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Orleans Koinonia Kitchen has served and distributed nearly 20,000 meals this year
Photos courtesy of Orleans Community Connects: People enjoy food and conversation at the Orleans Koinonia Kitchen, which is based at Harvest Christian Fellowship, 560 East Ave. in Albion.
Press Release, Orleans Community Connects
ALBION – Thanks to an incredible outpouring of community support, dedicated volunteers, and funding assistance from Orleans Community Connects, local outreach efforts are making a significant impact on residents in need throughout Orleans County.
So far this year, Orleans Koinonia Kitchen has served and distributed approximately 20,000 meals, providing nourishment and hope to individuals and families across the county. With support from Orleans Community Connects, the organization has been able to supply food and cooking essentials for volunteer groups who generously prepare meals for weekly community dinners.
The outreach extends far beyond the kitchen. A team of eight volunteer drivers delivers meals throughout every town and village in Orleans County, ensuring homebound residents have access to nutritious food and regular check-ins from caring community members.
In addition, more than 1,300 homeless care bags have been distributed to individuals experiencing hardship. These bags provide essential items and connect recipients with additional community resources.
“When someone walks through our doors, they receive much more than a hot meal,” said Faith, director of Orleans Koinonia Kitchen. “They find friendship, compassion, and the love of Jesus. We want people to know they are valued and cared for.”
The organization offers a variety of services to community members, including:
- Fresh and frozen meals to enjoy at home
- Care bags with essential items
- Access to a free community table
- Information and referrals for food, shelter, and emergency assistance throughout Orleans County
- Wellness checks and support through meal delivery volunteers
The kitchen welcomes anyone in need, regardless of age or circumstance, with no questions asked. Volunteers and staff work to ensure residents not only receive food but also feel connected, supported and safe.
“We love our community and are continually inspired by the generosity of our volunteers, donors, and local supporters,” Faith added. “We are truly grateful to Orleans Community Connects. Their partnership allows us to reach so many more people and provide critical support to those who need it most.”
As demand for services continues to grow, the organization remains committed to serving Orleans County residents with dignity, compassion, and hope. They are located at Harvest Christian Fellowship 560 East Ave in Albion.
“At Orleans Community Connects, we believe strong communities are built by neighbors helping neighbors,” said Nyla Gaylord, executive director of Orleans Community Connects. “This program is a powerful example of what happens when local organizations, volunteers, and supporters come together with a shared commitment to caring for others. We are proud to support an effort that provides not only meals, but also connection, compassion, and hope to thousands of Orleans County residents.”
SCOPE encourages public to know their candidates for elected offices
Editor:
In response to Kathy Harnischfeger’s letter posted on September 19, and regarding the election for Town of Clarendon Supervisor, SCOPE of Orleans County has invited both Kathy Harnischfeger and Fred Seeman to speak to our membership and the public on Tuesday, October 13, at 7 p.m. at the Hoag Library in Albion.
Both candidates will be allocated up to 25 minutes. Only one candidate will be in the room at a time. This is not a debate.
Both candidates have received a questionnaire. The questionnaire can be found by clicking here.
Candidates may appear in person and/or submit their answers in writing if they are unable to attend.
SCOPE of Orleans County will publish its findings at a later date.
The SCOPE mission statement can be found by clicking here.
If we want to protect and strengthen our Second Amendment rights, we must be active at the local level.
Local elected officials make decisions that directly affect our communities, including policies involving firearm ownership, self-defense, public safety, and Second Amendment rights. When we show up, build relationships, and make our voices heard, we have an opportunity to influence those decisions.
Attend local meetings. Know your elected officials. Speak with them. Engage with local law enforcement. Stay informed and get involved.
These actions matter.
Strong local advocacy does more than stop bad policies—it helps build lasting support for our constitutional freedoms. What we do today will help determine whether those rights remain strong for the next generation.
Mark D. Allen
Orleans County SCOPE Chairman
Orleans Community Health expanding PT, OT and speech therapy
Provided photo: Cory Lewis is director of Rehabilitation Services at Medina Memorial Hospital and Albion Healthcare Center. Orleans Community Health has announced the expansion of rehabilitation services at Medina Memorial Hospital.
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced the expansion of rehabilitation services at Medina Memorial Hospital and Albion Healthcare Center, providing patients with greater access to physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy in one convenient location.
Physical therapy services will continue to be available at both Medina Memorial Hospital and Albion Healthcare Center, ensuring patients throughout the community have convenient options for receiving care.
“This expansion is really about making rehabilitation services more accessible and convenient for our patients,” said Cory Lewis, director of Rehabilitation Services at Orleans Community Health. “By bringing occupational therapy to Medina, we’re creating a more centralized location where patients can access multiple rehabilitation services. At the same time, we’re maintaining physical therapy services in Albion to continue meeting the needs of that community.”
The move is part of reducing patient wait times, Lewis said. Wait times at local clinics have been long throughout this year, typically around three weeks, he added. A major goal of this expansion is to improve access and provide more timely therapy services for the community.
With staffing additions coming to PT in early November, OCH will be able to offer more appointments, later in the day. The Albion Healthcare Center will be treating patients until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, which should provide more options for those who have difficulty attending during traditional work hours.
“For many of our patients, rehabilitation is just one part of their overall path to getting healthier and stronger,” Lewis said. “Having these services located within the hospital allows us to work more closely with other departments and providers.”
Rehabilitation services at Orleans Community Health are designed to help individuals recover from injuries, surgeries, illnesses and other conditions that affect mobility, independence and everyday activities.
Physical therapy will be offered in Medina and Albion; occupational therapy in Medina and speech therapy in Medina.
This expansion reflects Orleans Community Health’s ongoing commitment to providing accessible, high quality healthcare services close to home.
“Our goal is to help patients get back to doing the things they enjoy and living as independently as possible,” Lewis said. “Whether someone is recovering from surgery, working through an injury or managing a chronic condition, we want to make sure they have the support and resources they need right here in their community.”
To make an appointment in Medina for PT, OT or ST, call (585) 798-0266; or for PT at the Albion Healthcare Center, call (585) 589-2273.
New sidewalks go in along Maple Ridge in Medina
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – New sidewalks are in along Maple Ridge Road in Medina. This photo from Monday shows the sidewalks looking east from Ricky Place.
About 2,000 feet of new sidewalks are going in along the north side of Maple Ridge as part of a project that is adding a pedestrian bridge over Oak Orchard Creek.
RJT Construction Services is the general contractor on the project after submitting the low bid of $837,448. Barton & Loguidice also provided engineering services for $166,300.
This section of Maple Ridge Road is looking west from Ricky Place. This section of Maple Ridge near the creek has become busier with a housing development, several new businesses and also the GCC campus center.
There are also about 200 available acres in the area being promoted for development by the EDA. (The sign for Mariachi de Oro Mexican restaurant can be seen in the distance.)
The new bridge and sidewalks have been several years in the waiting. The village in 2021 was awarded a $1,094,196 grant to construct the bridge and sidewalks as part of a multi-use path for pedestrians and bicycles. The funding was awarded by the state through a federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant.
That is covering 80 percent of the project. The remaining 20 percent will be paid locally from the village ($55,000), Town of Shelby ($130,000) and Orleans County ($97,500) using their share of funds from a now closed revolving loan fund through the Orleans Economic Development Agency.
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Kendall girls blank Notre Dame in G-R game; Roy-Hart/Medina nipped in overtime
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Maizie Ciliberto, who scored the Roy-Hart/Medina goal, here works to advance the ball against Allison Harkness of Oakfeld-Alabama/Elba which won the game in overtime this evening at Vets Park.
Improving to 13-1 overall, Kendall blanked visiting Notre Dame 3-0 in a Genesee Region League girls soccer game this evening.
Ryleigh Denning scored 2 goals and Sophia Picardo 1 for the Lady Eagles. Picardo and Charlie Fox also both had assists.
Teagan Shaw made 3 saves to earn her 10th shutout in goal.
Oakfield-Alabama/Elba 2, Roy-Hart/Medina 1 (OT)
Oakfield-Alabama/Elba edged Roy-Hart/Medina 2-1 in overtime in a non league game this evening at Vets Park.
Avalynn Buczek scored the game winner in overtime for OAE which had tied the game at 1-1 on a second half goal by Vasquez Garcia.
Roy-Hart/Medina had taken a 1-0 lead earlier in the second half as Maizie Ciliberto scored off an assist from Julia Verratti.
Avalynn Buczek, who scored the game winning goal for OAE works to get the ball past Roy-Hart/Medina’s Aymarie Rutland.
Holley tops Aquinas, Fillmore downs Kendall
Holley nipped host Aquinas 1-0 and Kendall dropped a 3-0 decision at undefeated (14-0) Fillmore in non league boys soccer games today.
Isaac Barrett scored off an assist from Tarek Garrett to earn the win for Holley as the Hawks improve to 12-1-2.
Kendall is now 6-6-2.
Woody the wallaby is back home in Albion
The DeClerk family posted a picture on Facebook of Woody back home this afternoon in Albion after four days on the lam.
ALBION – Woody the wallaby is back home with the DeClerk family after about four days on the loose.
Woody was startled during a thunder and lightning storm and took a high leap in his enclosure. He then squeezed through a window and took off from the DeClerk barn on Route 279.
Woody sparked a lot of comments on Facebook and social media as he shocked people on North Main Street and near the Five Corners.
The Orleans Hub posted a story about Woody at 1:36 p.m. today. At around 3 p.m., Cary DeClerk, Woody’s owner was called by a resident at Oak Orchard Estates off Route 98. He saw Woody in his backyard.
DeClerk headed over and could see Woody. He asked the man and his family to head inside. DeClerk got down on a knee. Woody eventually came close to DeClerk, who used a fishing net to catch Woody.
He then carried the 40-pound wallaby to his Jeep. Woody seemed happy to be back with DeClerk. He drove about a mile to their home on Route 279.
It didn’t take long for Woody to settle in for a long nap.
Woody joined a menagerie of other animals at the DeClerks, including two albino wallabies, and two red kangaroos.
DeClerk appreciates the community keeping a lookout for Woody the past few days.
“I can’t thank everyone enough,” he said.
Wallaby, which is like a kangaroo, on the loose in Albion
Provided photo: The DeClerk family in Albion is missing their wallaby, which escaped during a storm four nights ago.
ALBION – A wallaby named Woody is a local a social media sensation, causing a stir and many double-takes by hopping around the northern part of Albion and the Five Corners in Gaines.
Woody is like a kangaroo. He escaped from his enclosure at the DeClerk family on Route 279 during a thunder and lightning storm about four nights ago. Woody is about three feet tall and weighs 40 pounds, said Cary DeClerk, Woody’s owner.
Woody must have been startled during the storm. He hopped above the feeder in his enclosure and squeezed through a 14-by-14-inch opening. He was then in the barn with other animals. DeClerk said a grandchild left the barn door open. There was some added excitement after baby piglets were born. Woody saw an opening and hopped off.
He has been spotted many times near the five corners intersection and in peoples’ backyards along Route 98, just north of the village.
DeClerk said Woody seems to be enjoying his freedom.
“He’s not aggressive,” DeClerk said. “He’s a very friendly animal. He’s carefree. He doesn’t cause any problems.”
If anyone sees the wallaby, DeClerk asked that they give him a call at 585-590-6566. If the animal sneaks into a backyard with a fence or into a garage or barn with a door, people could close the fence or door to hold him until DeClerk gets there.
Otherwise, Woody is difficult to corral.
DeClerk worries Woody could eat a toxin, get hit by a vehicle or get attacked by a coyote. During winter, he might struggle to find food if he stays out in the cold.
DeClerk has two other albino wallabies, and two red kangaroos. He brought a wallaby to the Albion Fall Festival in 2025 as well as some of his other animals.
“I’m losing sleep over this guy being gone,” DeClerk said. “He is a personal friend of mine.”
Photo by Tom Rivers: Cary DeClerk brough an albino wallaby to Albion’s Fall Festival on Oct. 4, 2025.
Medina Sandstone Society to induct 3 more sites into Hall of Fame
Heritage Award for Village of Medina, Western Orleans Senior Citizens for efforts maintaining railroad depot
Photos by Tom Rivers: Belhurst Castle in Geneva will be inducted into the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame on Oct. 22.
MEDINA – The Medina Sandstone Society will be inducting three more sites into its Hall of Fame on Oct. 22, bringing the total to 49 exceptional structures made of Medina Sandstone. The Hall of Fame started in 2013 and is located at City Hall in Medina.
The induction ceremony will be at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 22 in the meeting chambers of City Hall at 600 Main St.
The new inductees include the Belhurst Castle in Geneva, the Genesee County Jail in Batavia and the Titusville Presbyterian Church in Titusville, Pa. The Sandstone Society also will be presenting a Heritage Award to the Medina Village Board and Western Orleans Senor Center for their ongoing commitment to maintain the New York Central railroad depot, a Medina Sandstone building constructed in 1908.
Belhurst Castle – Geneva, NY
The inside of Belhurst Castle has thick walls made of Medina Sandstone. The site offers lodging, dining and event spaces.
Belhurst Castle in Geneva was built as a private three-story, nine-bay-wide mansion over four years from 1885 to 1889. It sits along the shores of Seneca Lake.
It was built with a rich brown Medina Sandstone. The site was a speakeasy and illegal gambling casino during the 1930s.
It was converted into a hotel, winery and spa in 1952, and offers overnight lodgings, dining, and event spaces. It has two restaurants, including one named the Stonecutters Tavern.
This historic 3-story Romanesque Revival stone mansion now hosts weddings and other major events. It has been named a “World’s Best Wine Hotel” by Wine Enthusiast, voted number three in USA TODAY’s Top 10 Wine Country Hotels, and voted one of the “Most Romantic Places” in New York State.
Belhurst was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
Genesee County Jail – Batavia, NY
The Genesee County Jail in Batavia was built from 1902-1903 in a Victorian Gothic and fortress-like structure made of Medina Sandstone. In the early days it served as the sheriff’s residence. It later was the offices for the Sheriff’s Department.
The jail on West Main Street features five turrets, quoins, and rusticated sandstone. The building was designed by Poughkeepsie architect William J. Beardsley, who also designed Attica State Prison.
The Genesee County Jail sits as a focal point in the Genesee County Courthouse Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
The county sheriff and his family used to live in the front portion of the jail building until the 1970s. The jail originally had 10 to 15 cells. The county put a brick addition on the jail in 1985, increasing the capacity for 97 inmates.
The county built a new jail in 2024 at 3839 West Main Street Rd., but hasn’t neglected the sandstone site. The county in 2022-23 did a $2 million restoration on the old jail with lots of repointing and work on the sandstone and brick. The county repaired crumbling and deteriorated sandstone blocks, which were meticulously deconstructed, labeled and safely restored.
Workers then rebuilt the underlying foundation, concrete slab, and front porch walls before placing the historic sandstone back in position.
Titusville First Presbyterian Church – Titusville, Pennsylvania
Photo courtesy of David Miller
Titusville is the birthplace of modern American petroleum industry. Edwin Drake successfully struck oil on Aug. 27, 1859. The city’s population surged after the world’s first commercial oil well was drilled.
The earliest religious association in the Titus settlement was begun by the Presbyterians, and the congregation increased over the years, outgrowing four buildings before the current one was built of Medina red sandstone from 1887 to 1888 in the Richardsonian Romanesque style.
Rather than the conventional spire, the design called for a distinctive main tower topped by a belfry and dome. The wood of the interior is oak, and the pews are in a semicircular arrangement. The south-facing Emerson Chapel was added in 1907. The church contains a pipe organ and historic art glass windows designed by J & R Lamb Studios of New York City.
This church at 216 N. Franklin Street in Titusville is part of the Titusville Historic District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Heritage Award – Village of Medina, Western Orleans Senior Citizens
The Sandstone Society is honoring the Village of Medina and the Senior Citizens of Western Orleans for their stewardship of the NY Central Depot, a Medina Sandstone building constructed in 1908, a site that continues as a social hub for older adults and other community events.
The site has been used as the Senior Citizens of Western Orleans since 1968. It started when a group of seniors got to thinking there should be a place in Medina for seniors to gather and enjoy camaraderie.
The village was approached about using the New York Central railroad depot on West Avenue, and an agreement was reached to allow use of the building.
The group at one time had 600 members. The Senior Center of Western Orleans now has about 250 members, and the center is still very active with euchre games, pinochle and luncheons.
There also are exercise classes on Wednesday mornings and one can expect to find a jigsaw puzzle in the works any time.
The center has a gift shop which is always full of unique gift items, puzzles, clothing, jewelry and hand-knitted and crocheted items.
The building has seen recent improvements with a new air-conditioner, exterior painting, and other upgrades.
