese Klein; medical director Dr. Joseph Canzoneri; nurses Kristen Warriner, Melissa Neuman, Amanda Jakubec and Becky Flynn; and front office coordinator Budena Hess.
Next was Mayor Debbie Padoleski who read a proclamation honoring the Wound Care Center, followed by the Center’s program director Lisa Albanese Klein.
“Achieving Center of Distinction status is a reflection of the commitment, compassion, expertise and heart this team brings to our patients every single day,” Klein said. “When I look at what our wound care center has accomplished, I see far more than statistics and outcomes. I see a team that has built something extraordinary together.”
Medina Mayor Debbie Padoleski, left, reads a proclamation honoring Medina Memorial Hospital’s Wound Care Center on Wednesday. At right are medical director Dr. Joseph Canzoneri, hospital CEO Marc Shurtz and Wound Care Center program director Lisa Albanese Klein.
The Wound Care Center has grown from a small program operating just two days a week into a four-day-a-week center serving more patients than ever before.
“That growth did not happen by accident,” Klein said. “It happened because this team believed in what we could become. It happened because Kirsten and Missy, Amanda and Becky and Budena showed up day after day, determined to make a difference for our patients.”
Patients who once had to travel out of Medina to get this kind of care can now get it right here, Klein said.
“What makes me most proud is not how much we have grown, but how we have grown,” she said. “We have grown without losing the personal touch that defines this center. We have grown while maintaining exceptional healing outcomes and outstanding patient satisfaction. Center of Distinction status is not earned by one individual. It cannot be achieved by leadership alone. It is earned through teamwork, through consistency, through trust, through people stepping up for one another, supporting one another and always keeping the patient at the center of everything we do.”
Wound care is not always easy, Klein continued. The work requires patience, persistence and compassion. Every healed wound represents more than a clinical success.
“It means someone can walk again without pain or can return to work,” Klein said. “It means avoiding hospitalization or amputation. It means giving people back their quality of life.”
Dr. Canzoneri echoed Klein’s praise of the Wound Care Center.
“What makes this accomplishment so meaningful is what it means for our community,” Canzoneri said. For many years, patients in rural areas had to travel to larger cities to receive advanced wound care services. Today, because of the work this team has done, patients can receive exceptional care close to home, surrounded by their families, neighbors and support systems.
“This designation as a Center of Distinction is backed by outstanding outcomes,” Canzoneri said. “Our healing results demonstrate the high standard of care being delivered every day and our patient satisfaction score speaks volumes about the experience patients are having when they walk through our doors. As medical director, I could not be more proud of what has been accomplished by our team. This recognition reflects not only where we are today, but also where we are heading as a program and as an organization. We are proving that outstanding specialty care can thrive in a community setting, and that our patients do not need to lee home to receive exceptional treatment.”
David Kusmierczak of Medina shares his story of how the Wound Care Center at Medina Memorial Hospital determined how to cure a sore on his foot. From left are hospital CEO Marc Shurtz, Wound Care medical director Joseph Canzoneri, Kusmierczak and Lisa Albanese Klein, program director. The group was gathered for an award ceremony on Wednesday celebrating the Wound Care Center’s recent designation as a “Center of Distinction” by Healogics, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care.
In addition, David Kusmierczak, whose foot sore was healed at Medina after months of treatment by other medical professionals, shared his story of praise and approval for the diagnosis and care he got at Medina’s Wound Care Center.
“I am diabetic and had an open wound on the bottom of my foot,” Kusmierczak said. “After months of treatment by other doctors, my primary care doctor in Batavia said I should go to wound care. He said there was one in Batavia and Medina, and I said I would go to Medina, because I lived there.”
At Medina’s Wound Care Center, Kusmierczak said he was prepped by Melissa Newman, Kristin Warriner and Budina Hess. Nurse Practitioner Amanda Jakubec began his treatment.
“They really took care of it,” Kusmierczak said. “I had a cast for three weeks, when Amanda said she thought I had a bone spur and they sent me to a surgeon at Highland Hospital. He ground down the spur, trimmed a tendon a little bit, and the wound healed. Now I can walk naturally and pain free.”
Kusmierczak said he had been dealing with the sore for five years, and his foot doctor had tried everything to try and heal it.
“I can’t say enough about this group,” Kusmierczak said. “They figured out what was causing the wound not to heal. I’m so glad this organization is here.”
Bancker added her praise for the Wound Care Center’s honor, saying this award is a “quality excellence award.”
“This award embodies quality of care, she said. “Orleans Community Health had an amazing year of growth by their team.”
She added there are seven million patients with chronic wounds in the United States.
Photo courtesy of Scott Robinson: Those to attended a presentation last week by Healogics recognizing Medina Memorial Hospital’s Wound Care Center as a “Center of Distinction” are, from left, Medina mayor Debbie Padoleski, Hospital CEO Marc Shurtz, front office coordinator Budena Hess, nurses Rebecca Flynn and Kristen Warriner, medical director Dr. Joe Canzoneri, program director Lisa Albanese Klein, healed patient David Kusmierczak and nurses Amanda McDonald and Meliss Neuman.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2026 at 3:45 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The royalty for this weekend’s Albion Strawberry Festival were recognized during the Albion Rotary Club meeting on Thursday.
From left include princess Kinzie Healy, king Will Plummer, queen Julia Graham and princess Hazel Bringenberg.
They will be part of Saturday’s parade at 10 a.m. and will serve as festival ambassadors.
This year’s festival theme, “Gather and Celebrate: A Big Berry 250th in honor of our Nation’s 250th.” The royalty candidates were asked to write a 250-word reflection on the theme.
Plummer, a senior, wrote in his essay, “Albion’s rich history and small-town character make it an ideal place to honor America’s past while looking forward to the future. Community events such as parades, historical exhibits, concerts and patriotic ceremonies can bring residents together in a spirit of gratitude and remembrance.”
Graham, a sophomore, said Albion students have helped preserve historical sites and highlight other important local history, while also beautifying the town with murals and other projects. She praised festival organizers for putting on the 38th Strawberry Festival this weekend.
Kinzie Healy, an eighth-grader, said the festival is an opportunity to celebrate shared values of democracy, community and hope for the future. “When gathering on these historic streets we aren’t just eating strawberry desserts, we are honoring 250 years of a ‘berry’ big American journey,” she wrote.
Hazel Bringenberg, a fifth-grader, said the local parades, chicken barbecues and fireworks are all a great way to celebrate the USA’s 250th anniversary.
Katelyn Viza, a sophomore at Albion, holds her first place poster that will be used on Strawberry Festival brochures and posters.
The second place winner is senior Rosalee McCormick, left, while freshman Bonnie Ward won third place.
Click here to see the festival schedule for June 12-13.
Contributed Photo – Trey Rhim in action for the Fury at Harborfest.
The Northshore Fury AAU basketball team traveled to the Thousand Islands over the weekend to take part in the Harborfest Showdown in Alexandria Bay, NY.
After a slow start Saturday night, the Fury charged ahead Sunday morning starting with a 58-36 win over the Northern New York All Stars.
Led by tournament scorning leaders Trey Rhim (Notre Dame), Zia Dix (Medina), and Dean Fischer III (Medina) the team finished second in the tourney against talent from Syracuse, Utica, Rome, Newark, and Alexandria Bay.
Brayden Aydelotte (Lyndonville), Mason McGuire (Holley), Gunner Knight (Holley), Julian Tabor (Medina), Chris Andrews (Holley), and Torey Dames (Medina) all added points for the Fury.
Jackson Spencer of Holley added a late game three to seal a win for the team.
The Fury will return to action next weekend June 13th and 14th at the School’s Out Summer Jam-Fest in Rochester.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2026 at 12:14 pm
Peters House considered outstanding example of Queen Anne style architecture
Photos courtesy of Christopher Schmidt: This Queen Anne-style residence on Salt Works Road has been recommended by the New York State Board for Historic Preservation to be included on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
MEDINA – A Medina home in the Queen Anne architectural style has been recommended for inclusion on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
The NYS Board of Historic Preservation met on June 4 and recommended the approval of the Peters House at 4018 Salt Works Rd. in Medina. The Board for Historic Preservation also recommended 19 other properties and districts for State and National Registers of Historic Places.
Constructed circa-1910 by George G. and Anna Peters, the two-story wood-frame residence is considered one of the finest and most intact examples of Queen Anne architecture in Western New York, said Christopher Schmidt, the current owner of the home.
More than a century after its construction, the houses continues to retain an exceptional degree of historic integrity, preserving many of the character-defining features that make the style so recognizable, he said.
“The Peters House is a fine example of the quality and craftsmanship that characterized residential construction during Medina’s period of growth and prosperity in the early twentieth century,” Schmidt said. “Its preservation allows future generations to appreciate both the architectural heritage and community history that helped shape Medina.”
Among the home’s most notable architectural elements are its asymmetrical façade, steeply pitched box gable roof, turret, bay windows, wrap-around porch, second-story porch alcove, overhanging eaves, classical columns, and decorative mix of clapboard siding and patterned shingles.
The residence is about 1 mile from Medina’s urban core. The house retains much of its original interior craftsmanship, including pine floors, wood trim, pocket doors, staircase, four-panel doors with original hardware, and extensive parlor woodwork, he said.
The property was recognized under National Register Criterion C for Architecture, reflecting its significance as a well-preserved example of the Queen Anne style. Despite modest updates over the years, including kitchen and bathroom renovations and porch modifications, the home continues to convey its historic appearance, materials, workmanship, and sense of place.
This photo from 1955 shows the horse racing oval by the property.
Beyond its architectural significance, the property occupies a site connected to an important chapter in Medina’s history. Prior to construction of the residence, portions of the property were part of the Medina Driving Park, a popular horse-racing and recreational venue established in 1871, Schmidt said. The Driving Park served as a social and entertainment center for the community, hosting horse races, bicycle competitions, football games, and other public events that drew visitors from throughout the region.
The listing on the State and National Registers of Historic Places recognizes the Peters House as an important cultural and architectural resource. Today, the Peters House stands as an enduring reminder of the village’s rich architectural legacy and the craftsmanship of a bygone era, ensuring that one of Medina’s historic treasures will continue to be appreciated for generations to come.
State and National Register listing can assist owners in revitalizing properties, making them eligible for various public preservation programs and services, such as matching state grants and federal and state historic rehabilitation tax credits.
“I encourage other owners of historic properties to explore historic designation and celebrate the unique history of their buildings,” Schmidt said. “There are many remarkable properties that deserve similar recognition.”
Once recommendations are approved by Kathy Moser, the commissioner of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the sites will be listed in the New York State Register of Historic Places and then nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, where they are reviewed by the National Park Service. If approved they will be entered in the National Register.
Some other nearby sites that were recommended on June 4 for the State and National Registers of Historic Places include:
Cobb’s Hill Historic District in Rochester, Monroe County
Dunkirk Macaroni and Supply Company Building in Dunkirk, Chautauqua County
Farmers and Mechanics Savings Bank in Lockport, Niagara County
RIDGEWAY – On Saturday at approximately 5:51 p.m., an Orleans County Sheriff’s Lieutenant James White initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle on Ridge Road in the Town of Ridgeway.
During the stop, the operator, identified as Dean E. Smith, 62, of Lockport allegedly displayed signs of impairment. Further investigation revealed that two children, ages 6 and 10, were in the vehicle at the time of the stop.
Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were administered. Smith was subsequently taken into custody. Following a Drug Influence Evaluation, Smith was charged with the following:
Aggravated DWI with a Child Passenger Less than 16 (Leandra’s Law) – Class E Felony
Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs – Unclassified Misdemeanor
Endangering the Welfare of a Child (2 Counts) – Class A Misdemeanor
Move From Lane Unsafely – Traffic Infraction
Smith was transported to the Orleans County Jail for Centralized Arraignment (CAP) Court. Lt. White was assisted by Deputy Michael Borrell.
Sheriff Bourke and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office remain committed to impaired driving enforcement, striving to prevent tragedies and make our roadways safer for all those that live in, work in and visit Orleans County.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 June 2026 at 9:53 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Members of Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association get a close look at the ox Carol Culhane painted for them in her basement. From left are John Richmond, OONA president Ken Martin, Culhane, Martin’s wife Anne, Sally Leonard and Cheryl Giacherio. The ox is expected to go to the Orleans County marine park on Route 98.
POINT BREEZE – In her illustrious career as an artist, Carol Culhane has painted wildlife, landscapes, airplanes, horses, murals, portraits and vehicles. Now she has turned her talent into painting oxen, chosen last year as the mascot for Orleans County’s bicentennial celebration.
A request from the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association to paint an ox sent her on a historical journey to trace the area’s landmarks from its early years to now.
Photos by Tom Rivers: The ox was on display on Saturday at Carlton’s Hometown Days festival outside the Carlton Rec Hall.
Her hand-painted work of art chronicles the story of the Oak Orchard River from Lake Alice to Lake Ontario back centuries to the current time.
On the left side of the animal, the river is depicted as it may have appeared long ago, before the construction of Waterport Dam and creation of Lake Alice, then known as the “Waterport Pond.”
There is also the Waterport Trestle, Point Breeze Hotel (originally known as the Orleans House) on the east side of the river, the Oak Orchard Inn on the west side and the original lighthouse at the end of the pier on the west side of the harbor.
On the right side of the ox are the “today” features – boating, fishing and kayaking; the hydroelectric site; charter boats and marine activity; breakwalls; the modern lighthouse; and wildlife.
Culhane incorporated wildlife into the design on both sides, to create interest by children. A great blue heron, turtles, lily pads, wetland vegetation and more represent the wildlife which has long depended on the Oak Orchard River ecosystem.
To be sure she was historically correct, Culhane visited Orleans County Historian Catherine Cooper and read several publications, including Arad Thomas’s Pioneer History of Orleans County and Dee Robinson’s Historical Amnesia.
Members of OONA recently visited Culhane’s basement to see their finished ox. This included OONA president Ken Martin and his wife Anne; Cheryl Giacheriz; Penny Miller, president of Orleans County Marine Park, through whom the Go Art! grant was received to fund oxen for OONA and Orleans County Legislature; John Richmond; and Sally Leonard, both Point Breeze residents.
“The ox has a lot of interesting historic details,” Martin said of the OONA ox. “It came out well.”
In addition to dedication of the OONA ox, several visitors came to view the work, including the builder of the fiberglass oxen, Patrick Keough and his wife Gaye from Nebraska. They deliver the oxen throughout the country, in addition to other animals they build. He was going to deliver an ox to Kendall that day, also.
Culhane said the oxen took many hours of work, but she is honored she was asked to do them.
Patrick Keough of Nebraska, with his wife Gaye, is the builder of the fiberglass oxen painted by Culhane. They stand next to one for OONA. This is the side of the animal depicts the Point Breeze area as it appears now, with fishermen, boaters and kayakers. She has also painted one for the county historian’s office and is working on one for the County Legislature.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Carol Culhane shows an ox with portraits of pioneers to Isabella Zasa, digital content creator and tourism assistant for the Orleans County Tourism Department, and Catherine Cooper, the county historian. This ox is expected to go in the historian’s office in Albion.
Orleans County historian Catherine Cooper, left, and artist Carol Culhane hold historical reference books Culhane referred to when painting bicentennial oxen for the county and Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 8 June 2026 at 9:42 am
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Cole Callard goes high for a header for the Medina Mustangs FC during Sunday’s tie game with the Sporting Cavs at Vets Park.
The Medina Mustangs FC saw the Sporting Cavs score a goal in the final minute to earn a 2-2 tie in a Buffalo District Soccer League Championship Division game at Vets Park Sunday evening.
The Medina goals were scored by Peter Martillotta, off an assist from Ethan Leonard, and by Cole Callard from Greg Husung.
The game was the home opener for Medina which slips to 1-3-1 at the halfway point of the season.
The Sporting Cavs are now 2-2-1.
Medina will next host the Williamsville Willies at 2 p.m. Sunday at Vets Park.
Peter Martillotta lets go with a shot that scored the first goal for the Medina Mustangs FC.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 June 2026 at 8:33 am
Students urged to pursue kindness, service in their lives, careers
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Nisi Beltran Roblero receives a blessing and prayer from Father Mark Noonan, priest of the Holy Family Parish. The Rev. Susan Thaine, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Albion, and Elder John Kubiniec of the First Presbyterian also offered a blessing to graduates during Sunday’s baccalaureate service at Holy Family Parish.
The service and blessings were optional for seniors, and 30 chose to attend the service at Holy Family which was organized by the Albion Ministerium.
Father Noonan urged the graduates to choose meekness over anger.
“The world is so much in need of people who will look out for others,” he said. “Never be afraid of the adventure of following God with your full heart.”
Julia Button lights a candle at the altar. Students were encouraged to strive to be a light in the world.
“The candle is a symbol of the light in you, of the light that God placed in you and that you carry with you into the world,” said the Rev. Marsha Rivers, who is pastor of the First Baptist Church in Albion and the Gaines Carlton Community Church.
Albion High School Select Choir members sang “Lakeside Lullaby.” In front from left include Lily Brigham, Kailee Anstey and Rosalie McCormick. In back are Adelaide Pettit, Gideon Pask, Yo’Hanel Harris and Julia Graham.
The Clarinet Choir, directed by Matthew Confer, played Variations & Fugue on the Theme by Mozart.
The Rev. Susan Thaine, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, was the keynote speaker. She delivered a message, “Overcome Evil with Good.” Thaine said the students are at “one of those threshold moments in life” at an area where the land meets the water. It is a moment of possibility. She urged them to orient their life towards a relationship with God, and strive to not let the world mold their thoughts, actions and sense of value.
Social media can give a warped view of what’s right and wrong, she said.
“Turn this world upside everywhere you go with the good manifested in your life,” Thaine said.
Kaitlynn Basinait reads a scripture, Ephesians 4: 21-25.
Other students who spoke at the service, sharing scriptures or a blessing, include Nisi Beltran Roblero, Gideon Pask and Abigail Kincaid.
Sister Dolores O’Dowd leads the group in a unison prayer.
“We look forward with hope, knowing your work is not yet accomplished. Our futures are not yet written, but our paths are secure, for you are our shepherd, and you guide us into life and love.”
The Rev. Marsha Rivers prays over Lindsay Crawford during the service at Holy Family Parish.
