BROCKPORT – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) recently announced his December mobile office hours at Seymour Library from 10 a.m. to noon on Dec. 29.
As a public servant, being accessible to the public is one of Hawley’s highest priorities. The assemblyman’s staff members will attend the office hours and they will be ready to help any constituent with their needs.
“I want to encourage everyone to visit whenever they wish to. My office is ready to take your calls and help address your needs,” Hawley said.
Seymour Library is located at 161 East Ave. in Brockport.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 December 2025 at 11:59 am
State Sen. Rob Ortt, left, has endorsed Bruce Blakeman, right, for governor. Blakeman is the current Nassau County Executive.
State Sen. Rob Ortt announced his endorsement of Bruce Blakeman for governor.
Ortt, leader of the Republican conference in the State Senate, previously endorsed Elise Stefanik, a congresswoman from northern New York. She stepped back from the race on Friday and announced she won’t be seeking re-election to Congress.
Blakeman is current county executive for Nassau County. He seeks to challenge Gov. Kathy Hochul who is seeking re-election in 2026.
“Bruce Blakeman is a proven fighter for everyday New Yorkers,” Ortt said. “He is tough, smart, and fearless in standing up to the radical policies that have made our state less affordable and less safe. Bruce has the proven executive experience needed to defeat Kathy Hochul and show voters what real leadership looks like.
“I am proud to endorse Bruce Blakeman — a common-sense leader who will put New Yorkers first and fight to save our state.”
Blakeman also has the backing of President Donald Trump.
“Bruce is MAGA all the way, and has been with me from the very beginning,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “As Nassau County Executive, he is working tirelessly with the Brave Heroes of ICE, Border Patrol, and Law Enforcement to Keep Our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Safeguard our Community, and Ensure LAW AND ORDER.”
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 23 December 2025 at 10:10 am
Contributed Photos – Kendall’s CJ D’Agostino puts up a shot during the Eagles win over Northstar Monday evening at Cleveland’s Rocket Arena.
Making the most of an opportunity to play on an NBA court, Kendall bested Northstar 61-44 at Cleveland’s Rocket Arena Monday evening following the Cavaliers game.
CJ D’Agostino scored 20 to lead a parade of eight Eagles point getters. Jonny Conte tallied 12, Vinnie D’Agostino 8, Noah Morehouse and Ryan Gaesser 6 each, Sammy Conte 5 and Jonas Rhodes and Caleb Opalecky 2 each.
Kendall grabbed a 14-11 lead at the end of the first quarter as Jonny Conte and CJ D’Agostino both had a two and a three to help get the Eagles rolling.
CJ D’Agostino then had a big 11 point second quarter to help the Eagles increase their advantage to 12, 31-19, at the half.
Kendall upped the lead to 17, 49-32, at the end of the third period as Vinnie D’Agostino scored 6 and Jonny and Sammy Conte both hit threes in the third period.
It marked the second year in a row that Kendall has played at Rocket Arena.
Now at 3-1, the Eagles will next host their holiday tournament next Monday and Tuesday.
Kendall players, coaches and team managers at center court at Cleveland’s Rocket Arena.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 December 2025 at 9:53 am
Provided photos
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature last week presented “Special Recognition Awards” to two people retiring from the Emergency Management Office.
County Legislator Skip Draper, right, presents the awards to Pat Eick, second from right, and Fran Gaylord, center.
Next to them are Justin Niederhofer (left), current EMO director; and Dale Banker, retired EMO director.
On this 16th day of December 2025, we do hereby acknowledge your retirement from Orleans County.
Eick worked 30 years as a secretary at the Emergency Management Office.
“Your outstanding organizational skills proved immeasurable when the county’s north shore was being overwhelmed by high water levels on Lake Ontario, during the Harris Radio System project upgrade, and your efforts to obtain the Fire Safety Trailer,” legislators stated in the award to Eick. “As EMO obtains funding through various grants, your ability to navigate those was impeccable.”
Eick worked with four EMO directors during her tenure.
Fran Gaylord, a past Holley fire chief, worked the past 25 years as a Deputy Fire Coordinator for the county.
“Your efforts were critical in establishing a daytime staffed engine one day a week to cover the east battalion (Engine 372),” legislators stated. “The EMS throughout Orleans County could count on you being at any major or minor incident, going above and beyond augmenting volunteer staffing and operating various apparatuses when needed on scene. Along with taking on the task of coordinating countless training at the battalion and county level.”
(Left) Fran Gaylord accepts his Special Recognition Award from Legislator Skip Draper. (Right) Pat Eick accepts her award for a 30-year career at the Emergency Management Office.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 23 December 2025 at 8:34 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Retired TV personality Mike Randall, right, and Medina Theater owner Joe Cardone draw winning tickets for free prizes following Randall’s presentation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol on Friday night at the Medina Theater. (Right) Mike Randall portrayed the roles of characters from A Christmas Carol. He performed to a full house Friday night at Medina Theater.
MEDINA – The Medina Theater was packed Friday night for a performance by Mike Randall, who presented A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
The performance came about when Randall and theater owner Joe Cardone were having lunch. Randall and his wife Kathy had recently moved to Medina and he suggested doing a show to benefit local food pantries and Medina Area Association of Churches. He said that would be his gift to Medina.
Cardone agreed to donate use of the theater, and the rest is history. The show sold out a week in advance.
Jim Hancock, left, representing St. Peter’s Food Pantry, and Donna Poore, who heads the food pantry at The Vine, hold a tote of food items at the Medina Theater, which were donated by theater-goers Friday night. The food pantries shared the collection of food.
Attendees who brought in non-perishable food items or made a cash donation received a ticket for a drawing for various prizes, which included gift certificates, raffle baskets and a grand door prize of a flat screen TV, donated by local attorney Katherine Bogan.
A giant container of food was filled to overflowing and divided between the food pantries at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and The Vine Church. Cash donations were given to MAAC. On Monday afternoon, Cardone and Randall presented a check for $2,230 to Sue Metzo, president of MAAC. Jim Hancock, treasurer of St. Peter’s Food Pantry, and Donna Poore, head of The Vine’s Food Pantry, both attended the presentation and will make arrangements to have the food items delivered to their churches.
“I can’t tell you what this means to us,” Metzo said.
“We especially need donations of groceries at this time of year, when people are running short,” Hancock said. “The amount of food collected was quite amazing. It was nice we could split it with The Vine.”
From left, Joe Cardone, owner of Medina Theater, and Mike Randall give a check for $2,230 to Sue Metzo, president of MAAC. Jim Hancock, treasurer of St. Peter’s food pantry, and Donna Poore, head of The Vine’s food pantry, will share the food items collected.
Friday’s entertainment began with an appearance of Medina High School’s A’Capella Select Choir. Members were appropriately dressed in 1800’s cloaks and hats, as they sang several Christmas songs.
Director Rachel Trillizio shared how thrilled they were to be able to perform for the community.
“We have already had a performance every day this week and have four more to go,” she said.
Randall first began impersonating Dickens’ characters in 2007 and continues to amaze audiences with his talent.
“I did a lot of research and how Dickens portrayed the different characters fascinated me,” Randall said. “I realized he wasn’t actually reading the book, he was performing the characters. I started studying the parts in November 2006, knowing I had my first performance scheduled for December 2007.
The A’Capella Select Choir, dressed in 1800s attire, sings a variety of Christmas songs for a packed house who attended Medina Theater to see Mike Randall’s presentation of A Christmas Carol.
The presentation by Randall on Friday night left the crowd in total amazement.
“It was magnificent,” said Cora Goyette, a newcomer to Medina. “I’m in awe he can remember all of that, and he delivered it so perfectly. We were totally entertained.”
One lady had seen him twice before and said it gets better every time.
Shirley Bright and Le Roy Neeper had also seen Randall’s performance before, but were delighted to see it again.
“And the theater has never looked more beautiful,” Neeper said of the Christmas decorations. “It was a wonderful evening.”
Georgia Thomas said she reads Dickens every Christmas.
“Mike performed it so beautifully,” she said. “All the inflections he used for different characters made them come so alive. I absolutely loved his performance. How fortunate we are to have all that talent in Medina.”
Rachel Trillizio, director of Medina High School’s A’Capella Choir, tells the audience at the Medina Theater how happy they are to sing for the community. The Select Choir entertained Friday night prior to Mike Randall’s performance of A Christmas Carol, which benefited food pantries and MAAC in Medina.
This was the first time Kathy Blackburn had seen Randall and she said he was amazing.
“We couldn’t get over how he knew all those parts,” she said. “He moved from character to character and was able to memorize it all.”
In addition to 212 performances of A Christmas Carol since 2007, Randall has continued to present his critically acclaimed one-man portrayal of Mark Twain Live since 1972. Cardone said after the holidays, he might talk to Randall about doing that show at the Medina Theater.
Randall also performs with puppets, magic, ventriloquism and comedy as Mike Randall and Friends in local schools, libraries, festivals and family events all across Western New York.
Best-known as an on-air personality on WKBW-TV for 40 years, Randall retired in 2023. He was inducted into the Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2017.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 22 December 2025 at 9:40 pm
Pulling away in the second quarter, Albion went on to defeat host Oakfield-Alabama 77-53 in a non league boys basketball game this evening.
Up 16-10 at the end of the opening period, Albion put together a big 27-13 scoring surge in the second quarter to open up commanding 20 point, 43-23, half-time advantage.
Nate Gibson scored 12, including a pair of threes, and Elijah Doxey 6 to lead that Purple Eagles uprising.
Keeping the momentum, the Purple Eagles went on to outscore the Hornets 20-13 in the third period to maintain a comfortable 27 point, 63-36, advantage heading into the final quarter.
Wesley Olles scored 7, Doxey 6 and Gibson 5 to lead that scoring burst.
Gibson finished with 21, Olles 17 and Doxey 14.
Improving to 3-2, Albion next hosts Warsaw in another non league contest on January 3.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 December 2025 at 8:58 pm
Carol Culhane paints ox in honor of county’s bicentennial
Photos by Tom Rivers
CARLTON – A statue of an ox is painted to pay homage to early settlers in Orleans County, which this year commemorated its 200th anniversary.
Carol Culhane, a member of the Orleans County Bicentennial Committee, is nearly done with the ox. She has been working on it, on and off, the past three months. It will go in a county building or perhaps be displayed outside. The exact spot is to be determined. Right now it’s in the rec room at her house in Carlton. She has the first coats of paint on two other oxen as well.
The ox body is painted black. Culhane painted the county seal on one side and the bicentennial logo on the other. The seal has a gold color that Culhane also used for the horns and hooves.
The Bicentennial Committee picked an ox as a mascot and symbol for the county’s 200th anniversary. Oxen were critical for the pioneers, pulling wagons and helping to clear forests and plant crops.
Culhane read about many of the early settlers in a book by Arad Thomas in 1871, “Pioneer History of Orleans County.” Thomas interviewed many of the settlers. That book provides first-hand accounts of the tenacity needed to survive in the early 1800s when the settlers often lacked food for themselves and their livestock. Many of the settlers, including their children, died from disease.
Culhane has painted a portrait of a settler from each of the 10 towns and four villages. She included women, whose contributions often weren’t recorded.
Thomas featured some women in his book. But Culhane said Dee Robinson, a retired Gaines historian, wrote about the contributions of many local women in her book, “Historical Amnesia.”
The settlers highlighted by Culhane include:
Nehemiah Ingersoll – Village of Albion
Roswell Burrows – Town of Albion
Lansing Bailey – Town of Barre
Bathshua Brown – Town of Carlton
Elizabeth Johnson – Village of Lyndonville
David Jones – Town of Kendall
Fanny Ferguson – Town of Murray
Phoebe Sprague – Village of Holley
Chauncey Robinson – Town of Clarendon
Elizabeth Gilbert – Town of Gaines
Peter Hoag – Village of Medina
Seymour Murdock – Town of Ridgeway
Matthew Gregory – Town of Shelby
Horace Goold – Town of Yates
Arad Thomas’s book included photos of 12 of the 14 settlers painted by Culhane. She used AI to get a sketch for pioneers, Bathshua Brown and Elizabeth Gilbert. Culhane provided some details about their lives to help create the depictions from AI.
Culhane who like to see a display with information about each of the 14 people featured in portraits.
She marvels at women like Elizabeth Gilbert of Gaines and Bathshua Brown of Carlton. Both became widows and had to forge a new life in Orleans County without a spouse.
They endured the loss of children and faced intense hardships in trying to build new lives in Orleans County.
Brown and her husband moved to Orleans County, traveling by boat in 1804. Elijah Brown did not survive the trip and he was buried in the Brown Cemetery at the Bridges in 1804, the first marked burial in Orleans County. Elijah and Bathshua had 17 children, with 12 living to adulthood.
The Brown family continues to live and farm in Carlton – 221 years after Bathshua and her children moved to the area.
Culhane said the settlers had hard lives, and she wanted to honor their efforts in the early days of the county.
“Look at what they went through,” Culhane said. “All of them had strength and grace and courage to carry on.”
County Historian Catherine Cooper, left, commended Culhane for her vision for the ox and the artwork. Cooper said the ox’s face was particularly striking. Cooper said she would like the ox to prominently displayed by the county.
Culhane has long used her artistic talents to support veterans, Hospice of Orleans County and other causes. She created a bicentennial poster for the county, showing the modern Courthouse Square and an earlier log cabin that existed on the spot before the courthouse was built in 1858.
Culhane painted three horses for Rochester’s Horses on Praade in 2001 and a giraffe for the Animal Scramble in 2003. Culhane sees home those community art projects were fun and encouraged people to explore Rochester and Monroe County.
She thinks the painted oxen can have a similar impact in Orleans County. She has painted the third one. Stacey Kirby Steward painted the first one in 2024 during the Orleans County 4-H Fair. It included an agricultural scene on one side and fair scenes on the other side. That ox is at the fairgrounds.
Melissa Ierlan used decoupage to cover an ox with photos from Clarendon. That ox is at the Clarendon Historical Society.
Culhane has two more to do. Next up will be one with vignettes from Point Breeze and Carlton. She is painting that one for the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association and Friends of the Orleans County Marine Park.
Then she will paint another one with scenes from around the county, some historic and other of the modern day.
The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council approved grants for the upcoming two oxen by Culhane, while the one celebrating the early settlers was funded from the Orleans County Bicentennial Committee.
The Town of Kendall and Town of Carlton also are working on oxen for their towns. Culhane would like to see more added each year to celebrate the community and build a tourism attraction for the county.
“I think it’s a great asset for the county,” she said about the painted oxen.
Culhane said it was an honor to paint the ox for the county, which she said she loves dearly.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 22 December 2025 at 8:36 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Jerrell Nealy puts up a shot during the Mustangs home court win over Eden this evening which saw him surpass the 1,000 point career scoring milestone.
Improving to 7-0, Medina posted a 77-55 victory over visiting Eden in a non league game this evening highlighted by senior Jerrell Nealy surpassing the 1,000 point career scoring milestone.
Nealy hit the 1,000 point milestone with a rebound basket late in the third quarter becoming just the Mustangs ninth 1,000 point scorer.
Medina Coach Justin Morgan presents Jerrell Nealy with a ball celebrating his topped the 1,000 point milestone.
Nealy finished with 25 upping his career total to 1,008 as Preston Woodworth 19 and Christian Moss 14 to lead the Medina offense. Jayzon Wills added 7, Avion Johnson 5, Hadrian Batista 3 and Vinny Gray and Bryan Santiago Bautista 2 each.
Kobe Genco took game high scoring honors with 26 for Eden.
Moving on top to stay, Medina jumped out to a 21-10 first quarter lead as Nealy scored 13.
The Mustangs upped the advantage to 19, 44-25, at the half as Woodworth scored 9, including a three and Moss 4 in the second quarter as Johnson and Batista also both hit threes.
Medina maintained a 14 point, 61-47, lead at the end of the third quarter which saw Moss score 5 and Woodworth and Wills 4 each.
Nealy then capped off his special evening with 8 in the final period. Click here to view the 100 point shot.
Medina next visits Eden in a rematch on January.
Medina’s 1,000 point career scorers:
1,383 – Jalin Cooper (2014-15 to 2017-18)
1,280 – Levi Pace (2006-07 to 2009-10)
1,220 – Eddie Woods (1991-92 to 1994-95)
1,159 – Kevin Eick (2001-02 to 2003-04)
1,107 – Mark Dennis (1968-69 to 1970-71)
1,038 – Jacob Rosenbeck (2001-02 to 2004-05)
1,030 – Jim Snyder (1986-87 to 1988-89)
1,016 – James Kingsley (1997-98 to 2000-01)
1,008 – Jerrell Nealy (2022-23 to 2025-26)
Avion Johnson pulls down a rebound for the Mustangs.
This past Friday evening and Saturday morning I had the opportunity to volunteer to ring the bell for the Salvation Army Red Kettle at our local Albion Tops.
This is a Thank You to all of you who donated your hard-earned money, whether it was a few dollars or change, towards those who are not as fortunate.
In this time of “affordability” your sharing goes to show the spirit of giving that is alive and well in our community.
A Thank You also goes out to Jami Allport of Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern to promote this annual event. For those of you who would like to volunteer next year, just give Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern a call and ask. You will find it heartwarming as well.
Photos and information courtesy of Medina Central School
MEDINA – For several years running, the Medina Teachers’ Association has embraced the spirit of “Movember” by growing mustaches, raising awareness, and generating essential funds for men’s health and mental wellness in Medina.
This November, despite a season filled with other school fundraisers (including the annual Helpful Harvest Food and Essentials Drive supporting MAAC), Medina’s dedicated staff came through once again. The men on staff grew out their mustaches throughout the month, while the entire team rallied with donations, encouragement, and momentum.
Joe Byrne, MTA president, presents a check to Nola Goodrich-Kresse, who accepted on behalf of the Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition.
The results were an incredible $1,200 raised for the Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition, marking the third consecutive year Medina has surpassed the $1,000 mark.
These generous donations will directly support next year’s Men’s Day Out event in Orleans County, an event that creates a welcoming space for men to come together and to support one another and learn life-saving tools while having fun.
MTA President and 8th-grade Social Studies teacher Joe Byrne shared his gratitude in a message to staff:
“Thank you to everyone who grew a mustache, donated, encouraged others, or helped spread the word. Your generosity and enthusiasm made this year’s campaign truly special. Because of all of you, we’re able to support the Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition and continue making a meaningful impact right here in our community. I’m deeply grateful for the kindness, humor, and heart our staff brings to Movember each year. This is a team effort, and once again, you’ve shown what can be accomplished when we come together.”
A special thank-you goes to Nola Goodrich-Kresse, who leads the coalition’s efforts, for her ongoing collaboration.
This annual tradition not only raises critical funds but also fosters camaraderie, humor, and a deeper sense of purpose among our staff, all while making a real difference in Orleans County.
Provided photo: From left include Makayla Davis, Hailey Burdick, Desiree Bieber, Anthony Roman, Violet Borck and Trent Baehr who is standing behind music teacher Mary Kuhn.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
Thanks to the generosity of Brenda and Mark Zimmerman, owners of the Gathering Place and Checkered Poppy Antiques and Gifts in Lockport, the Orleans/Niagara BOCES Bell Choir played to a standing room only audience.
The Bell Choir, composed of students from Godfrey Learning Center and the Orleans Learning Center, was conducted by music teacher Mary Kuhn at the Gathering Place on Dec. 18.
The program consisted of holiday classics with students lending their talents and voices to this fun and festive performance. Everyone loved this magical and heartfelt performance!
Contributed Story Posted 22 December 2025 at 10:01 am
The Roy-Hart/Barker/Medina Ice Hockey Knights visited the Northtown Center in Buffalo Sunday evening and lost 4-1 to St. Joseph’s of Buffalo.
The home team scored first in the opening period, but RBM was able to tie in the second on a goal by Aiden Cronkhite (Newfane) with Clayton Wagner (Medina) and Max Pilon (Medina) assisting.
In the final period, RBM penalties led to a power play goal by the hosts which proved to be the game winner.
RBM’s, which currently has a record of 1-4-1, will travel to Leisure Rink in West Seneca on Friday evening to play Bishop Timon at 6:15 p.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 December 2025 at 9:51 am
The minimum wage is on the rise again and will go to $16 an hour beginning on Jan. 1 in Orleans County. That is up 50 cents from the current $15.50 an hour.
It continues a trend where the minimum wage has increased from $11.80 in 2020 to $12.50 in 2021, $13.20 in 2022, $14.20 in 2023, $15 in 2024 and $15.50 in 2025.
This will be the last scheduled increase with a set amount. After 2026, any increases will be tied to inflation.
The rate will be $16 an hour for Orleans County and most of upstate. The minimum wage will be $17 per hour for New York City, Long Island and Westchester County.
This charming “Merry Christmas” postcard was mailed to Miss Hattie Ball in Lyndonville in 1903. (Ball-McCombs Card Collection)
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 5, No. 43
Who could better provide a glimpse into life in days gone by other than a County Historian?
Joseph B. Achilles served in that position from 1944-1957. Here are some of his observations about life in Albion in the late 1890s.
Reminiscences of Main Street
“Shopping for the ladies in those days was a comparatively simple matter. You went to Upper Landauer’s, now a grill, where Moritz Landauer sold you Sattinetts, Cassimeres, Velveteens etc., or to Lower Landauer’s where Simon Landauer, his brother, showed you the same patterns in the recently streamlined store, now operated by his grandson. That dignified and friendly competition has no counterpart in the savage merchandising of today, and you did not require a metal name plate and a number to open a charge account, and you did not have to pay before the end of the month either.”
Joseph B. Achilles, Orleans County Historian, 1944-1957
“The residents of “Ruffled Shirt Hill”, as Upper Main Street was called, turned out on Sunday morning in fine equipages, some even ran to part time coachmen and the ladies sported those small black silk parasols to protect complexions that would drive Elizabeth Arden green with envy.
Sunday morning in those days meant church, not a hangover. You dined at the Albion House about 1:30 p.m. and the check was about $.75, not $7.50. Meals like those are definitely a matter of history.
Short drives in the afternoon and a light lunch in the evening closed Sunday for our grandfathers and if the surrey with the fringe on top didn’t get you here or there very quickly, at least the finance company was not interested in it, and you could cross the street in front of it without someone collecting your insurance.
People were born, lived and usually died in their own homes. The maternity ward and the pulmotor* squad and funeral home were still in the future, and a doctor was called when you needed him and not just when you wanted him, and home remedies took care of most of the troubles of those days.
And, if the toll of years or the lack of Sulfa* or Penicillin closed your earthly account, George Brown and the Black Team took you for a quiet ride in the plumed hearse out the Avenue to Mt. Albion for a long rest in the only surroundings that seem to have defied the changes that Time has made in the Albion of those other days.”
*surrey: a four-wheeled open horse-drawn carriage
*pulmotor: an early device for artificial respiration
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 December 2025 at 8:30 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Santa rides on a fire truck from Murray Joint Fire District on Sunday in annual pre-Christmas tradition from the Holley Volunteer Fire Department.
There were two trucks that gave Santa and Mrs. Claus a ride through the village, with kids having a chance to meet Saint Nick.
Santa was an enthusiastic greeter along the journey through the village.
Provided photos: Santa makes a stop and visits a family in Holley.
Santa and Mrs. Claus met with Kerri Neale to get his wish list.
Who could better provide a glimpse into life in days gone by other than a County Historian?
