Veterans Service Agency Office will be closed for event at Medina VFW
Press Release, Orleans County Veterans Service Office
ALBION – Orleans County Veterans Services is teaming up with GO Health to host a Veterans Health and Benefit Fair on Monday, November 17.
The fair will be from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the VFW, located at 216 E. Center Street in Medina. The Veterans Services Office on Route 31 will be closed Monday as staff will be working this event.
The event is open to all veterans. Representatives from GO Health and Veterans Services will be on hand to discuss healthcare resources and benefits available to veterans. Free food and drink will be provided.
“We are always looking for ways to support our veterans and by teaming up with GO Health for this event, we can offer information on a wide variety of health and benefit programs available to the veteran community,” said Nik Mroz, Director of Veterans Services. “While we asked for preregistration, any veteran who missed that deadline is still welcome to attend and bring a guest.”
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 16 November 2025 at 11:53 am
A goal early in each half keyed defending champion North Salem (Section I) to a 3-0 victory over Wilson in the state Class C boys soccer title game this morning at Middletown High School.
North Salem, which finishes the season at 17-4-1, got what proved to be the game winning goal just 2:23 into the first half by Steven Gamez.
The Tigers later doubled their advantage to 2-0 just seven minutes into the second half on a goal by Juben Lazri.
North Salem put a lock on the win when Sean Randall scored on a penalty kick with 12 minutes remaining.
The loss snapped a season long 21 game win streak for Wilson which advanced to the final by nipping Seton Catholic (Section IV) 1-0 in the semifinals on Saturday.
North Salem downed Maple Hill (Section II) 4-1 in Saturday’s other semifinal.
(Left) The book includes a tribute to Melissa Ierlan of Clarendon who has repainted more than 50 of the historic markers, often welcoming local students to help in the process of scraping off paint, and putting on a base coat before Ierlan puts on the final coats of blue and yellow paint and does painstaking process of painting each letter. She delivered one freshly repainted marker on Oct. 29. This was the marker for the Gaines Basin Cobblestone Schoolhouse which was built in 1832. (Right) Tim Archer, an Albion teacher, praised Ierlan for being “a tireless doer” in taking on so many of the projects.
By Ginny Kropf and Tom Rivers
GAINES – An updated book about historical markers in Orleans County features about 100 of the markers around the county.
Catherine Cooper, the county historian, compiled the book of markers, as well as historical tidbits from each of the 10 towns and four villages. She pushed to get the project done in 2025 as part of the county’s bicentennial.
“Historic Markers of Orleans County New York” is a revised guidebook from the 2001 original. That book, “Historic Markers Erected During the 20th Century in Orleans County New York,” was produced by then Orleans County Historian Bill Lattin and Neil Johnson, the village of Albion historian.
“To date, historic roadside markers document significant events in Orleans County history,” Cooper said. “These blue and yellow signs are easily recognizable, but sometimes difficult to read as we speed by.”
Cooper, during the Oct. 29 book unveiling, told her audience she suggested keeping a copy of the book in the car so the text on these markers – which enriches our connection to our surroundings – can easily be referred to.
The new book has the same design and layout as the first publication, Cooper said. It is organized by towns and has a chronology at the beginning. The signs cover the complete range of Orleans County history. Many of the signs refer to “firsts,” such as “first church,” or “first school,” since these were significant achievements at the time.
Other signs refer to people who made a difference, such as the sign for Col Ezra Brainard of Holley, who is credited with developing the idea of a triangular-shaped truss bridge construction during the early years of Erie Canal construction. Erie Canal bridges still feature truss supports, Cooper said.
Provided photos: Catherine Cooper, the Orleans County historian, holds a copy of a book featuring the historical markers in Orleans County. Cooper did a book launch during a presentation on Oct. 29 at the Gaines Basin Cobblestone Schoolhouse, which is the meeting place for the Orleans County Historical Association. Bill Lattin introduced Cooper and commended her efforts during the Oct. 29 presentation.
The book includes 105 historical markers. The Village of Albion has the most markers with 22, followed by the Town of Gaines with 19. The Village of Lyndonville has the fewest with 2, with the Town of Albion (outside the village), the next fewest with 3.
Here are the numbers in the other municipalities: Barre, 4; Carlton, 7; Clarendon, 7; Holley, 8; Kendall, 4; Medina, 9; Murray, 6; Ridgeway, 7; Shelby, 5; and Yates, 5.
This latest book is dedicated to Melissa Ierlan of Clarendon, who has repainted and repaired 54 of the historic marker signs. Tim Archer, retired Albion Social Service teacher, commended Irelan’s generosity of spirit and the enthusiasm she has passed on to student volunteers.
The back cover of the book features the poster created by Carol Culhane for the Orleans County bicentennial. The 58-page book also has a list of the 36 veterans’ memorials in the county.
Copies of the book are available for $15. They can be purchased at the Cobblestone Museum, Hoag Library, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina, Murray-Holley Historical Society and Author’s Note in Medina.
Bill Lattin spoke at the Oct. 29 book unveiling. He said historic markers are the “tip of the iceberg” in providing information about some of the important local sites.
“The historic markers are not just an arsenal of facts, but a living continuum through which we may better understand our lace in the world in which we live, much to our ‘tangible benefit,’” Lattin writes in the foreword of the book.
Photo by Tom Rivers: On May 27, 2024, on a rainy Memorial Day, the Holley community dedicated a new historical marker for the 9 “Holley Boys” who were killed during the Vietnam War. Those young men include: John P. Davis, age 30: David Duane Case, 20; Ronald P. Sisson, 23; Howard L. Bowen, 20; Gary E. Bullock, 24; Gary Lee Stymus, 26; George Warren Fischer Jr., 23; Paul Scott Mandracchia, 18; and David States, 21. This marker is much larger than the typical historical markers. It I located in front of the old Holley High School.
Since the 2001 book by Lattin and Johnson, about 30 more markers have been added to the Orleans County landscape.
The oldest marker was installed in 1913 as a tablet erected in front of the County Clerk’s Building in Albion. That marker told how the site previously was home to the Phipps Union Female Seminary led by the school’s founder, Caroline Phipps Achilles.
The early markers in the county were typically funded by the Daughters of the American Revolution and the State Historic Marker Program. More recent markers were spearheaded by local or historical agencies, Cooper said. And since 2012, the William G. Pomeroy Foundation has supported many of the markers.
Cooper thanked local highway departments for installing many of the markers, and volunteers who have repaired and repainted them, notably Melissa Ierlan of Clarendon, Dan Mawn of Holley and Larie Vagg of Albion.
The book of historical markers helps to understand Orleans County, which formed in 1825 after splitting off from Genesee County.
“Two hundred years is a short time in the span of history but a significant period in human terms,” Cooper writes in the foreword of the book. “The landscape is completely different. Lifestyles have changed dramatically in that time. It is the thread of history that connects us through the constant and inevitable change. Historic markers serves as guide marks along the way.”
Photos courtesy of Zach Busch: The Symphonic Band was conducted by Mr. Martin Allen, a retired high school band director of 32 years at Grand Island Schools. The students performed four works, including “Cincinnatus March” by H. A. Vandercook and “Mambo Perro Loco” by Julie Giroux.
Information courtesy of Zach Busch, Holley band director
WEBSTER – Last weekend 6 students from Orleans County participated in the NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) Zone 2 Jr. High Area All-State festival at Webster Schroeder High School.
NYSSMA Zone 2 encompasses schools from Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Monroe, Livingston, Ontario, Seneca, and Wayne Counties. To be selected for Area All-State, students must first prepare a solo on their instrument or voice for adjudication at Solo Festival.
Then, based on their score and a teacher recommendation, an application is sent to a committee of music teachers from the NYSSMA Zone 2 area who select that year’s student participants in the Area All-State ensembles.
Students spent eight total hours last Friday and Saturday rehearsing their music before giving concerts to friends and family in the afternoon.
Three of the students from Orleans County include, from left, Rosa Scroope of Holley, Lillian Olsen of Medina and Adler Class of Medina.
From Lyndonville, 8th grader Harli Crawford made the Mixed Chorus as an Alto, 8th grader Emily Kroll made the Treble Chorus as an Alto, and 9th grader Karalyn Klotzbach made the Treble Chorus as a Soprano.
From Medina, 9th grader Adler Class made the Symphonic Band on Percussion and 8th grader Lillian Olsen made the Symphonic Band on Trumpet.
From Holley, 9th grader Rosa Scroope made the Symphonic Band on French Horn.
The Mixed Chorus was conducted by Mrs. Heather Vest, the Executive Director of the Cincinnati Youth Choir. The students performed five works, including “Come to the Music” by Joseph M. Martin and “Fly Away Home” by Pinkzebra.
The Treble Chorus was conducted by Dr. Brian Stevens, the founder of a professional chamber choir “Vox Lusciniae” out of Western NY and the Director of Choral Activities at St. Bonaventure University. The students performed five works, including “From Now On” from the Greatest Showman and “Omnia Sol” by Z. Randall Stroope.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 November 2025 at 6:42 pm
Provided photos: This quilt, hand-made by Brenda Radzinski, will be on display as part of the Cobblestone Museum’s holiday program Dec. 6 to usher in the Christmas season. The program, “Simply Christmas: A Community Musical Quilt,” will featured talented individuals from the local area, accompanied by a display of quilts.
CHILDS – The Cobblestone Museum will welcome the Christmas season with special events on Dec. 6. These include the opening of the Museum’s Holiday Shoppe from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., along with a special program arranged by Cobblestone board member and treasurer Maarit Vaga, titled “Simply Christmas: A Community Musical Quilt.”
The Cobblestone Museum’s Holiday Shoppe is filled with unique items for its Open House on Dec. 6.
Sue Bonafini, assistant director of the Cobblestone Museum, urges community members to consider checking out the Holiday Shoppe for their Christmas shopping needs.
“Whether you’re looking for a string of lights, wrapping paper, a tree ornament, Christmas books, mugs, wreaths, snowmen or assorted Santa and angel items, consider stopping by to check out our brand new or gently used holiday merchandise,” Bonafini said. “We’re already got plenty to choose from, but because we anticipate many shoppers, why not donate your unwanted holiday decorations to us. We’ll take anything you’re ready to retire that would enhance our displays so we can get them into a new home for the holiday season.”
All sales benefit the Cobblestone Society and Museum.
In addition to the Holiday Shoppe items, Susan Walders will be selling handmade knitted and crocheted items to enhance the shopping experience, perfect for gift giving to or keep winter’s chill away, Bonafini said.
Anyone wishing to donate items to the Holiday Shoppe can call (585) 589-9013 or email volunteers@cobblestonemuseum.org to arrange a drop-off time.
The name “Simply Christmas: A Community Musical Quilt,” was chosen for this year’s holiday program to usher in the Christmas season, Bonafini said. Vaga is working on this patchwork of instrumental music, vocals and more to entertain the audience at 11 a.m. Dec. 6 at the Cobblestone Church. A 45-minute performance will include at least one sing-along and a quartet of Susan Walders, Aaron Grabowski and Brandeen and Sebastian Erakare singing Riu, Riu, Chiu, a Spanish Renaissance Christmas madrigal.
Jan-Mikael Erakare will present Christmas readings. In addition, three former interns will entertain: John Patt of Holley will play a violin solo, Casey Starkweather of Carlton will sing and Eliya Cooper of Rochester will join Walders for a clarinet and flute duet.
The entire program will be enhanced by a display of quilts by talented quilter Brenda Radzinski. A free-will offering will be accepted. Light refreshments will follow at the lower level of the church.
Derek Maxfield kicks off series with presentation on ‘Santa in the Making’
Press Release, Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council
BATAVIA – GO Art! is pleased to announce a new monthly history lecture series – “Uninhibited History.”
Promising a view of history that is “unvarnished, unconventional, and decidedly unromantic,” the series will be hosted by local author, historian, and master storyteller Derek D. Maxfield.
The first lecture will be Wednesday, December 17th at 6:30 p.m. Grab a drink in Tavern 2.o.1 and join us for… “Santa in the Making.”
While the myth of Santa Claus has its roots in many European legends, including Saint Nicholas, the truth is that Santa was born and reared in America in the 19th century. The story started with innocent attempts to amuse children but caught the national consciousness when retailers saw the opportunity to make Christmas into a cultural (and profitable) juggernaut. It is a fascinating story, but may not be suitable for children or “true believers.”
Admission is simply a suggested donation of $5 with all proceeds to benefit GO Art!
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 15 November 2025 at 2:29 pm
Four time defending chmpion Whitney Point (Section IV) scored twice in the final period to down Akron 2-0 in the semifinals of the state Class C field hockey championships this afternoon at Arlington High School.
Whitney Point, which has won 9 of the last 10 state Class C titles, scored what proved to the the game winning goal by Colleen Hilderbrant off a corner with 13:22 to go in the fourth quarter.
Whitney Point, which had a huge edge in corner opportunities, later got a big insurance goal on a penalty stroke tally by Genevieve Huston with 4:44 remaining.
Whitney Point, which improves to 19-0-1, advances to Sunday’s state title game against the winner of the Roundout Valley (Section IX) vs. Batport Blue (Section XI).
Niagara-Orleans and Section VI champion Akron finishes the season at 16-2.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 15 November 2025 at 10:35 am
One lone early goal proved to be just enough as Niagara-Orleans League champion Wilson nipped Seton Catholic (Section IV) 1-0 in the state Class C boys soccer semifinal this morning at Middletown High School.
Aidan Neumann scored the only goal the Lakemen needed as it turned out 13 minutes into the first half on a breakaway. It was his 55th goal of the season.
Wilson goalie Eli Moore later made no less than four big saves in the final 20 minutes of the second half to preserve the slender lead.
Improving to 21-0, Wilson advances to Sunday’s state Class C championship game against the winner of the Maple Hill (Section II) vs. North Salem (Section I) semifinal.
This is Wilson’s first appearance in the state Final Four.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 November 2025 at 9:30 am
Spending, up 1.2%, reaches $100 million for first time; Budget faces pressure from many fronts
ALBION – Orleans County officials are proposing a budget that would raise taxes by 2.6 percent in 2026.
The $100,261,320 proposed budget was filed on Friday by Jack Welch, the county’s chief administrative officer and also the budget officer.
Jack Welch
The budget tops $100 million for the first time. Spending is up 1.18 percent from the $99,092,747 in 2025 to $100,261,320.
The tax levy, what the county collects in taxes, increases by 2.60 percent or by $500,000 from $19,639,000 to $20,139,000. The tax rate is proposed to increase by 1.63 percent from $7.91 to $8.05 per $1,000 of assessed property.
The County Legislature will have a public hearing on the budget at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 3 at the Orleans County Legislative Chambers, 14016 Route 31.
“In recent years, I have raised concerns about how the Orleans County budget is influenced by ‘VUCA,’ meaning volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity,” Welch said in his budget message. “Unfortunately, these dynamics have not changed, and as such, the county remains under tremendous budget pressure.”
The spending plan doesn’t exceed the state-imposed tax cap. Welch said “a tremendous amount of work” by department heads, legislators and the budget team kept the tax increase at 2.6 percent and not much higher.
The budget is seeing a big increase in 730 competency restoration for people deemed unfit to stand trial. Those costs totaled $57,209 in 2023 and have already exceeded $1 million this year. The county has budgeted $1.5 million for the “730” costs in 2026, which is up from the $500,000 in this year’s budget.
“This trajectory is simply not sustainable and must be addressed by the New York State Legislature,” Welch said.
The budget also faces a nearly 21 percent increase in New York State retirement costs, due to a lower stock market evaluation on march 31, 2025, Welch said. The retirement costs are one of the nine state mandated programs which now account of 115 percent of the tax levy, Welch said.
“At the same time, we have made significant strides to reduce costs,” he said. “For 2026, with the agreement of our unions, we have changed our medical coverage from Highmark to NYSHIP’s Empire Plan. This change resulted in 6 percent decrease in our budgeted health insurance costs. We have also continued our efforts to increase the hours in the work week for most of our employees from 35 hours to a 40 hours per week in an attempt to refrain from hiring more workers to cover the mandated services we are required to provide.”
The county also is projecting a $1.6 million increase in the local sales tax revenue. This year the sales tax receipts have been strong, nearly 8 percent ahead of 2024.
“As we present this to the Legislature, I am confident our proposed budget maintains core county services and programs in the most cost-effective manner possible, complies with the New York State property tax cap and provides funding for prioritized projects and programs while avoiding fiscal stress,” Welch said.
The budget keeps funding at the same levels for organizations providing services in the county including:
Cornell Cooperative Extension at $240,000; Orleans Economic Development Agency at $200,000; Soil & Water at $100,500, four public libraries to share $10,000; Mercy Flight at $5,000; Council of the Arts at $4,000; Cobblestone Museum, $3,000.
The budget includes $8,566,052 for capital projects:
Highway – $7,446,143 ($7,060,509 from state and federal governments)
Local bridge and culvert repairs, $50,000
Patch and seal county roads, $150,000
Highway reconstruction, $2,668,458
Eagle Harbor Knowlesville culvert, $865,000
Bridge Project #2, $2,375,500
Groth Road bridge replacement, $1,337,185
Buildings and grounds – $610,000 (all county cost)
ALBION – On Tuesday, at 6:30 p.m., the Community Coalition for Justice will host Dr. Carl Davila, Associate Professor of History at SUNY Brockport. The presentation will be at Hoag Library, 134 South Main St.
Dr. Davila will discuss recent developments in Palestine and the agendas, both overt and hidden, that appear to be driving them. He will do this with an eye to the Law of Unintended Consequences.
Dr. Davila holds a PhD in Arabic studies. He has taught, lectured, and written on the history of the Islamic world for two decades. It is an honor to have him come and shine a light on what’s happening in the Middle East.
There will be a question and answer period after the presentation by Dr. Davila. Light refreshments will be provided. This event is free and open to the community.
The Community Coalition for Justice regularly sponsors programs focusing on diversity and other relevant social justice issues. The Coalition partners with the Albion Betterment Committee, Pullman Universalist Church, Hoag Library, Green Orleans and People Embracing Diversity.
Organization embraces theme: ‘We See the Whole You’
Press Release, Hospice of Orleans
ALBION – Hospice of Orleans, the leading nonprofit provider of hospice and palliative care services Orleans County, is proud to recognize November as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month.
This year’s theme, “We See the Whole You,” highlights the organization’s commitment to treating each patient as a unique individual, honoring their experiences, values, and hopes while providing personalized, high-quality, and compassionate care.
At Hospice of Orleans, hospice care focuses on supporting the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. The organization’s care teams focus on caring for each patient as a unique individual, delivering care that respects their wishes and values while guiding and supporting families and loved ones every step of the way.
“Hospice and palliative care are about more than managing symptoms,” said Erin Bradley, Registered Nurse Case Manager. “They are about recognizing the person at the center of care. National Hospice and Palliative Care Month is a reminder of our responsibility to honor each individual’s story while supporting their journey with compassion and respect. That’s the promise Hospice of Orleans upholds every day: to honor each life fully, with dignity, compassion, and respect.”
Hospice of Orleans encourages the community to learn more about hospice and palliative care services, get involved through volunteer opportunities, and explore educational resources to make the care journey easier. For more information, visit www.hospiceoforleans.org or contact Brittany Dix at info@hospiceoforleans.org.
Hospice of Orleans is a dedicated, community-based non-profit organization providing comprehensive, compassionate end-of-life care to patients and families across Orleans county. Our interdisciplinary team focuses on comfort, dignity, and maximizing the quality of life through expert palliative medical care, emotional support, and spiritual guidance. We are committed to honoring life’s final chapter with peace and respect.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 14 November 2025 at 7:23 pm
The Finger Lakes Community College women’s volleyball team has gone 1-2 in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III national championship tournament at Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Medina High graduate and FLCC freshman Addison Paul played in all three matches competing in 6 of the 10 sets.
FLCC lost 3-1 in the opening round to Northampton Community College on Thursday.
Rebounding, FLCC defeated Holyoke Community College 3-0 earlier today but was then eliminated by St. Cloud 3-0.
FLCC qualified for the national tournament by capturing the Region III championship with a 3-0 win over Fulton-Montgomery Community College.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 14 November 2025 at 6:52 pm
No. 2 seeded Dallas College Bookhaven nipped No. 6 Genesee Community College 1-0 in overtime in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III women’s soccer national semifinals this afternoon at Herkimer.
Brookhaven scored the game winner in the last two mnutes of the first 10 minute overtime period to advance to Sunday’s national championship game.
The overtime thriller was the second in a row for GCC which edged Rowan College South Jersey Gloucester 1-0 in the quarterfinals on Wednesday on a goal by Holley graduate Samantha Bates.
GCC qualified for the national tournament by capturing the Region III championship with a 1-0 win over Jefferson Community College.
Now at 13-3-2, GCC will now face Suffolk Community College in the consolation game for third place honors at 11 a.m. Sunday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 November 2025 at 12:04 pm
Many of the meetings only have 12-15 attendees among more than 70 elected officials at village, town and county levels
Photo by Tom Rivers: Orleans County legislator John Fitzak speaks during the Oct. 28 meeting of the Orleans County Association of Municipalities. Debbie Yokel, Carlton town clerk, is at left and Margaret Swan, Barre town councilwoman, is at right.
GAINES – An association of local elected officials has experienced very light turnouts in recent years. That is frustrating to the association’s leaders, who want to see more participation.
Some of the meetings have been cancelled because too few people sent in an RSVP. Other meetings only have 12 to 15 people.
The Orleans County Association of Municipalities is currently co-led by County Legislator John Fitzak and Carlton Town Supervisor Gayle Ashbery. They try to brainstorm relevant topics each month in meetings for leaders of the four villages, 10 towns and the county government.
The association has discussed topics this year on local land planning issues, using aerial imagery in the assessment process, and heard presentations from the County’s Special Response Team and also the county’s personnel director. The group in the past has discussed EMS services, sales tax sharing, infrastructure needs and changes in state and federal laws and their impact locally.
The next meeting on Nov. 18 at Tavern on the Ridge will feature Holli Nenni, the Orleans County commissioner of social services. She will discuss impacts of the federal government shutdown. The Orleans County Board of Elections representatives will also share information.
The association was started more than 40 years ago after the county government changed from being run by the 10-member Board of Supervisors to the seven-member County Legislature. The association is intended to give the county legislators, and the town and village officials a frequent and easy way to share information and discuss common concerns.
“The more information we gather, the better the product will be,” Fitzak said at the Oct. 28 meeting.
The towns and county used to be rotation where they would pick the speaker. Fitzak said he is open to having the towns do the schedule, or submit ideas to him and Ashbery.
The Special Response Team, which includes members of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and Albion Police Department, did a demonstration on Oct. 28 for the local officials and showed some of their equipment, including drone technology.
Fitzak welcomed input from the group on what needs to be done to get more involvement from all the towns and villages.
“We want to keep the lines of communication open,” Fitzak said. “Let us know but do your part and get people to show up.”
The Albion Village Board discussed the issue on Wednesday. Trustee Tim McMurray attended the Oct. 28 meeting. He urged other Village Board members to attend. He said it’s a venue for airing concerns and hearing from other local leaders.
McMurray said he would like to have a fresh discussion on sales tax sharing. The amount to the 10 towns and four villages hasn’t changed since 2001 despite sizable increases in what the county collects.
“This is a time where we can show up and ask them questions,” McMurray said about the association of local elected officials.
John Belson, the Lyndonville mayor, is a regular at the meetings. He said Orleans County is unusual in having an association where the local officials can get together regularly to discuss issues.
Each of the 10 towns have five board members, and the four villages also have five elected officials on their boards. The County Legislature has seven members. That is 77 officials among the towns, villages and county, and that doesn’t include clerks and highway superintendents.
But only a few of them attend the association meetings.
Fitzak urged more officials to be there.
“They don’t know the information,” he said. “They’re missing out.”
