Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Mike Snyder, left, vice president of Sacred Heart Club, stands with president John “JT” Thomas next to the new plaque on the wall, where the names of members with 50 or more years of membership will be added. (Right) John Thomas looks at a list of the founding members of Sacred Heart Club, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024.

MEDINA – John “JT” Thomas, president of Sacred Heart Club, has unveiled a new way the club has started to honor long-standing members.

In the future, members who reach 50 years of membership will have their name on a plaque on the wall. The names have already been added of 45 members who reached that milestone. Topping the list is the late Stanley Stack, who was a member for more than 60 years.

“I wanted to acknowledge and recognize those members who do good things,” Thomas said. “It’s about thanking those guys. We couldn’t do it without you.”

The plaque has already been hung on the wall and 45 names are on it, and others will be added as they reach the 50-year membership level.

“We’ve never had anything like this here,” Thomas said.

Thomas shared the history of Sacred Heart Club, the church and school.

Polish settlers started arriving in Medina in the late 1870s. There was no Polish parish, so most of them attended St. Mary’s with a few going to the Polish parish in Albion. As Medina’s Polish community grew, Henry Piatek began to lay the groundwork for a parish. A delegation approached the Albion priest and on June 20,1909, he held the first Polish Mass in the home of Vincenty Wysocki on Commercial Street.

John “JT” Thomas, president of Sacred Heart Club, left, talks to a handful of members about a new feature to honor longtime members. There is a plaque on the wall on which is placed the names of those with 50 years or more of membership. At right front is Jack Davis, 89, a member with 47 years at Sacred Heart.

Parish members began building a church on Ann Street in 1909 and it was completed Feb. 1, 1910. Founding members were Franciszek Waclowski, Andrew Kujawa, Wojciech Dorski, Leon Fracszak, Stanislaw Levandowski, Thomas Gottovi, Michael Balcerzak and Josef Maryjanowski.

As the church was being built, a group of 24 leading Polish men from the Sacred Heart purchased a plot of land on North Gravel Road to be used as a parish cemetery. The first interment in Sacred Heart Cemetery was Sept. 4, 1910.

Sacred Heart members next purchased a clubhouse on North Gravel Road, and it became the Sacred Heart Club. It was officially incorporated as the Sacred Heart Society on May 24, 1924

In 1925, the Sisters of St. Joseph were petitioned to come to Medina and establish a school. A school was built and on Jan 2, 1926, it officially opened, admitting 61 students. Hundreds of students were educated there until its closing in 1969.

The church suffered a tragic fire in 1981, when an arsonist set it ablaze. The interior was badly damaged and took two years to remodel.

“The church may have survived the fire, but it couldn’t hold up to the economic decline of the region,” Thomas said. “In 2008 the Sacred Heart of Jesus joined with St. Mary’s in Medina and St. Stephen’s in Middleport to create the Holy Trinity Parish, resulting in the closing of Sacred Heart Church.”

The mission previous members passed down to Sacred Heart Club is dedication to support local worthwhile charities financially and otherwise, including youth, seniors and a veterans’ group. They continue to support St. Peter’s Food Pantry, the yearly Veterans’ trip to Washington, D.C., Wreaths Across America and other multiple veterans’ causes, the Orleans County 4-H Fair, YMCA, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, police and fire departments and a $500 yearly scholarship at Medina High School.

In closing, Thomas said they honor, not only members who have passed, but they honor and thank members who have served Sacred Heart Society for 50 consecutive years or more.

“Without the pillars you created, this Society would not be in existence,” Thomas said of the long-term members. “Your legacy of service inspires us all, and we are eager to continue building on the foundation you have helped create for the future of this Society. Thank you for being a vital part of our past, present and future. We are incredibly proud to celebrate your service and accomplishments and to share our deepest appreciation for all you’ve done for the Society.”

Provided photo

ALBION – The Albion Lions Club recognized two of its members, June Persia and Ben Lennox, with an award named in honor of the late John Keding, a very dedicated member.

The “Pride of the Pride” award was presented to Persia and Lennox for their outstanding service to the club, and active participation at many of the clubs fundraisers and community service projects.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION/MEDINA – The downtown business districts in Albion and Medina held their annual Beggar’s Nite celebrations on Friday evening and passed out candy to hundreds of kids in costume. They were able to fill their bags and baskets with treats – a week before Halloween.

The top photo shows a kid dressed as SpongeBob SquarePants. SpongeBob is on the hunt for candy along Main Street in front of KeyBank.

Provided photo: Rylie, Sydney and Shelby Ierlan are shown with their mother, Mykailah Roberts, in Albion. They had a Cat in the Hat theme.

Anita Finley, lower right, was among the merchants passing out candy in downtown Albion.

A friendly Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street made an appearance in Albion.

The Downtown Browsery welcomed kids into the building where there were several stops for candy and prizes.

This group did a witches’ dance on Main Street in Albion.

The Print Shop upped its efforts during Beggar’s Night in medina, creating this banner as a photo back drop. A long line waited outside at the Print Shop’s parking lot.

These kids in the photo include a brother and sister. Alyvia Chmylak, 6, of Holley is the Corpse Bride and her brother Kayden, age 9, is a Horror Rabbit.

Jana Howard, back left, and Tina Oosterling, co-owner of A Kut Above, gave out lots of candy. They look forward to Beggar’s Nite every year.

“We live to see the kids,” Howard said. “We see a lot of people we know. The kids are growing up fast.”

Randy Heslor, production supervisor for The Print Shop, dressed as the IT character and served as a crossing guard during the busy event.

Riki Lake, dressed as pumpkin, passed out candy next to her son, Lakato who was a character from Squid Games. They are outside the new office for CHPC.

Micheal Fuller, co-owner of The Print Shop, hands out boxes of candy and stickers. Print Shop went through 800 in the first hour and had 1,000 ready to give away. Nicole Keith is the butterfly and her daughter Aurora is Miraculous Ladybug.

Marci Fullwell, a vendor at the Downtown Browsery, disperses candy while in a character in the window portrays Jason from the Friday the 13^th movies.

The Fringe not only passed out candy but they dressed out as characters from Hocus Pocus.

In front, Khloe Mank, 9, is Emily Binx. In back from left are Leah Printup as Thackery Binx (the iconic cat), Jennifer Printup as Winifred Sanderson, Amanda Mank as Mary Sanderson, and Vanessa Lhommedieu as Sarah Sanderson.

Lhommedieu is owner of The Fringe. Last year the group dressed up as characters from Beetlejuice.

“I love the magic of Halloween for kids,” she said. “It’s fun when your co-workers join in the shenanigans with you.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – This scary character is at the beginning of the Haunted Hallway at The Villages of Orleans, a nursing home on Route 31 in Albion.

For the second year, the activities staff at The Villages has created a “Haunted Hallway” where the community can get a scare, and at the end receive candy and treats from residents of The Villages.

Orly the Ox, the county’s bicentennial mascot, ventured through the creepy hallway. Orly dressed as a nurse. He wanted to support the effort, and meet some of the residents who were passing out candy at the end of the hallway.

The dimly lit indoor hallway has several scary spots. Some Albion students are volunteering during the event which continues today from 6 to 8 p.m. (Watch out for the Silly String from these students.)

The activities department dressed up as characters for the event. From left includes Rhiannon Farrell, Meghan Clark, Orly the Ox and Nancy Donahue.

There is no charge to go through the Haunted Hallway but donations are accepted for the activities department.

Some of the residents passing out candy said they hope to see more kids today going through the hallway.

Photo by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce held its 27^th annual awards dinner on Thursday evening at the White Birch Golf Club and presented nine different awards.

The winners include:

• Business of the Year: Velocitii
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Rita Zambito
• New Business of the Year: Homestead Pest Control
• Small Business of the Year: Bentley Brothers
• Phoenix Award: Newell Lounge/Shirt Factory
• Agricultural Business of the Year: RLW Cattle
• Hidden Gem: Hurd Orchards
• Business Person of the Year: Dan DeCarlo
• Community Service Award: Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern

Pictured, first row, from left: Dan DeCarlo, Jeff Brandt and Heather Smith of Velocitii, Jami Allport of Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern, Morgan Woodworth of RLW Cattle, Laura Bentley of Bentley Brothers, Rita Zambito, and Susan Hurd Machamer of Hurd Orchards.

Back Row: Richie Sarrero and Andrew Meier of Newell Lounge/Shirt Factory, Brian O’Neill of Velocitii, Lane and Nathan Woodworth (on behalf of their parents Rachel and Patrick Woodworth) of RLW Cattle, Jacob Ivison of Homestead Pest Control, and Amy Machamer and Amelia Sidonio of Hurd Orchards.

Orleans Hub expects to have more photos and comments from the winners posted on Saturday.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Iris Rosario Reyes and Gerardo Lareto Diaz work in their farm’s booth at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.

MEDINA – Realizing their life’s dream didn’t happen overnight for Pablo and Beatrice Rosario of West Lee Road.

The couple immigrated to the United States from Mexico more than 30 years ago, settling in Florida and working farms there. They picked oranges and tomatoes there, then one year decided to come north in the fall to pick apples.

They had always dreamed of having a farm of their own and decided to stay in Orleans County, said daughter Iris Rosario Reyes. In 2016 the opportunity arose to purchase their own farm on West Lee Road, Albion.

“We did so many renovations,” Reyes said. “We bought tractors and built greenhouses.”

Rosario Farms now specializes in berries, with 85 acres of apples, peaches, blueberries, raspberries, pears, plums and nectarines.

“Every little crack of land, we plant something,” Reyes said.

They also rent a farm on Route 104.

“The best part of farming is being alone with nature,” Reyes said. “We mow the orchards and they look so cool.”

This is the family’s first year as a vendor at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market. In addition to that, they have a stand at each of their farm’s locations. They welcome the opportunity to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to the community.

Located at the corner of West Center Street and West Avenue, the market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The farmers’ market will shift to its winter site at 345 Main St. beginning on Nov. 1, using the part of the building closer to the canal rather than the side facing Main Street.

 Press Release, Tops Friendly Markets

Tops Friendly Markets announced today that the company will once again offer military personnel and their immediate families an 11 percent discount off their grocery bill this Veterans Day.

This marks the 12th year Tops has been extending this discount to military personnel and their families. To date this program has afforded our veterans over $1million dollars in discounts.

On Tuesday, November 11, Tops Markets will honor an 11 percent discount off a total order to all veterans and immediate family members in the same household, who shop at any Tops location. Tops has stores in Orleans County at Albion and Medina.

Customers should present proof of service that they, or an immediate family member are a U.S. veteran, active duty, reserve or retired military personnel to automatically receive an 11 percent discount off their total purchase that day.

“The respect and gratitude we feel for those who serve or have served in the military is beyond measure, and for that, we are eternally thankful,” said Ron Ferri, president of Tops Friendly Markets. “Since the campaign’s inception in 2014, we’re proud to have helped save our veterans over $1 million dollars. This annual savings is just one of the many ways we strive to give back to our local military community by honoring the associates and customers who have bravely defended our nation and made countless sacrifices through their service.”

Additionally, select Tops locations will be selling 4×6 US flags with a portion of its proceeds being donated back to Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight.  Flags will be on sale through Nov. 15.

Press Release, Orleans and Niagara counties

Orleans County Department of Social Services Commissioner Holli Nenni and Niagara County DSS Commissioner Meghan Lutz today issued a joint statement to residents regarding the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) for the 2025 -2026 season.

“Please be advised that due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the start of applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) has been delayed indefinitely. We know how important HEAP is to helping many families keep their homes warm in the winter and our staff will be ready to move forward with applications as soon as the process starts.  We will be releasing more information about the HEAP process as we receive it.

“The shutdown is not yet affecting other programs overseen by our offices and the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Applications for Public Assistance and SNAP are continuing to be accepted, benefits are being provided, and use of benefit cards continues at this time.  We have been told, however, that these programs could be impacted as well if the shutdown continues into November.”

 To learn more about HEAP and to keep up with any updates, visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/apply/#heap. Information on the federal shutdown can be found at the top of that page.

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.

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.