Orleans/Niagara BOCES cosmetology students welcome public for clinic

Posted 16 September 2025 at 12:30 pm

Provided photos from Orleans/Niagara BOCES: Missy Outten and Sophia Gerhardt of Barker get ready for the cosmetology clinic at Orleans/Niagara BOCES in Medina.

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

Kyra Monnier of Albion is one of the cosmetology students at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES.

MEDINA – The cosmetology students at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center are excited about starting their clinic Oct. 2.

The clinic is open to the public at 4232 Shelby Basin Rd. in Medina on Thursdays and Fridays (8:30 to 10:30 a.m.) when school is in session. Customers will be walking away with new looks or just a smile after having some pampering with our talented students.

What a great way for our students to get their hours towards their cosmetology license and helping community members feel and look great!

Teachers Sue Lindke (slindke@onboces.org) and Anne Carnahan (acarnahan@onboces.org) can be contacted to set up appointments or get more information.

Price list is located on the Orleans/Niagara Career and Technical Education Centers page on Facebook.

Pop-up food pantries will continue through at least end of year

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 September 2025 at 10:28 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Volunteers and employees for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee get food ready to be dispersed on Monday morning during a food distribution in the Albion municipal parking lot at 165 Platt St.

Community Action has been leading these food distributions in Albion since April 2020.

The distributions through Foodlink will continue to at least through the end of this year in the Rochester region.

“As long as we can keep doing it, we will do it,” said Ryan Lasal, director of Community & Family Program Innovation for Community Action. “Right now Foodlink has no plans to stop.”

Tonya Ferris, an M&T Bank employee, helps with Monday’s distribution. Two other M&T staff assisted with the distribution. Ferris, a Kendall resident, has been part of the distributions for over a year.

The schedule in Orleans County for the remainder of the year includes:

Albion at 165 South Platt Street – managed by Community Action

Monday, Oct. 27 at 9 a.m.
Monday, Nov. 10 at 9 a.m.
Monday, Dec. 8 at 9 a.m.

Lyndonville Presbyterian Church at 107 North Main St., Lyndonville

Friday, Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m.
Friday, Oct. 17 at 9:30 a.m.
Friday, Nov. 7 at 9:30 a.m.
Friday, Dec. 5 at 9:30 a.m.

Orleans Cornell Cooperative Extension, 12690 State Route 31, Albion

Monday, Oct. 6 at 10 a.m.
Monday, Nov. 3 at 10 a.m.
Monday, Dec. 1 at 10 a.m.

Pre-registration strongly suggested. Those who pre-register will be assigned timeslots for pickup (12-12:30, 12:30-1, 1-1:30. 1:30-2). Pre-register at 585-798-4265. Walk-ins may start at 2 p.m.

Nick Luft and four other Albion High School students in the Interact Club assisted with the distribution for Community Action. Adam Burgio, another high schooler, is in back ready to hand off a big bag of produce.

Lyndonville will use smoke test on sanitary sewer system next week

Posted 16 September 2025 at 9:21 am

Press Release, Village of Lyndonville

LYNDONVILLE – Beginning on Sept. 23, the Village of Lyndonville will be conducting leakage testing on the sanitary sewer system located within the village.

It is anticipated that this testing will take three days and end on Sept. 25. This test is being conducted as part of a study to locate and identify areas of ground and surface water entering the sanitary sewer system.

It is important to find and identify these sources because they may seriously affect the efficiency of our Wastewater Treatment Facility and increase operating expenses.

During the test, a non-toxic smoke will be blown into the sanitary sewer system to reveal leaks where storm water and surface waters may be entering the sewer. The smoke that is utilized for this testing is manufactured specifically for this purpose, and it leaves no residual odor or stains, and has no adverse effect on plants or animals.

It does have a distinctive, but not unpleasant, temporary odor. The visible smoke and odor only last a few minutes, where ventilation is adequate.

To conduct the test, smoke will be introduced at specific sanitary sewer manholes located on the streets. During the test, personnel will conduct a visual observation along streets and around individual homes, for smoke exiting storm sewers, roof gutters, and other areas which may be connected to the sanitary sewer system.

Smoke should not enter your home unless the plumbing is defective or if your home contains drains which are infrequently used. Several days prior to Sept. 23, please pour or run water down all drains in your home or building to assure that drain traps are filled and in working order.

Please feel free to contact the Superintendent of Public Works Devan Freeman at 585-765-9312 if you have any questions regarding this notification.

Hoag teams with GO Art! to offer free art library

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 September 2025 at 8:48 am

Photos from Hoag Library

ALBION – A new free art library was been set up outside Hoag Library in a project spearheaded by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!).

Local residents are encouraged to take an art book or art kit, or leave an art book or art kit and spread creativity.

The art library was architecturally designed by Jeff Pasnik, built and designed by Carpenters Local Union 276, and painted by Jaylah Sherman.

This kit includes yard and other supplies to create a fairy wand.

GO Art! established the art library to make art supplies and resources more accessible to the community, fostering creativity and engagement in the arts. The library includes art kits, coloring books and art books that are freely available for anyone to take and enjoy.

Organizers thankful for support of benefit for suicide prevention awareness

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 September 2025 at 10:05 pm

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Seated from left, Chris Crane and Tammy Fearby chat with Joey Molisani while waiting for the start of the Fuller 155 benefit by the Watts/Fuller families to support suicide prevention causes. For a donation of any amount, people could write their loved ones name on a circle, which will be placed on a banner and carried in the Out of the Darkness walk on Saturday in Buffalo.

SHELBY – The Fuller 155 Suicide Prevention Basket Raffle/Walk Committee is extending a heartfelt thanks to the community for tremendous support of their annual fundraiser Sunday at Shelby Fire Hall.

Committee chair Ike Watts was overwhelmed with the generosity with which people throughout the area supported their efforts.

“Your support plays a meaningful role in helping us raise awareness, offer hope and provide essential resources to those affected by suicide and mental health struggles,” Watts said. “I am particularly grateful for my work family at Medina Central School. I received tremendous support from my co-workers.”

“Your kindness and generosity help us build a stronger, more compassionate community,” Watts said.

Walkers start out on the walk held for the first time this year during the annual suicide prevention fundraiser at Shelby Fire Hall.

A walk added for the first time this year brought 47 adult walkers and a crowd of children.

Jennifer Bansbach of Lyndonville signed up to walk in memory of three very dear people who succumbed to suicide, she said.

“This is to support them, and besides it’s a beautiful day for a walk.”

The basket raffle had the most donations in the three years of the benefit – 242.

Early birds check out the more than 200 baskets donated for the Fuller 155 basket raffle/walk to benefit suicide prevention Saturday at Shelby Fire Hall.

An added attraction was a trolley which Doug Bracey brought and gave rides to those unable to walk the route or pick up anyone who couldn’t finish.

“Everyone I spoke to said what a wonderful event this was and how happy they were to have come,” Watts said. “It was for a very meaningful cause.”

Another feature was a table where, for any donation, Chris Crane and Tammy Fearby sold circles on which a loved one’s name or a message could be written. The circles were then glued on a banner which the Watts will carry in the Out of the Darkness Walk on Saturday in Buffalo.

Chris and Anita Hughes, right, register Jennifer Bansbach of Lyndonville for the first walk held in conjunction with a suicide prevention benefit Sunday at Shelby Fire Hall.

Lady Eagles nip rival Lady Hawks in 2 OT

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 15 September 2025 at 9:29 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Keara Reed battles for control of the ball with Holley’s Addison Bevins during the host Lady Eagles double overtime win over the rival Lady Hawks this evening.

Kendall nipped rival Holley 1-0 in double overtime in a Genesee Region League girls soccer game this evening at Kendall.

Sophia Picardo scored the game’s lone goal for Kendall midway through the second 10 minute overtime period on a direct kick from outside the box..

Kendall goalie Brooke Rodas came up with three big saves in the first overtime period to keep the game scoreless.

Holley goalie Zoey Warner had 13 saves on the evening and Rodas 6.

Kendall is now 3-0 in the league and 5-1 overall while Holley is 2-2 and 2-3.

Holley’s Hannah Ostrom heads the ball up field as Mia Thom moves in to support.

Kendall’s Stella Kwiatak controls the ball against Holley’s Brynn Thomas.

Holley’s Kyla Burne works to keep the ball away from Kendall’s Sophia Picardo who scored the game’s lone goal.

Alexander spikers post win over Albion

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 15 September 2025 at 9:14 pm

Alexander downed Albion 25-20, 25-14, 25-20 in a non league volleyball match this evening.

Taylor Duncan had 6 spiking kills and 3 service aces for Alexander as Bridget Ripstein had 5 aces and 30 digs and Ava Yax 35 digs.

Jillian LeBaron had 4 kills, 2 aces and 30 digs for Albion as Katelyn Viza had 5 kills and Anna Grillo 25 digs.

Albion golfers down Medina; Roy-Hart wins

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 15 September 2025 at 9:13 pm

Albion downed Medina 242-256 in a Niagara-Orleans League golf match this afternoon.

Owen Spencer took medalist honors with a 43 for Albion as Drew Pritchard added a 46, Viktor Snyder 48 and Gavin Boyce 49.

Cam Fike had 44 and Tyler Draper 45 for Medina.

Albion is now 6-2 and Medina 4-3.

Roy-Hart remained undefeated at 6-0 with a 232-247 win over Newfane.

Roy-Hart’s Evan Poeller and Gavin Heideman and Newfane’s Caleb Rivera all shared medalist honors with rounds of 43.

Wilson earned its first win of the season this past Friday by downing rival Newfane 262-271.

Ben Meyers took medalist honors for Wilson with a 39 and Rivera led Newfane with a 45.

Northern lights were out in their glory last night

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 September 2025 at 7:19 pm

Photos by Peggy Barringer

CARLTON – These photos of the northern lights were taken Sunday night by Peggy Barringer at Lakeside State Park between 9:15 and 10:30 p.m.

Barringer of Albion said the display was “truly jaw-dropping!”

Courtney DePaula sent in this photo of the northern lights in Kent last night.

Holley gets ready for alumni games, Athletic Hall of Fame induction

Posted 15 September 2025 at 4:15 pm

Press Release, Holley Central School

HOLLEY – Holley Central School District will host a series of events commemorating our alumni during the weekend of Sept. 26-27.

The Alumni Soccer Game will be held on Friday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. at Sander Soccer Field at The Woodlands, featuring 35 alumni who graduated in 1965-2021.

The Alumni Flag Football Game will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 4 p.m. at Hawk Stadium, featuring 19 graduates from 1998-2019.

There will be an Athletic Hall of Fame Induction in between the 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Varsity games will be at the Woodlands honoring 2025 inductees.

A voluntary $3 donation will be collected at the entrance from spectators for all alumni games. Alumni game proceeds will benefit Interact Club, the 8th Grade Washington D.C. Trip Scholarship Fund and Holley Sports Boosters. Cash-only concessions will be available.

Western battalion firefighters will do boot drive on Sunday for Make-A-Wish

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 September 2025 at 3:42 pm

Medina family went to Disney World in January through Make-A-Wish

Photos courtesy of Meakin family: Koleson Meakin, now age 4, went to Disney World in January for a week with his family. Koleson is diagnosed with TPK1 Thiamine Deficient Leigh syndrome, a rare genetic metabolic disease. His parents, Brady and Dominique Meakin, navigate his complex needs, which require a special ketogenic diet and frequent medical care.

MEDINA – Firefighters from the western battalion in Orleans County will be out this Sunday filling the boot for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Firefighters have been doing this for several years. This tike has special significance because a local boy and his family were able to go to Disney World through Make-A-Wish.

Koleson is shown at Disney World in January with his parents, Brady and Dominique, and younger sister, Jovie.

Koleson Meakin turned 4 on Aug. 31. He has a rare condition, TPK1 Thiamine Deficient Leigh syndrome. It is a gene-linked brain malformation characterized by the absence of normal folds in the cerebral cortex and an abnormally small head.

His parents, Brady and Dominique Meakin, navigate his complex needs, which require a special ketogenic diet and frequent medical care. Koleson has been hospitalized four times since May.

His mother said the family is grateful for the community’s support through fundraisers and prayers.

“We’re making him comfortable and trying to make as many memories as possible,” she said by phone this morning.

Koleson has a strong and committed care team.

Make-A-Wish gave him an expedited wish about a year ago. He loves lights and music, and Make-A-Wish suggested Disney World. His parents drove Koleson and his little sister Jovie down last January and they were able to stay for a week in a village on site for Make-A-Wish families..

“Our family was treated like royalty at Disney village,” Mrs. Meakin said. “That was the best week of our lives. It is a core memory we will never forget.”

The boot drive will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday at on Route 63 with Shelby and East Shelby firefighters, Maple Ridge Road and the downtown intersection with Medina firefighters, and South Lyndonville Road and Route 104 with Lyndonville and Ridgeway firefighters. The local drive usually raises about $8,000.

Gillibrand seeks to refund small businesses from costs of Trump-imposed tariffs

Posted 15 September 2025 at 1:08 pm

Press Release, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, alongside Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Mark Warner (D-VA), introduced the Small Business RELIEF Act to exempt small businesses from global baseline and reciprocal tariffs and to provide refunds to the small businesses that were forced to pay them.

The senators introduced the legislation as U.S. consumers experience the highest overall tariff rate since 1934, and a recent survey found that 30% of small business owners plan to increase their prices.

On August 29, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that President Donald Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs were illegal, setting the stage for small businesses to receive relief from the crushing “Liberation Day” tariffs. The Supreme Court agreed to consider whether these tariffs are legal and will hear the case in November. However, the tariffs will remain in place until the Supreme Court makes a decision.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, but they are especially vulnerable to President Trump’s tariff policies that are suffocating our economy,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Millions of small businesses are already struggling to keep up with rising costs. That’s why I will keep fighting to push back against these reckless tariffs, so every small business has the resources and stability it needs to thrive.”

In April, Senator Gillibrand announced her support for the bipartisan Trade Review Act, which would require congressional oversight of the president’s implementation of tariffs. At the time, she also signed a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick demanding that he immediately work to repeal Trump’s tariffs, which will cost the average New York household approximately $2,400 this year alone.

“Small businesses are feeling the brunt of the Trump administration’s economic carnage,” said Senator Schumer. “Tariffs are raising costs, pushing away tourists, slowing down manufacturing, and forcing many businesses to close their doors altogether. Trump’s disastrous economic policy must be stopped, and Congress must pass the Small Business RELIEF Act to protect our economy and small businesses across the country.”

Meetings set for input on children with special health care needs in Genesee, Orleans

Posted 15 September 2025 at 11:57 am

Press Release, Independent Living of the Genesee Region

BATAVIA – The Independent Living of the Genesee Region, in partnership with the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, is pleased to announce an upcoming focus group dedicated to the families and caregivers of Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN).

This important event will take place on two separate dates at accessible community venues to help shape future programs and services.

The meeting on Sept. 22 will be in Batavia at the Independent Living’s office at 319 West Main St., while the Sept. 24 session will be at the Hoag Library in Albion, 134 South Main St.

The focus group offers a welcoming space for parents, guardians, and advocates from Genesee and Orleans counties to share their experiences, challenges and suggestions regarding services for children with special health care needs. Input from participants will directly inform initiatives and resources designed to improve care and support for CYSHCN and their families.

All attendees will have an opportunity to have their voices heard in a supportive environment. Feedback collected will help guide future planning and advocacy efforts at the local and state level. A $50 Visa gift card will be provided as a stipend to the first 15 participants at each location.

For more information or to register, please contact April Fearby at (585) 815-8501, Ext. 401 or visit: http://forms.office.com/r/ai0daB9xfZ.

About Independent Living of the Genesee Region:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region, part of the WNY Independent Living Inc., Family of Agencies, is a catalyst for systems and individual change, enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities, while respecting diversity and promoting choices and alternatives for independent living.