By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 14 September 2026 at 7:16 pm
Contributed Photo – Cole Callard
The place kicking of Medina High graduate Cole Callard has helped Cortland open the football season with a pair of road victories.
Callard, who is a sophomore at Cortland, has kicked two field goals on distances of 28 and 34 yards and has booted six extra points as the Red Dragons have defeated Grove City 28-18 and Union 26-0.
He is also handling the kickoff duties.
Callard, who is a Sport Management major, earned second team All Empire Eight Conference honors last year as a freshman. He scored a total of 70 points on 52 extra point kicks and 6 field goals.
The Red Dragons will host Hartwick on Saturday in the home opener.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 14 September 2026 at 7:00 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Two goals in the first six minutes sparked Nichols to a 3-1 win over Barker in a non league field hockey game this afternoon at Barker. Barker did cut the deficit to 2-1 on a goal by Sophia Pavlock but the Lady Bulldogs could not pull even. Here Pavlock brings the ball up the sideline against Brynn Griffin of Nichols.
Barker’s Lexi Brazzel works to keep the ball away from Alyssa Starkey of Nichols. Barker returns to Niagara-Orleans League action on Tuesday with a game at Roy-Hart at 4:30 p.m.
ALBANY – The New York State Education Department today announced that the Board of Regents has authorized the Department to move forward with the next phase of NY Inspires, advancing plans to establish a single New York State high school diploma, sunset separate diploma assessment requirements, and refocus Regents examinations on measuring student achievement of State learning standards.
The action marks a significant step forward in New York’s multi-year transformation of graduation measures, developed following extensive statewide stakeholder engagement and the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures.
Under the implementation plan, beginning with students graduating in 2028, New York will transition to one State high school diploma, and students will no longer be required to pass a prescribed set of Regents examinations to graduate.
Regents examinations will continue as rigorous statewide measures of student achievement. The Department will advance proposed regulatory amendments to the Board of Regents by February 2027 to implement the changes in the 2027-2028 school year.
Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, ”Every student in New York deserves access to rich, high‑quality learning experiences and meaningful opportunities to demonstrate what they know and can do. Advancing this work moves us closer to a more equitable system, one that upholds high expectations for all while ensuring that a student’s zip code, background, or circumstance never determines their opportunities for success.”
NY Inspires was announced in November 2024 and includes four major transformations:
Adoption of the New York State Portrait of a Graduate;
Redefining credits and learning experiences;
Sunsetting separate diploma assessment requirements; and
Moving to one New York State high school diploma.
The Board of Regents adopted the New York State Portrait of a Graduate in July 2025. With the Board’s authorization to advance the remaining transformations, the Department will now continue the policy, regulatory, guidance, and implementation work necessary to begin in the 2027-28 school year.
Regents Exams Will Continue, With a More Focused Purpose
As NY Inspires moves forward, Regents examinations will not be eliminated. Instead, their role will become more focused.
Regents exams were designed to measure student achievement of specific State learning standards. Under the new framework, they will continue to serve as rigorous measures of academic achievement but will no longer be a separate diploma requirement, beginning with students graduating in 2028.
Consistent with New York’s Educational Assessment Strategy, districts and schools will develop local assessment strategies that draw on multiple sources of evidence, including classroom assessments, student work, performance-based learning experiences, educator observations, and State assessments.
The Department has released initial guidance, a template, and a webinar to support districts in beginning this work and will continue to provide comprehensive resources as this transformation continues.
One New York State Diploma
NY Inspires will transition New York from the current local, Regents, and Regents with Advanced Designation diplomas to one New York State high school diploma. Students will continue to have opportunities to distinguish their accomplishments through State and locally developed seals and endorsements. The current Advanced Designation will transition to a seal or endorsement, preserving opportunities to recognize additional academic achievement.
The Department will continue partnering with educators, students, families, school leaders, higher education, employers, and other stakeholders to seek feedback as it develops the regulations, guidance, and supports necessary to implement these changes.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 September 2026 at 3:22 pm
Money from Golisano paid for building, renovations at 438 West Ave.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Officials and supporters for Arc GLOW this morning cut the ribbon for the agency’s new office for Community Services and Self-Direction at 438 West Ave. Jill Pegelow, vice president of community services and self direction for Arc GLOW, holds the scissors for the ribbon-cutting. The Arc has moved some services over from its Caroline Street offices while keeping finance and compliance at Caroline Street.
ALBION – Arc GLOW celebrated new offices for its community services and self-direction programs today. Those services used to be based out of 122 Caroline St. in Albion.
But since last month they have been relocated to 438 West Ave., a site recently used for Serenity Spa & Holistic Center, and the Serenity Vitality Café. The previous owner, Doris Heydel closed the business after she moved back to Florida.
Arc officials said it was perfect timing when the building became available. The agency was cramped on Caroline Street. It wanted more room for its community services and self-direction programs, as well as a larger recreation area with a kitchen for individuals with disabilities. The Arc is keeping finance and compliance at Caroline Street.
The agency was able to purchase 438 West Ave. for $298,500 and make some renovations, tapping into a $5 million gift in 2024 from Thomas Golisano, the Paychex founder. On Sept. 17, 2024, he announced he was giving $360 million to 82 non-profit organizations in the Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse regions.
Arc GLOW also has used some of his gift to acquire a building in Le Roy and turn it into a home for five people with disabilities. Arc GLOW dedicated the Golisano IRA home in Le Roy on May 15.
Martin Miskall, Arc CEO, said the Golisano funds have allowed the agency to expand services. He praised the Arc team for their commitment to expanding the agency’s presence and services in Orleans County.
“This new space allows us to strengthen local partnerships, increase accessibility for the individuals and families we support, and further our mission of helping people live fulfilling lives within their own communities,” Miskall said.
County Legislator Don Allport presents a commendation on behalf of the County Legislature for the new offices in Albion. Allport, a former board member and board president for the Arc of Orleans, said he appreciates the agency keeping a strong presence in Orleans County.
The Arc of Orleans County was founded in 1970. It merged with the Genesee County chapter in 2016. In 2021, Orleans and Genesee merged with the Livingston-Wyoming chapter to form Arc GLOW.
The agency now serves 2,000 people with disabilities in the four counties and employs 1,200 people.
Jill Pegelow, VP of community services and self direction for Arc GLOW, said she has been privileged to work for the Arc for 36 years. The new offices provide a welcoming environment for individuals and their families to access support, receive guidance, and collaborate with dedicated professionals who are helping people reach their fullest potential, Pegelow said.
“Every day our Community Services and Self-Direction teams help individuals pursue their goals, build independence, and create lives that reflect their unique interests, strengths and dreams,” she said. “Whether someone is looking for community connections, support navigating resources, or the flexibility to direct their own services, ur staff is here to help them succeed.”
This photo is looking out from the former kitchen space at the Serenity Vitality Café. The Arc said they will use the kitchen to teach people cooking skills, while the bigger lounge space will give people more space to relax and socialize.
Martin Miskall urged people to become members of the agency, even at $1.
“The more advocates, the better,” he said. “There is strength in numbers.”
Ian Mackay wants to show what’s possible for wheelchair users with accessible outdoor infrastructure; Trip goes through Orleans County on Sept. 27-28
Provided photo: Ian Mackay will use mouth-controlled power wheelchair to travel the Erie Canal towpath. He is scheduled to pass through Orleans County on Sept. 27-28.
Press Release, Ian’s Ride
ALBANY TO BUFFALO – Ian Mackay, who is paralyzed from the neck down, will take on his next Big Ride, traveling 360 miles along New York’s historic Erie Canalway Trail in his power wheelchair Sept. 20-28.
The ride from Albany to Buffalo will highlight what’s possible for wheelchair users when accessible infrastructure makes outdoor recreation more inclusive. Mackay, founder and executive director of Ian’s Ride, a Port Angeles, Washington-based nonprofit, will travel through communities along the historic canal, drawing attention to the importance of accessible trails and the opportunities they create for people with mobility disabilities.
Following the ride will be the premiere of Good Moment, a feature-length documentary chronicling Mackay’s world-record ride in a mouth-controlled power wheelchair. The film explores Mackay’s determination, his relationship with the outdoors and the role of community and adaptive technology in making adventures like this possible.
“This is an opportunity to show what’s possible when people have access to the outdoors,” Mackay said. “The Erie Canalway Trail is an incredible piece of American history, and I’m excited to experience it with my friends, meet people along the way and continue pushing for trails that everyone can enjoy.”
The Erie Canalway Trail adventure builds on a series of long-distance rides that began in 2016, when Mackay crossed Washington state in his power wheelchair. Those experiences inspired the creation of Ian’s Ride, a nonprofit dedicated to making the outdoors more accessible for people living with paralysis and mobility disabilities.
Highlighting the importance of accessible infrastructure
The Erie Canalway Trail offers Mackay an opportunity to demonstrate how accessible public spaces can expand opportunities for people with disabilities to explore the outdoors, connect with communities and experience the history and beauty of their surroundings.
Kim Ridley, New York state chief disability officer, said the journey underscores the importance of inclusive outdoor environments.
“New York state is committed to building an inclusive outdoor environment where every individual, regardless of mobility, can experience the beauty and history of our state,” Ridley said. “Ian’s 370-mile journey along the historic Erie Canalway Trail highlights the critical importance of accessible public trails, recreational infrastructure, and community connection.”
Ridley said Mackay’s ride demonstrates how universal design and outdoor accessibility can create transformative experiences for residents and visitors of all abilities.
“We are proud to welcome Ian’s Ride to the Empire State and look forward to continuing our work toward a fully accessible New York,” she said.
New York State Canal Corp. Director Ben Walsh said the corporation shares Mackay’s commitment to expanding accessible outdoor recreation.
“We are proud to welcome Ian to the Erie Canalway Trail,” Walsh said. “Like Ian, we are on a mission to increase accessibility and promote accessible outdoor recreation, so we are thrilled to support him on his journey.”
Walsh encouraged people to join Mackay on the trail, adding that he looks forward to riding alongside him.
Rails to Trails Conservancy also is supporting the journey. Brandi Horton, the organization’s vice president of communications, said Ian’s Ride demonstrates how trails connect people to opportunities and bring communities together.
“When Ian and his team set out to tackle a trail ride, they prove the power of trails to build community, inviting partners like us to be part of the journey and introducing the importance of accessible outdoor recreation all along the way,” Horton said.
“The impact that Ian’s Ride delivers is invaluable, making clear that having safe ways to be active outside is not nice to have — it’s essential,” she said.
United Spinal Association, which advocates for people with mobility-related disabilities, also will support Mackay’s efforts to expand access to trails and parks.
“United Spinal Association is proud to support Ian’s Ride in its critical effort to open up the great outdoors to people of all abilities,” said Matt Castelluccio, the organization’s CEO. “Like Ian’s Ride, United Spinal Association is committed to helping people with mobility-related disabilities live their lives to the fullest.”
Castelluccio said the organization will continue working alongside Mackay to expand access to America’s trails and parks.
Join Ian on the trail
The Erie Canalway Trail ride is an opportunity for people to experience the trail alongside Mackay and learn more about the role accessible infrastructure plays in making outdoor recreation possible.
Community members and media are encouraged to join the ride for a portion of the journey, meet the group along the route and follow updates from the trail.
For more information about the ride, its itinerary and opportunities to participate, visit iansride.com/ride-the-erie.
About Ian’s Ride
Ian’s Ride is a Washington State-based nonprofit founded by Ian Mackay in 2016. The organization works to make the outdoors more accessible for people living with paralysis and mobility disabilities through inclusive rides, community partnerships and advocacy for accessible outdoor recreation.
The schedule includes:
Day One (Explore NYC): Saturday, Sept. 19 – Battery Park, NYC → Elmsford for 28 miles
Day Two (Start the Erie): Sunday, Sept. 20 – Albany/Waterford → Amsterdam for 47 miles
Day Three: Monday, Sept. 21 – Amsterdam → Little Falls for 39 miles
Day Four: Tuesday, Sept. 22 – Little Falls → Rome for 40 miles
Day Five: Wednesday, Sept. 23 – Rome → Syracuse for 45 miles
Day Six: Thursday, Sept. 24 – Syracuse → Weedsport for 26 miles
Day Seven: Friday, Sept. 25 – Weedsport → Newark for 33 miles
Day Eight: Saturday, Sept. 26 – Newark → Rochester for 34 miles
Day Nine: Sunday, Sept. 27 – Rochester → Albion for 34 miles
Day Ten: Monday, Sept. 28 – Albion → Buffalo for 46 miles
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 September 2026 at 11:57 am
Average price in Orleans County now at $4.38 a gallon
Photo by Tom Rivers: The average price for regular unleaded is at $4.39 today at the Crosby’s in Albion, corner of routes 98 and 31. With the rewards card at 5 cents off, the price drops to $4.34.
The average price for regular unleaded gas jumped 16 cents nationally in the past week to $4.31 a gallon, while in New York State, the average is at $4.39, which is up 8 cents since last Monday, AAA reported.
A year ago the average prices were at $3.17 nationally and $3.25 in New York State.
In Orleans County, the price increased from $4.34 to $4.83.
“Volatility in the Strait of Hormuz has pushed crude oil back into the $100 to $110 per barrel range for the first time since July, sending pump prices to levels comparable to June,” AAA said in a statement this morning for its weekly gas price report. “This September, the national average is rising during a period when gas prices typically decline due to lower seasonal demand.”
Diesel prices are at a record high. The national average is $6.23 per gallon, up 33 cents from last week. New York’s average diesel price is $6.17 per gallon, up 25 cents from last week and nearly double the $3.10 average recorded one year ago.
Here are the average prices around Western New York:
Single filers with incomes under $150K to receive $100
Press Release, Governor Kathy Hochul’s Office
Photo courtesy of Governor’s Office: Governor Kathy Hochul speaks on Aug. 20 in Webster for a celebration of Coca-Cola Company and Fairlife’s $650 million, state-of-the-art dairy production facility in Monroe County.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that energy rebate checks up to $200 will be sent to 8.2 million households across New York State starting on September 21.
Checks will be mailed directly to eligible New Yorkers, with deliveries to continue through December. There is no need to apply, sign up or do anything to receive a check.
“As Washington Republicans continue to send the cost of everything from utility bills to gas and groceries soaring, I’ll never stop working to address the rising cost of living for New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “Too many families are struggling with rising household energy bills and soaring gas prices at the pump — and that’s why we’re putting money directly back in New Yorkers’ pockets by sending energy rebate checks to millions of families as part of our affordability agenda.”
Governor Hochul’s enacted budget included a one-time $1 billion Protecting Our Wallets Energy Rebate (POWER) to help provide needed relief in the face of federal tariffs that have increased the cost of living across the board and President Trump’s war in Iran that has New Yorkers now paying on average $4.35 per gallon at the pumps, a 45% jump since the war began. Diesel has jumped 49% since the war began at the end of February to $5.98 per gallon.
POWER checks will provide $200 to joint filers with incomes under $150,000 and $150 to joint filers with incomes between $150,000 and $300,000. Single filers with incomes under $150,000 will receive $100. The rebates will be issued as advanced credit checks and will be mailed out between September and December.
Who’s Eligible for a POWER Check?
You are eligible for a rebate credit check if, for tax year 2024, you:
Filed a timely New York State Resident Income Tax Return;
Were a full-time resident for New York State;
Reported income within the qualifying thresholds; and
Were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 September 2026 at 8:13 am
Provided photos
MEDINA – About 30 firefighters were out on Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon with a boot drive to collect money for Make-A-Wish.
The firefighters collected nearly $6,000 – $5,955.60. There are a couple more donations coming in, too, said Tim Petry of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company.
Firefighters from East Shelby, Medina, Shelby and Ridgeway were at three intersections in the community. There were at Route 104 and Route 63 in Ridgeway; Maple Ridge Road near the Route 63 intersection in Shelby; and downtown Medina at the main intersection.
Make-A-Wish is an organization that gives life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 September 2026 at 7:03 pm
Band opens season with 2nd place at Jordan-Elbridge
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Medina Marching Band performs on Sept. 11, 2026 during halftime of the OC Rivals football at Vets Park. The band is debuting new uniforms this season and also is performing a show, “We The People” celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary with the music of Aaron Copeland.
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – The Medina Marching Band is shown performing at halftime on Friday evening of the OC Rivals football game versus Lakeshore. The game was played at Vets Park in Medina.
The band the next day then competed for the first time this season at Jordan-Elbridge High School in Jordan, which is near Auburn.
The competition featured nine bands, six of which were in Medina’s class, SS2. In that class Medina came in 2nd place behind Oswego.
Medina’s show is called “We The People” and celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary with the music of Aaron Copeland.
The band consists of 90 students and is directed by Kyla Leno-Denise and Andrea Busch. The band is led on the field by drum major Sophia Lopez. The is performing in new uniforms this year.
Medina’s next performance is at their home show, “Fall Festival of Bands” on Saturday, Sept. 26th beginning at 6 p.m. at Vets Park.
The results from Saturday include:
SS2 – 1st, Oswego with 69.700; 2nd, Medina with 67.900; 3rd, Westmoreland with 67.250; 4th, Jordan-Elbridge with 66.900; 5th, Horseheads with 65.850; 6th, Vestal with 63.750.
LS2 – 1st, Corning with 69.250.
National – 1st, West Genesee with 79.100; 2nd, Baldwinsville with 77.600.
(Left) This notebook was used in 1893 to record a trip to the World’s Fair, held in Chicago. (Right) The first page of the notebook.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 25
A small, modest notebook with a brown cover. It is easy to overlook. Its condition belies its age though, it is a surprise to open it, read the date and the first page:
Sept. 4, 1893
“Left home for the World’s Fair. Took the 6:44 train for Buffalo, arrived there 9 p.m., left at 10 pm. Paid for two tickets to Buffalo $2.04
Paid for ticket to Chicago $20. On the way we passed through the following places: Dunkirk, Erie, Ashtabula, Cleveland, Landusky, Toledo. Passed through Elkhart 9’o clock a.m. Thursday. Stopped 20 min. for refreshment. Paid for coffee .10 cents.”
This notebook is unique. It is a hand-written record of a visit to the World’s Columbian Exposition, generally referred to as the World’s Fair, which was held in Chicago from May 1 – October 30, 1893. The entries are short and terse. We are assuming that this traveler is a gentleman traveling with his wife. His record of this three-week trip covers only 26 of these short pages. He includes a list of expenses on the last five pages. The remainder of the notebook is blank.
[P.2]“Passed through South Bend, 9:50 am. Passed through Seaport 10:50 am, 5 miles from Chicago.
Weds. Sept 5 paid for 1 room at Calumet Hotel .75c and 4 meals $1.40. Went to Fairgrounds at 8:00 at 64th St. entrance, gate fee .50c.”
Naturally, we were intrigued by the prices. Yes, .75c for a room! We checked.
Our anonymous traveler chose to travel by train. He would have traveled on the Nickel Plate Road, which advertised three fast express trains daily between Buffalo and Chicago, “with superb dining carriages.”
One could also have traveled by steamer. The Cleveland & Buffalo Transit Co. advertised the “Great All-Water Route” on magnificent side-wheel steel steamers from Buffalo, with the option of visiting Cleveland, Detroit and Mackinac Island.
The theme of the 1893 World’s Fair was a celebration of human achievement and progress. Our diarist was suitably impressed with all that he saw. Visiting the New York State building, he wrote: “Elegant chandeliers hang from the ceiling. The shades and ceiling are carved too beautiful for description.”
Over the course of the next few days, he saw:
[P.4] “The old pistol that shot Tecumseh… A punch bowl used by General Washington which was on display in the Pennsylvania Building and also a plaster cast of his face after death ….The old charter from Charles II to William Penn 1682 also a seal attached to the charter for the territory now known as Pennsylvania.”
At the Art Gallery, he saw a statue of Charles Dickens; the Emperor of Germany; William Shakespeare; Abraham Lincoln; Emperor William 2 of Germany; a painting of the Death of Archimedes and a painting of deer by Rosa Bonheur, owned by Consul General of Spain. In Governor’s Building, a flag used on the tent of General Washington was on display.
[P.8] “Paid .50c for coffee, tea & doughnuts at Wellington Café in the Fishery Building. Paid for lunch, .35c Thursday evening.”
This World’s Fair visitor certainly made the most of his trip. Over the next three days, he visited the Leather & Shoe exhibit, listened to Flecker’s Elgin Band, and toured the Machinery and Agricultural Buildings. He went into Marshall Field’s store and saw the Pullman building on Michigan Avenue.
Twenty-seven million people visited the 1893 World’s Fair. Many people from Orleans County made the trip as this “news” was reported in the newspaper social columns: Mr. & Mrs. Walter Tuttle, Mrs. E.J. Vosler, Mrs. Hawley and Mrs. George Lum were part of a group from Lyndonville that went in June, Martin Sutter and John Griffin from Medina went in August.
Some World’s Fair attendees took advantage of their trip to Chicago to expand their trips. George W. Kohler of South Dakota attended the Fair in June and then came east to visit family in West Shelby, after an absence of 14 years.
Our diarist also visited relatives during the last week of his trip – Dean Jaquith, Ben Jaquith, Aunt Flora, Cousin Lydia and visited Willie Tanner’s grave in Cleveland.
The final entry on September 27:
“Took cars in Cleveland for home, got into Buffalo 3 PM, found friends waiting for us, reached Albion 6:30 pm. Fred came for us, found Mr. Tanner not well, having been poorly during the three weeks of our absence.”
This little notebook gives us a glance into everyday life in the 1890s. Travel and communication were efficient. Public transportation worked. Travelers could expect to be met at the train station, as arranged. The city of Chicago handled the influx of Fair visitors. People assumed that these systems would work and felt confident about traveling. The speed of travel may have increased over the past 130 years, but as to efficiency and public confidence, well, that’s debatable.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 September 2026 at 12:30 pm
B1 Division Game Results
Albion/Medina 42, Lake Shore 19
Williamsville South 69, Lew-Port 13
McKinley 48, Amherst 0
West Seneca East 34, Maryvale 15
Standings (Division, Overall)
West Seneca East 2-0, 2-0
Williamsville South 2-0, 2-0
Albion/Medina 1-0, 2-0
McKinley 1-0, 2-0
Maryvale 0-1, 1-1
Lew-Port 0-1, 0-2
Amherst 0-2, 0-2
Lake Shore 0-2, 0-2
This Week’s Schedule Thursday
Lake Shore at West Seneca East, 7 p.m.
Lew-Port at McKinley, 7 p.m. Friday
Albion/Medina at Williamsville South, 7 p.m.
Maryvale at Amherst, 7 p.m.
C North Division Game Results
Barker/Roy-Hart 44, Tonawanda 20
Alden 32, Eden/Nort Collins 21
Springville 32, JFK 8
Cleveland Hill 42, Akron 8
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 September 2026 at 12:24 pm
Community welcome to complete surveys and share vision for town
Photo by Tom Rivers: Mollie Radzinski, the coordinator of the Carlton Heart & Soul program, is shown by a banner with the logo for the initiative. She attended the Pop-Up & Jam event on Saturday at the Orleans County Marine Park with vendors and musicians.
CARLTON – A coordinator has been hired for the Carlton Heart & Soul project. The community received grant funding for the initiative.
Mollie Radzinski has been hired as the part-time coordinator. She brings deep community connections, and lots of knowledge and passion to the part-time position.
“She the right person for the job,” said Jim Tabor, vice president of the Carlton Heart & Soul Committee. “She’s energetic with a lot of good ideas.”
Carlton is one of 140 “Heart & Soul” communities. The program is led by local residents and officials to develop a vision for the community’s future that reflects what residents love about their community and why they choose to live there.
The Carlton Community Heart & Soul Core Team includes: Peter Bartula, president; Jim Tabor, vice president; Penny Miller, secretary; Lynn Wright, treasurer; Lynne Menz, communications; and John Fitzak, Chris Manaseri, Brian McCue and Heather Tabor.
Radzinski works full-time as a senior communications specialist for the Rochester Institute of Technology in the College of Science; Division of Access, Engagement and Success; and RIT Global.
She also is a board member for the Lake Plains Players, a lector and teacher at Holy Family Parish, a member of the Catholic Daughters, a board member for the Albion Alumni Foundation, and a dance teacher at Gotta Dance Performing Arts in Albion.
Carlton is the first “Heart & Soul” community in Orleans County. Carlton was picked by the Rochester Area Community Foundation and Community Foundation for Buffalo to be the first community to implement the Heart & Soul model in Orleans County, an initiative fully funded with grant support from Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation.
Carlton is currently in Phase 1 of the initiative and is collecting input from residents.
The four-phase, step-by-step process includes:
Phase 1: Imagine – Heart & Soul teams are formed to build awareness, interest, and commitment in all segments of the community.
Phase 2: Connect – Stories are gathered from residents, leading to the development of Heart & Soul Statements that identify what matters most and reflect what they love about their towns.
Phase 3: Plan – Residents develop action plans to guide future town planning based on their Heart & Soul Statements.
Phase 4: Act – Heart & Soul Statements are officially adopted by town and city councils, incorporated into comprehensive and other plans, and are used to guide future policies and decisions.
Radzinski and the local team urged residents and stakeholders in Carlton to complete an online survey about the town. Click here to see it.
Carlton doesn’t have a clear downtown business district or focal point like a city or village. Carlton is split up into three different school districts – Albion, Kendall and Lyndonville. There are also multiple zip codes with Kent, Waterport and Albion.
Jim Tabor and Radzinski said the Heart & Soul model will help identify focal points for the town and develop a plan for building on Carlton’s strengths and improving on some of the weaker areas.
Some suggestions so far include recreational enhancements to the town park such as basketball and pickleball courts as well as trails linking the east and west sides of the Oak Orchard River.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 September 2026 at 10:14 am
Monday Girls Soccer – Byron-Bergen at Holley, Kendall at Attica, 7 p.m. Field Hockey – Nichols at Barker, 5 p.m. Volleyball – Attica at Kendall, Holley at Byron-Bergen, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday Boys Soccer – Wilson at Akron, 4:45 p.m.; Vertus at Lyndonville/Barker, 5 p.m.; Medina at Cheektowaga, 6 p.m.; Kendall at Holley, 7 p.m. Girls Soccer – Albion at Roy-Hart/Medina, Akron at Wilson, Barker/Lyndonville at Newfane, 6:45 pm. Field Hockey – Barker at Roy-Hart, Newfane at Wilson, 4:30 p.m.; Kenmore at Medina, 5 p.m. Cross-Country – Medina at Newfane, Albion and Roy-Hart at Wilson, Barker at Akron, Kendall at Wheatland-Chili, Holley at Oakfield-Alabama, 5 p.m. Volleyball – Medina at Akron, Roy-Hart at Wilson, Albion at Newfane, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Girls Soccer – Kendall at Holley, 7 p.m. Volleyball – Lyndonville at Notre Dame, Kendall at Holley, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday Boys Soccer – Newfane at Medina, 4:30 p.m.; Attica at Lyndonville/Barker, 5 p.m.; Albion at Wilson, 6:45 p.m.; Pembroke at Kendall, Holley at Wheatland-Chili, 7 p.m. Girls Soccer – Roy-Hart/Medina at Barker/Lyndonville, Wilson at Albion, 6:45 p.m. Field Hockey – Roy-Hart at Newfane, Wilson at Akron, 4:30 p.m., Sacred Heart at Medina, Barker at Kenmore, 7 p.m. Volleyball – Medina at Wilson, Akron at Albion, 6:30 p.m.
Friday Football – Albion/Medina at Williamsville South, Barker/Roy-Hart at Eden/North Collins, Holley/Lyndonville at Notre Dame, 7 p.m. Girls Soccer – Pembroke at Kendall, Wheatland-Chili at Holley, 7 p.m. Volleyball – Roy-Hart at Medina, Elba at Lyndonville, Pembroke at Kendall, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday Boys Soccer – Medina at Wilson, Roy-Hart at Newfane, 10 a.m.; Kendall at Byron-Bergen, 2 p.m.; Lyndonville/Barker at Holley, 7 p.m. Girls Soccer – Barker/Lyndonville at Akron, 12 p.m.; Newfane at Roy-Hart/Medina, 1 p.m. (at Vets Park) Field Hockey – Barker at Wilson, 12:15 p.
Contributed Story Posted 13 September 2026 at 10:00 am
Contributed Photo – Jeramiah Hildreth hauls in a 69 yard touchdown pass for Albion Varsity Division team.
Albion earned a 2-2 split with Barker/Roy-Hart in Niagara Orleans Football Association (NOFA) action Saturday.
Beginners Division BRH 39 Albion 6
Levi Purnell led Albion into the end zone, rushing for 26 yards and a touchdown. Myles Labarge had a big day on the ground with 79 rushing yards, while James Mahoney added 21 yards and Tanner Beecher chipped in 4 yards.
Purnell and Beecher led the defense with 3 tackles each. Hudson Hodgins, Mahoney and Labarge recorded 2 tackles apiece, while Milo Mackenzie, Grant Whitcroft and Jaxon Nashburn each added a tackle.
Mini Division BRH 44, Albion 6
Albion’s Mini squad battled hard against Barker/Roy-Hart, but BRH came away with a 44-6 victory.
Tre Ellis led Albion’s offense with 41 rushing yards and a touchdown. Hudson Palmer added 40 yards, while Patrick Westlund contributed 36 yards on the ground.
Palmer led the defense with an impressive 7 tackles. Westlund, Elijah Cornick, Ellis and Neil Farley each recorded 4 tackles. Xavier Richardson and Drake Neri added 3 tackles apiece, while Gunner Jackson finished with 2.
Jai’heem Drisdom, Xavier Weis, Colton Daggs, Artavion Lewis, Quinton Gottberg, KK Harper, Landon Stalker, Joshua Bennett, Carter Hall and Mayson Vosbugh were also in on tackles.
JV Division Albion 34 BRH 12
Albion’s JV squad put together a big all-around performance, defeating Barker/Roy-Hart 34-12 behind an explosive offense and a defense that flew to the football all game.
Cayden Farrell led the offense, rushing for 154 yards and 2 touchdowns while also throwing a touchdown pass. Kairo Bennett broke loose for a 66-yard touchdown run, while Jayce Torres added 32 rushing yards and hauled in a 10-yard TD pass. Greyson Roberts punched in a 2-yard score to round out the scoring. Arkell Lewis added 14 yards on the ground, Jaidyn Harper 8 and Kaydence Russaw 5. Through the air, Elijah Wayne Warren had 24 receiving yards and Parker Gardner added 9.
Bennett was everywhere defensively, leading the Eagles with an impressive 15 tackles. Russaw finished with 8, Harrison Froman 6, Kyle Schomske 5 and Mason Cornick 4. Wyatt Purnell, Lewis and Torres each recorded 3 tackles, with Gardner adding 2.
Kaynon Reamer, Conor Murphy, Warren, Khrystopher Wilston-Jones, David Parsell, Chase Armer, Owen Marritt and Zion Richardson all got in on the defensive action as well.
Varsity Division Albion 32 BRH 14
Albion turned in a strong, complete dominant performance by the offense and defensive lines lead the way.
On the ground, Jeramiah Hildreth rushed for 69 yards, AJ Lewis 68, Damareon Shine 53, and Camden Holt 19, with all four finding the end zone for rushing touchdowns. Holt also made a huge play through the air, connecting with Shine for a 69-yard touchdown pass!
Defensively, the Eagles flew to the football all game. Conner Hinkley and AJ Lewis led the way with 7 tackles each, followed by Hildreth with 5 and Holt with 4. Shine, Cooper Traxler and Kayden Donnelly added 3 tackles apiece, while Owen Beecher, Matthew Colmenero, Brady Graham, Ryan Gardner and Harrison Galloway each finished with 2.
Contributed Story Posted 13 September 2026 at 9:31 am
The Lyndonville youth football teams closed out their last home games of the season winning 2 of 3 against Attica on Saturday.
In the Beginner Division the Lyndonville won 33-14.
Sawyer Joy scored 2 Touchdowns, scoring on runs of 60 yard and 70 yards. Teddy Tardibone 2 Touchdowns as well, both on 70 yard runs. Brodie Suhr joined in with a 5 yard score. Tardibone connected with Joy on a 2 point conversion pass as well and Luke Joy converted on a great tackle breaking run for a 1 point conversion. Kam Kirkpatrick and Jack Meindl also had great runs.
JW Hetzel, Easton Zeliff, Thorn Blount, and Hank Petry played tough defense on the defensive front.
The Cubs are 3-0 on the season.
At the Mini level Lyndonville won a hard fought game 13-6.
The win was sealed with a huge goal line stop following a huge touchdown saving tackle by Cole Preston tackling the ball carrier inside the 5 yard line on a 60 yard breakaway run. The Sabres scored on two touchdown runs by Kam Griffin on runs of 49 yards and 22 yards. The PAT was punched in by Leondre Barnes. Adrian Winters helped convert some key short yardage runs on 3rd and 4th downs while Preston Rath had a great day on the ground helping to fuel the run game.
Zendaya Bishop and Nicaly Rhim led the defense.
The Sabres are 1-2 on the season.
The Majors game was a 27-13 win for the visiting Attica team.
Two long touchdown runs by Kannon Pangrazio-Coger kept the game close along with clutch runs by Zach Allen, Scottie Nesbitt, and Jameson Schoales.
The Bengals are 1-1 on the season, having one game postponed due to weather.
A small, modest notebook with a brown cover. It is easy to overlook. Its condition belies its age though, it is a surprise to open it, read the date and the first page:
