ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting a Drug Take Back Day on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Orleans County Public Safety Building.
This is an opportunity to properly and safely dispose of unwanted, unused and expired prescription medications.
For the safety of the staff at the Sheriff’s Office, do not bring uncapped, unsecured, or loose needles and sharps.
Provided photo: These cornhole boards will be raffled off during a tournament on Nov. 8 at the Knights of Columbus in Medina.
MEDINA – Operation Honor is trying a cornhole tournament on Nov. 8 as a fundraiser for local veterans.
The event is a shift away from a 5K in Medina that Operation Honor had been organizing around Veterans Day. The new cornhole tournament also includes a basket raffle.
The event will be at the Knights of Columbus in Medina. The tournament starts at 1 p.m., and baskets will be drawn at 5 p.m.
Doors will open at noon for practice and the basket raffle. There will be drinks and food available all day. Spots are still available for the cornhole tournament. The registration fee is $60 per team. The basket raffle is open to the public.
To register, contact Jenn Thom, Operation Honor director, at 585-356-9596 or operationhonor18@gmail.com.
Basket raffle donations can be dropped off at 415 West Ave., Suite 2.
Operation Honor is a non-profit organization in Orleans County that provides financial assistance and support to local military veterans and their families. It helps with utility bills, car payments and heating pellets, and it also supports other veteran-focused initiatives, such as a van service for medical appointments.
Photos from Chick-fil-A: The new Chick-fil-A will be at the intersection of route 19 and 31 in the Town of Sweden.
BROCKPORT – A new Chick-fil-A restaurant will open in Brockport on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 6:30 a.m.
The new Chick-fil-A is owned and operated by Aaron Reynolds, who worked at Chick-fil-A in college. He was able to use a Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures scholarship to help with his education.
“What began as a part-time job during graduate school quickly became my greatest passion,” Reynolds said. “I’m thrilled to open Chick-fil-A Brockport in a community I now proudly call home and to invest in Team Members as they grow and discover their own potential, just like I did.”
The new Chick-fil-A has been under construction since March. It is located at the corner of Rt. 19 and Rt. 31 in the Town of Sweden with the address 4871 Lake Rd. S.
The restaurant will be open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. with the drive-thru open until 11 p.m. and will offer dine-in, drive-thru, carry-out, delivery, curbside pick-up and Mobile Thru.
The new Chick-fil-A brings approximately 100 jobs to the community and joins four other Chick-fil-A restaurants in the Rochester market.
Customers who dress in a cow print on the opening day will receive a free entrée.
Chick-fil-A released this map of the property to show the traffic flow at the site.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Pamela Jenks of Pretty Sweet Bakery, right and Debbie Prest of Red Check Rustic dole out the candy in Albion during Beggar’s Night on Oct. 27, 2023.
By Tom Rivers and Ginny Kropf
Halloween is still almost a week away but local kids can get a chance to collect lots of candy on Friday during beggar’s Night in the downtowns of Albion and Medina.
The downtowns in both villages will have hundreds of children in costumes for Beggar’s Nite. That day is observed the Friday before Halloween. This year, Halloween is on a Friday so Beggar’s Nite will be a week ahead of Oct. 31.
Provided photo: The Print Shop has candy boxes and stickers ready for each child on Beggars’ Night in Medina. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday at outside the The Print Shop, 128 East Center St. In Albion, Beggar’s Night begins at 5 p.m.
Albion has Beggar’s Nite from 5 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 24, while in Medina the event runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. In medina, the event starts outside The Print Shop by the Medicine Shoppe.
The Print Shop is upping the ante this year, bringing more fun, fog and community spirit, according to Micheal Fuller, co-owner of the business with Dameon Heslor.
An estimated 700 children are expected in downtown Medina, where they will receive a royal send-off as they go trick-or-treating. The Print Shop will bubble and fog machines, festive music and a custom photo backdrop at the beginning of the Beggar’s Night route in the downtown.
The Print Shop team has created custom-designed items in their shop for each child. Also, a first-time feature will be Greenlief’s food truck on site during the entire evening.
“Beggars’ Night is one of our favorite events, because it gives us a chance to give back to the community that supports us all year long,” Heslor said. “Seeing the kids’ excitement and being part of a night that brings so many families downtown reminds us why we love being here in Medina.”
Albion’s Beggar’s Night starts at 5 p.m. There isn’t a specific starting spot. The trick or treating line in a loop.
People can park behind the fire department, next to Courthouse Square or the small municipal lot on Platt Street.
Seeded No. 3, undefeated (10-0) Niagara-Orleans League champion Roy-Hart will host No. 6 Southwestern in the quarterfinals of the Section VI Class B2 volleyball tournament at 6 p.m. on Thursday October 30.
Also in a Class B2 opening round match, No. 9 Medina will visit No. 8 Salamanca on 6 p.m. on Tuesday October 28. The winner will face top seeded Olmsted on Oct. 30.
In Class B1, No. 8 Albion will host No. 9 Alden in an opening round match at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 28. The winner will visit top seeded Depew on Oct. 30.
In Class C opening round matches on Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. No. 8 Wilson will host rival No. 9 Newfane and No. 12 Akron will visit No. 4 Performing Arts.
Photos courtesy of Dave Miller: The Parade of Lights banner leads off last year’s parade. Plans are well underway for this year’s parade Nov. 29.
MEDINA – Days are getting shorter and temperatures are dropping, but one thing which is picking up speed is planning for this year’s Parade of Lights, scheduled Nov. 29.
Jim Hancock heads the Parade of Lights Committee, which met Monday night at the home Reinhard Rogowski. Members include Barb Hancock, Todd and Nikki Bensley, Dave and Gail Miller, Dave Stacey, Kathie Valley and Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus (Kevin and Sue DeHollander).
Hancock was delighted to report he already has a number of first-time entrants and several returning floats, and is urging citizens, business people, organizations and fire companies to put their thinking caps on and come up with a float.
Entry forms to enter a float or become a sponsor are available online at www.christmasinmedina.com. Deadline to submit entries is Nov. 25. The parade follows a day-long Christmas celebration in Medina, sponsored by the Medina Area Partnership.
The Parade of Lights has been a major attraction in Medina and beyond since its inception 16 years ago, attracting thousands of people every year and 35 to 45 parade entries.
A musical group, the Hit Men from Rochester, will perform at 5 p.m. in Rotary Park. Other musical groups marching in the parade are Medina Mustang Marching Band, the Mark Time Marchers and Pembroke High School Marching Band.
Sponsorship levels are available at diamond, platinum, gold, bronze and silver levels.
Entrants may choose to compete in one of seven categories – Non-profit, Commercial, Religious, Fire Department, Service Club/Organization, Agriculture and Other.
Floats will be judged by a panel of judges and prizes awarded in each class for Best in Class, in addition to a Grand Prize.
Again this year, a tree light ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. in Rotary Park and fireworks by Young Explosives of Rochester will take place at 5:45 p.m.
Anyone with questions may call Hancock at (585) 798-2118.
Niagara-Orleans BOCES was the grand champion in last year’s Parade of Lights on Nov. 30, 2024. The parade committee is accepting applications until Nov. 25 for floats for this year’s parade on Nov. 29.
Press Release, Orleans Economic Development Agency
ALBION – Orleans County-based businesses are reminded to register or renew their professional listings on OnlyInOrleans.com to ensure their information is accurate and up-to-date for future projects and local procurement opportunities.
Maintaining current listings helps ensure local businesses remain visible and competitive for upcoming initiatives that prioritize Orleans County companies.
Businesses with a brick-and-mortar presence in the county are encouraged to log in and update their contact details, services, and other relevant information. Eligible participants should have an established operational site in Orleans County.
The database is administered through the Orleans Economic Development Agency to assist new enterprise and existing corporations seeking goods and services from within Orleans County.
Provided photos and information courtesy of Peggy Bropst
KENDALL – Twenty-five classmates, seven teachers and their guests met on Saturday, October 11th at the Back Porch 585 Tavern for an afternoon of reminiscing, visiting, music, good food and lots of laughing!
Pictured, in front: Rosemary Nix Steffen and Joan Smith Page.
Next row: Bill Uhl, Beverly Fair-Brooks, Peggy Wheelock Bropst, Debbie Hansen Thomas, Brenda Munzert Jackling, Joy Meiers Cliff, Cheryl Schepler Fishbaugh, Dona Wilson Maynard, Tina Knittle Harper, Cheryl Kludt Cole, Judy Smith Fox and Nanci Barthel Bogan.
Back row: Dave Cole, Kim Smith, Mark Elmore, Rob Kraynik, Kathy Redshaw Gardner, Karen Waye St. John, Andy Keyser, Ron Graham, Mark Maynard, Garry Schildt and Ray Oehlbeck.
Mark Maynard led us on a wonderful walk down memory lane and the Rev. Kim Smith blessed our class, our meal and those we have lost from the class – Mary Cataldi, Valerie Coolbaugh, Tim Graham, Mike Gray, Rick Lardner, Judy Rowles, Tim Tytler, Wayne Vanderlaan, Kevin Van Orden and Mike Woodhams.
The class enjoyed a Kendall-themed cake for the milestone reunion.
Teachers in attendance were Linda Curtis, Jerry Greenlee, Gail Johnson, George Lonnen, Gary Kent, Carla Petronio and Jim Sauberan.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
SANBORN – The Rural Schools Association of New York State is inviting the community, school administrators, teachers and business members to attend a forum on Nov. 5 at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES’ Conference Center at 4124 Saunders Settlement Road in Sanborn.
It will run from 6 to 8 p.m. with David Little, executive director of the RSA, as the featured presenter.
The event is designed to create an environment for collaboration and innovation with a diverse community to discuss the future of our rural schools and communities. There will be a briefing on the current state of rural education, followed by an opportunity for attendees to share their perspectives on the local and regional challenges impacting rural schools and the communities that support them.
The RSA invites the community to share their thoughts in advance and read what others have shared at RSA’s Digital Thought Exchange at https://bit.ly/ruralforum. Your feedback will help guide the efficient and effective use of resources in support of rural students and education as the RSA continues to work on behalf of rural communities.
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina quarterback Preston Woodworth and his Mustangs teammates will host Batavia at 7 p.m. Friday at Vets Perk in a non league game to close out the regular season.
A new/old foe will provide the opposition as Medina hosts Batavia in a non league game at 7 p.m. Friday at Vets Park to close out the regular season.
For many years the final week of the regular season has meant Rivalry Weekend with Medina facing rival Albion. However, because of scheduling difficulties the Mustangs and Purple Eagles were unable to meet this season.
Albion instead will close out the regular season with a B2 Division game at Maryvale at 7 p.m. Friday.
Interestingly though, Albion and Batavia do have one thing in common – they are both Medina’s oldest football opponents.
Available records show that Medina played four games during its first football season in 1898 – two against Albion and yes, two against Batavia. Albion won both of those games 5-0 and 11-5 while Batavia had a win (6-5) and a tie (0-0).
This will be the first meeting between Medina and Batavia in over 50 years since 1967 when the Blue Devils downed the Mustangs 33-20. In fact, the two teams met five years in a row from 1963 to 1967 with Batavia claiming wins in four of those contests.
Medina brings a 5-2 record into Friday’s game while Batavia is 4-3.
The Blue Devils opened the season with four straight wins (41-21 over Honeoye Falls-Lima, 41-13 over Greece Athena , 54-6 over Cleveland Hill and 22-0 over Eastridge). However, the Blue Devils have lost their last three in a row (27-6 to Brockport, 34-12 to East and 50-0 to Monroe).
The Mustangs offense is led by 1,000 yard passer quarterback Preston Woodworth (1,180 yards and 15 touchdowns) and 1,000 yard rusher running back Christian Moss (1,036 yards and 14 touchdowns).
Medina’s interest this weekend will also be focused on a very important C North Division game on Saturday afternoon as division leading Barker/Roy-Hart visits Maritime at 2 p.m.
Medina, which has finished C North competition at 4-2, and Maritime, which is 3-2, are currently vying for the division’s fourth and final berth in the upcoming sectional playoffs.
A win by Barker/Roy-Hart (5-0), which has already clinched at least a tie for the division title, would give Medina the sectional berth. However, a Maritime win would have the final berth decided by power points.
C North Standings: Barker/Roy-Hart 5-0, 6-1; Akron 5-1, 5-2; Eden 4-1, 6-1; Medina 4-2, 5-2; Maritime 3-2, 4-3; Alden 1-4, 2-5; JFK 1-4, 2-5; Cleve Hill 1-4, 1-6; Tonawanda 0-6, 0-7.
Section V and Section VI soccer tournament competition heads into the quarterfinal round on Friday and Saturday involving no less than 11 local teams.
That large group includes both the Kendall and Holley boys and girls teams, the Lyndonville, Medina and Wilson boys teams and the Barker/Lyndonville, Roy-Hart, Wilson and Akron girls squads.
Friday’s Sectional Quarterfinal Games
Section V Boys
No. 2 seeded Lyndonville (9-7) will host No. 7 Houghton (4-12) in a Section V Class D2 boys soccer tournament game at 3 p.m.
Section VI Boys
No. 4 Medina (15-2) will host No. 5 Fredonia (12-3-2) in a Section VI Class B contest at 3:30 p.m. at Vets Park.
Medina defeated No. 13 Olmsted 5-1 and Fredonia blanked No. 12 Southwestern 2-0 in the opening round on Tuesday.
Top seeded Wilson (16-0) will host No. 8 North Collins (11-6) in a Class C game at 3 p.m.
Section V Girls
Top seeded Kendall (15-1) will host No. 8 Warsaw (8-8-1) in a Section V Class C2 game at 6 p.m.
No. 5 seeded Holley (10-6-1) will visit No. 4 Red Creek (10-4-3) in a Class C1 contest at 6 p.m.
Saturday’s Sectional Quarterfinal Games
Section V Boys
Top seeded defending Kendall (16-0) will host No. 8 Cuba-Rushford/Hinsdale (8-8-1) in a Section V Class C2 game at 7 p.m.
No. 7 seed Holley (9-8) will visit No. 2 Sodus (12-3-1) in a Class C1 contest at 6 p.m.
Section VI Girls
No. 4 seeded Roy-Hart (9-5-3) will host No. 5 Allegany-Limestone (7-8-2) in a Section VI Class B game at noon.
No. 8 Barker/Lyndonville (9-5-3) will visit top seeded Wilson (14-1) in a Class C contest also at noon.
No. 6 Akron (9-7-1) visits No. 3 Falconer (11-5-1) in a Class B game at noon.
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Quarterback Tysen McCaa will lead the Barker/Roy-Hart Bulls into a key regular season ending C North Division game at Maritime at 2 p.m. Saturday. Barker/Roy-Hart, which has already clinched a tie for the C North title, brings a 5-0 divisional record into the contest seeking a win to claim the title outright. Maritime, which is 3-2, is in need of a win to stay in the hunt for the C North’s final sectional berth. Maritime and Medina (4-2) are vying for that last spot. A Barker/Roy-Hart win would make Medina the division’s fourth and final sectional entry. A Maritime win would then have power points decide the final spot.
Photos from Holley Central School: Freshmen at Holley are shown with their Iowa-themed float during the homecoming parade on Sept. 26.
Press Release, Holley Central School
HOLLEY – Each year, Holley Middle/High School’s Homecoming celebrations culminate with a parade that awards points for the coveted spirit stick. When this year’s theme of “States” was announced, the freshmen class chose Iowa, never imagining it would spark a heartwarming interstate collaboration.
Freshman Class Advisor Samantha Zelent and Volunteer Co-Advisor Jessica Seaward knew this state would hit close to home due to the Holley community’s farming connections. On a whim, they reached out to a few Iowa-based agencies to see if they might contribute materials for the float. The response was overwhelming.
Numerous Iowa organizations and affiliates sent donations, ideas, and encouragement. News of the float spread quickly, and soon packages filled with Iowa-themed goodies began arriving from Iowa organizations the school hadn’t even contacted.
Students embraced the opportunity, hoping to represent everything people love about Iowa, including emulating the Davis County FFA’s sculpture “Hog Wild” as the centerpiece for their float.
“We were overwhelmed by the support from Iowa, especially the governor’s office, who sent us items including a signed photo wishing us a happy homecoming,” said Samantha Zelent. “Students loved the help from Iowa and had so much fun with the float. We have been a part of their Facebook page and they made us honorary members of the Historic Hills Scenic Byway’s Annual Bale Trail. Now, Iowa has a whole group of fans from the Holley Central School District’s freshmen class!”
This unexpected partnership not only boosted school spirit, but also created lasting connections between communities hundreds of miles apart, proving that sometimes, the most meaningful collaborations begin with a simple idea and a little curiosity.
