Photos courtesy of Hoag Library: The Rochester Mandolin Orchestra will perform on Saturday at noon to cap this year’s series of concerts at the library in Albion. This will close out the third year of concerts at Hoag.
Press Release, Hoag Library
ALBION – Hoag Library is excited to announce that the Rochester Mandolin Orchestra will perform the final concert of the 2025 Hoag Library Music Series on Saturday at noon. This free community performance will take place at Hoag Library, bringing a dynamic year of live music to a memorable close.
Planning for the 2026 Music Series is already underway. Among the artists preparing to take the stage next year is the Medusa Quartet, a genre-bending chamber-folk ensemble known for reimagining the traditional string quartet. Additional performers will be announced as the new season approaches.
The Hoag Library Music Series, presented in partnership with GO Art!, showcases a diverse lineup of accomplished musicians throughout the year. This initiative is made possible with funding from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, supported by the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by GO Art!
This winter, Adult Services Librarian Jim Doyle will also continue his hands-on music programming with Make a Mountain Dulcimer Classes and Learn a Dulcimer Song with Jim, offering patrons a unique opportunity to explore traditional folk music and instrument building.
For more information about upcoming concerts and music workshops, visit Hoag Library or follow us on social media.
Medusa Quartet will perform next year at Hoag Library. The group is known for reimagining the traditional string quartet.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 December 2025 at 11:18 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
GAINES – Rob Batt, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County, honors the “Friends of the Extension” during the CCE’s annual meeting last week at the Tavern on the Ridge.
Gary and Dawn Marciszewski received the award for their volunteer efforts running the Senior Council Stand during the week-long 4-H Fair. They order all the food and stay with the volunteers from morning to night.
The stand raises about $15,000 during the week to support 4-H programs.
The Marciszewskis have been involved with 4-H for decades. They were poultry superintendents and chaperones for trips. Mrs. Marciszewski also was a dog club leader.
They work with about 100 youths in the Senior Council Stand during the week. Mrs. Marciszewski said the kids enjoy taking responsibility when they have their shifts.
“They like to cook, make change and stock shelves,” she said. They like to do things.”
She and her husband have enjoyed watching the 4-Hers grow up over the years.
Jann Davis of West Barre, left, was honored as the 4-H Volunteer of the Year. She is presented the award by Kristina Gabalski, the 4-H program leader.
Davis is vice president of the Horse Program Development Committee and coach of the Horse Bowl and Hippology teams. A former 4-H program leader, Davis returned to volunteering with 4-H about two years ago. She joined a strong horse program that has dozens of youths, Gabalski said.
The program is Orleans, however, had limited equine knowledge-related programs and contests. Davis stepped in to run Horse Bowl and Hippology for Orleans County.
Horse Bowl is in a Jeopardy-style format, giving youths a chance to showcase their horse knowledge in a competitive event. Horse Bowl asks questions about equine terms, the horse industry, feeding and care, and anatomy.
Hippology is more rigorous testing of equine science and application of equine knowledge in a competitive setting. “Hippo” means horse in Greek and “ology” is the study of.
Davis led teams in Horse Bowl and Hippology contests in regional contests last spring, and then the Hippology competition at the State Fair in August.
“Jann is incredibly knowledgeable, creative, enthusiastic, patient and kind,” Gabalski said. “She also understands the importance of setting expectations and challenges for youth while supporting them with the knowledge that they have the grit and ability to go outside their comfort zones and do these things.”
There are currently seven youths in the program. Davis said three more are expected to soon join.
Other 4-H leaders were recognized during the annual meeting:
Barb Kurzowski for 27 years with the Rabbit Raisers and poultry clubs
Erik Seielstad for 13 years with the robotics program
Dawn Marciszewski for the 4-H Senior Council Stand
Robyn Watts for 48 years with the Abundant Harvest 4-H Club. She also leads the Family and Consumer Science Program Development Committee.
Melissa Asento for five years leading the Goat Busters Club.
Bill Gerling for 35 years with the rabbit program
Caton Conde, president of the board of directors for the CCE, addressed about 75 people at the annual meeting. Conde was an active member of the 4-H program as a kid when she was Caton McKenna. She thanked the many 4-H volunteers for offering such a meaningful program in Orleans County.
“As a proud 4-H alum, I know firsthand how transformative the programs we offer can be,” Conde said. “Raising animals, learning new skills, showing at the fair – these moments create not only incredible memories but also a strong work ethic that stays with you for life.”
Conde said she felt so strongly about the 4-H, she named her daughter Clover, which is the 4-H logo. Her son is in the 4-H Lego Club. She looks forward to her children growing up in the program and showing animals and entering projects at the fair.
There are 319 youths enrolled in 4-H. They entered 3,337 exhibits at the county fair.
Some other highlights from the year:
Master gardeners and food preservers completed 2,335 hours of service teaching 1,388 class participants
Digital literacy served an average of 1.2 people very working day
The Elderberries Senior Cooking program expanded to serve eight counties in WNY
An average of 400 households attended monthly food distributions at the fairgrounds.
Families used 2,000 seed packets from the master gardeners seed share program to start and grow their own plants at home
Pesticide education supported 165 individuals taking pretest training for essential licensing
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 December 2025 at 9:49 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Sue Jones stands outside Black Walnut Home Care at 13713 Allis Rd. She opened the business last week with Nancy Donahue. The property has some impressive black walnut trees.
BARRE – A new option for assisted care is now available in Orleans County. Sue Jones and Nancy Donahue have opened their home for three senior citizens to stay.
Black Walnut Home Care LLC is available for up to three residents. Jones and Donahue want to provide a safe place for older residents in a family setting.
The two provided home care for developmentally disabled adults for over 10 years when they lived in New Hampshire. They moved to Barre on Allis Road three years ago to be closer to Donahue’s family.
The assisted care site is certified by the state, but not for medical care. They provide lodging, meals, medication oversight, laundry, outings, transportation to appointments and other social activities.
“We both like working with people,” Jones said at Black Walnut, which is located at 13713 Allis Rd.
Black Walnut Home Care includes a two-bedroom room and a single room. The cost is $2,500 a month for the single room and $2,300 to stay in the double room. That includes lodging, meals, transportation and care (not medical).
Both Jones and Donahue have long careers caring for other people. Since moving to Barre, Jones has worked for the State of New York providing direct care support in several of the state group homes in the Batavia area. Donahue has worked with seniors as an activities aide, playing Bingo, supervising outings, and doing crafts with the seniors of the Villages of Orleans in Albion.
Jones said many local seniors live on their own and struggle to keep up with day-to-day tasks. Their children often live far away.
She and Donahue wanted to offer an option that would be more affordable than most assisted care sites. They charge $2,500 a month for the single room, and $2,300 a month to be in the double room. That includes the lodging, meals, transportation and activities.
Jones and Donahue welcome people to visit the site for a tour to see if it’s a good fit for their needs. The residents will need to like animals. There are dogs and cats inside, and their also horses, goats and chickens.
Black Walnut also has a swimming pool and hot tub.
For more information, call Black Walnut at (585) 283-4281.
Sue Jones pets a cat in the living room at Black Walnut Home Care. There are several cats and dogs, as well as farm animals at the site.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 December 2025 at 6:14 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Joe and Diane Argento opened Argento’s Bakery & Deli today at 117 North Liberty St. in Albion.
The couple expected to have a soft opening and news spread once they put the open sign out at 10 a.m.
“Our goal was to get our feet wet before the big grand opening, but word has definitely gotten out,” they posted on the Argento’s Facebook page. “We are beyond thankful for all the love and support everyone has shown us.”
Mr. Argento ran the Argento’s Kitchen diner in Elba for three years in the late 1990s. He then worked 17 years at Batavia Downs as a bartender, then as customers relations manager, and the final two years as the Homestretch Grill at the Downs. He retired on Aug. 30.
His wife also worked at Homestretch. They live about a mile from their business, the former location of Pretty Sweet Bakery.
The Argentos both retired from Batavia Downs, but didn’t want to end their work lives.
“We’re too young to retire,” Mr. Argento said.
He enjoys chatting with the customers and working alongside his wife.
The new deli and bakery is located at 117 North Liberty St., behind Five Star Bank and across from Arnold’s Auto Parts.
Joe Argento prepares the sandwiches and deli items while Diane “Di” makes the baked goods.
The couple may experiment with the hours. Right now it’s 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday with Argento’s closed on Sunday and Monday.
The deli includes a soup of the day (today it was Italian wedding soup), a variety of subs, salads, and “sangweeches” which are large Italian style sandwiches.
The bakery includes cookies, pies, cheese cake, cupcakes, muffins, cannoli, cakesicles, cupcakes and rice pudding.
The Argentos said they are pleased to be in the historic downtown in a welcoming community.
“It’s a nice town,” Di Argento said. “Everybody is friendly.”
Customers can all ahead and order at 585-590-4924. Check the Argento’s Facebook page for more information.
ALBION – Orleans County Clerk Nadine Hanlon today said those who are still using a standard driver’s license to board a domestic flight will be faced with a new $45 fee from the Transportation Security Administrations (TSA) beginning Feb. 1.
Those who have a New York State REAL ID license, enhanced license, passport or other DHS trusted traveler cards like Nexus are not impacted.
“As many people know, REAL ID requirements to board domestic flights took full effect earlier this year after years of postponement,” said Hanlon. “If you failed to get a REAL ID compliant document, TSA will soon begin charging you a fee to board a flight to cover the cost of an alternative ID verification process.”
Hanlon said specifically the fee is to use the TSA Confirm.ID process which uses advanced biometrics and biographic data for identification verification. Users will be directed to an online portal to provide personal details and documents. The approval is then good for 10 days.
“I highly suggest people who plan on flying and have yet to get their REAL ID do so and avoid the new process and fee,” said Hanlon.
Hanlon reminded residents that New York State offers both a REAL ID license and Enhanced Driver’s License to meet the federal requirements. The difference is the Enhanced can be used for travel to Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries.
Residents can visit www.dmv.ny.gov to learn about the different options and the documentation you must bring to the DMV to be issued one. The Orleans County Clerk’s Office is also a passport acceptance agency. Click here to learn more.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 December 2025 at 1:24 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – A figurine of Santa greets people at Snell Realtors on Main Street in Albion while the street lights are decorated with lights (looking like Candy Canes) by the Department of Public Works in Albion.
The Albion Merchants Association is planning its annual Hometown Holiday celebration on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with local businesses hosting activities including visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating and hot cocoa, holiday crafts for kids, carolers and live music.
There will be a lighted parade at 6 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available after the parade at Dubby’s Tailgate.
The Village Hall at 35-37 East Bank St. has three Christmas trees decorated for holidays. Many other storefronts also have displays for the Christmas season.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 11 December 2025 at 11:45 am
Provided photo: Nyla Gaylord, director of United Way of Orleans County, holds the Pillars of Homeless Service Award she received at the WNY Homeless Alliance 20th anniversary celebration on Dec. 5.
Nyla Gaylord, executive director of United Way of Orleans County, was recently recognized by the WNY Homeless Alliance with their Pillars of Homeless Service Award.
The award was presented Dec. 5 at Samuel’s Grande Manor in Williamsville, where more than 350 community members met for the WNY Homeless Alliance’s 20th anniversary celebration. The event recognized two decades of regional progress toward ending homelessness, and honored leaders whose long-standing dedication has strengthened the Western New York homeless response system.
A focal moment of the afternoon was the presentation of the award, which celebrated 21 individuals who have each contributed more than 20 years to supporting people experiencing homelessness. These honorees, whose combined careers represent centuries of advocacy and human compassion, were recognized for their steadfast service, innovation and leadership across the region.
Gaylord has a four-decade career in human services, which has been shaped by a commitment to walking alongside people whose struggles often go unseen.
Her work began in 1980 with Rural New York Farmworker Opportunities (now PathStone), where she provided assistance to migrant farmworkers and learned firsthand that advocacy, trust and dignity are essential to helping individuals move forward.
Over the years, she created programs and services to assist older adults, displaced homemakers, people with disabilities, refugees and individuals facing addiction, unemployment and mental health challenges. No matter the role, she witnessed a fundamental truth – without stable housing, people cannot begin to address unemployment, health or recovery.
In Orleans County Gaylord has led efforts to address the shortage of housing and rising homelessness. Following the 2022 closure of the Holley Hotel, she convened community partners for a countywide “Community Conversation on Housing,” which led to the opening of the county’s first warming center in 2023. Under her leadership, United Way continues to bring together government, nonprofit, business and grassroots partners to expand affordable housing options and respond to the growing number of residents without shelter.
The December celebration also featured a video chronicling the Homeless Alliance’s history, remarks from executive director Kexin Ma, and reflections from honorees Joy Tedeschi and Robyn Kreuger on the shared commitment that has shaped progress throughout Western New York, In a moment of national acknowledgment, Congressman Tim Kennedy’s office presented an Extension of Remarks to the Homeless Alliance – an honor that will join the official Congressional Record in Washington, D.C.
United Way of Orleans County extends appreciation to the Homeless Alliance and to all regional partners working to ensure every person has access to safe, stable housing. As the need grows, so does the organization’s commitment to collaboration, compassion and community-driven solutions.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Nyla Gaylord speaks in May during a housing forum that she helped lead for officials in Orleans County. That forum was held at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.
By Valerie Mostyn, DSW, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker for Oak Orchard Health
Valerie Mostyn
The holidays are a joyful time for many families, but they can also be one of the most stressful times of the year. Parents are juggling work, school breaks, holiday events, shopping, and family obligations all at once.
While kids may be excited for time off from school, the change in routine can bring new challenges at home. The good news is that small changes and planning ahead can help families enjoy the holidays with less stress.
Helping Kids Keep Healthy Sleep Habits
When kids are home from school for extended breaks, sleep schedules can quickly fall apart. Late nights turn into sleeping until the afternoon. Then, when school starts again, kids are exhausted and the return to routine becomes a struggle.
Parents don’t need to keep a strict school-night schedule during break, but it helps to keep bedtimes and wake-up times close to normal, especially during the last few days before school begins again. Slowly moving bedtime earlier helps kids adjust without feeling overwhelmed.
Making Screen Time Easier to Manage
Managing screen time is one of the biggest challenges for families today, especially during breaks when kids are home more. Many kids stay up late gaming, scrolling, or texting, even after parents think they’re asleep.
Helpful tips for parents include:
Set a clear “screens off” time each night
Keep phones, tablets and gaming systems downstairs overnight
Use built-in phone settings or parental controls
Encourage reading, puzzles or quiet music before bed
Clear boundaries help kids sleep better and reduce daily conflicts at home.
Keeping Holiday Schedules Simple
Many parents feel pressure to fit everything into the holidays—shopping, parties, school events, family visits, sports and travel. Trying to do it all often leads to burnout.
Instead of overloading your calendar, choose what truly matters most to your family. Simple activities at home can bring just as much joy as big outings. Watching a holiday movie, decorating cookies, doing crafts or decorating your home together can all create lasting memories without added stress.
It’s okay to say no sometimes. Rest is just as important as celebration.
Easing the Pressure Around Holiday Spending
Money can be a major source of stress during the holidays. Kids may ask for expensive toys, clothes or electronics. But meaningful gifts don’t have to come with a big price tag.
Parents can:
Choose one special gift and keep the rest simple
Use secondhand shops for clothes, toys and books
Talk openly with older kids about budgets
Focus on experiences instead of expensive items
What kids remember most is spending time together—not the cost of what they receive.
When Sickness Changes Your Plans
Cold and flu season often overlaps with the holidays. When kids get sick, plans may have to change quickly. Big gatherings may need to be canceled, and disappointment can set in.
Parents can shift to low-key activities at home, such as movies, puzzles, music, and quiet time together. If family visits must be missed, video calls can help kids stay connected. And remember, holidays don’t have to happen on one specific day. Celebrating later is always an option.
Finding Balance for the Whole Family
The holidays don’t need to be perfect to be meaningful. What children need most is connection, stability, and love. Keeping routines steady, setting healthy screen limits, simplifying schedules, managing money wisely, and caring for emotional health can make a big difference.
Parents already do so much every day. During the holidays, giving yourself grace may be one of the most important gifts you give your family.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) on Wednesday voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), landmark legislation that strengthens America’s national defense, advances President Trump’s peace through strength agenda, and secures critical investments for Upstate New York’s service members, bases, and defense workers.
“This year’s NDAA strengthens our military at a critical moment as threats from China, Iran, Russia, and terrorist groups rise,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “It restores accountability and merit, dismantles wasteful DEI bureaucracies, and ensures promotions are based on performance. The bill protects taxpayers by cutting nearly $20 billion in ineffective programs while supporting President Trump’s 3.8 percent pay raise for our service members. It rebuilds readiness, revitalizes our industrial base, secures the southern border, and gives our troops the tools to deter any adversary.”
“Just as important, this legislation delivers real results for Upstate New York such as beginning the recapitalization of the New York Air National Guard’s LC-130 fleet, building the new Combined Operations Facility at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, design funds for upgrades at Fort Drum, and investing in the New York National Guard. The NDAA will bring critical resources home to our region. These investments support local jobs, enhance our national defense capabilities, and reaffirm the indispensable role our communities play in keeping America safe. This is a strong step forward for our servicemembers, our state, and our nation.”
Key Upstate New York Defense Priorities Secured by Rep. Tenney in the FY26 NDAA:
• $200 million for the LC-130 polar aircraft recapitalization project to modernize the unique fleet flown by the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing and sustain critical Arctic and Antarctic missions.
• $54 million for the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station to construct a new Combined Operations Facility that will improve mission readiness and support our airmen.
• $20.3 million for Fort Drum, including: $9.5 million for aircraft maintenance hanger addition design, $8.3 million for design of Operational Readiness Transient Training Barracks design, and $2.5 million for Range 41C automated record fire and range design to improve training capabilities for the 10th Mountain Division.
• $90 million for the New York National Guard to construct a new readiness center and headquarters for the 42nd Infantry Division, enhancing readiness and resilience for New York’s Guard soldiers.
Highlights of the FY26 NDAA:
• Strengthens America’s national defense by authorizing $900.6 billion to counter threats from China, Iran, Russia, and terrorist organizations.
• Codifies core elements of President Trump’s national security agenda, rebuilding a lethal, merit-based military and eliminating wasteful DEI bureaucracies.
• Supports a 3.8% pay raise for all service members and improves housing, childcare, healthcare, and overall quality of life for military families.
• Saves taxpayers nearly $20 billion by cutting ineffective climate programs, rolling back DEI spending, reducing bureaucracy, and retiring outdated systems.
• Strengthens border security by fully funding National Guard and active-duty deployments to assist Border Patrol and enforce National Defense Areas.
• Expands counter-narcotics operations with over $1 billion to disrupt drug trafficking networks and support National Guard missions.
• Revitalizes the defense industrial base, strengthens domestic manufacturing, and accelerates delivery of cutting-edge warfighting technologies.
• Protects essential airpower by preventing unnecessary retirement of key aircraft, including C-130s, A-10s, F-15Es, E-3s, RQ-4s, and Grey Eagles.
• Advances missile defense and nuclear modernization under President Trump’s Golden Dome initiative, ensuring unmatched U.S. deterrence.
• Accelerates shipbuilding, space modernization, and programs needed to counter China and deter authoritarian aggression.
• Provides unprecedented support for Israel, reinforcing America’s commitment to its most vital ally in the Middle East.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) held a virtual press conference on Wednesday to demand that her Republican colleagues vote to extend the subsidies that help millions of Americans afford health care.
Democrats today will force a vote on a three-year extension of the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits. This is Republicans’ last chance to stop health care premiums from doubling and even tripling at the end of 2025. Gillibrand demanded that her Republican colleagues support this legislation.
“New Yorkers are already struggling with rising costs in Trump’s America. The last thing they need is skyrocketing health insurance premiums putting further strain on their bank accounts,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Those who benefit the most from ACA tax credits are working-class individuals who are the very backbone of our economy — the families who own mom-and-pop corner stores, New Yorkers who run farms that have been in their families for generations, and the single parents who work long hours to put food on the table for their kids. We owe it to them to extend the lifesaving tax credits that help them afford health care. That’s why I’m demanding that my Republican colleagues vote yes on a three-year extension of the ACA tax credits when Democrats bring this proposal to the floor tomorrow.”
Without an extension, ACA enhanced premium tax credits will expire at the end of 2025, causing 20 million Americans—including as many as 1.7 million New Yorkers—to see a drastic increase in their health insurance costs. In New York, a family of four with a household income of $125,000 per year will see an average increase of over $14,000 in their annual health insurance costs if these tax credits are allowed to expire. Gillibrand emphasized the impossible choices that this will force upon working New Yorkers.
Senator Gillibrand has been sounding the alarm about the necessity of extending the ACA tax credits for months. Earlier this year, she released a county-by-county breakdown of expected ACA premium increases for individuals and families across New York.
Editor’s Note: For Orleans County, a policy for a single person making $65,000 would increase 31.7 percent or by $104.30 a month (from $329.46 to $433.76), which would be an additional $1,251.60 a year. For a family of four making $130,000, the premium cost would go up 20.7 percent or by $212.26 a month (from $1,023.96 to $1,236.22) or $2,547.12 a year.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 11 December 2025 at 7:55 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Owner of The Walsh Rollin Hellner, right, and his girlfriend Mary Flores pose with Santa and Mrs. Claus during a free toy giveaway to 200 children on Sunday.
MEDINA – The Walsh on Sunday continued what owner Rollin Hellner hopes will be an annual tradition of giving away free toys to children.
Hellner started the giveaway last year at the West Avenue establishment and it was so successful he decided to do it again.
“I want to give back to my community,” Hellner said. “I felt this was something the community needed. I also gave out 100 meals last month, and last year I gave business owners gift certificates for a meal.”
In addition, Hellner said he planned to give his profits from The Walsh to the Medina community.
Hellner said the toy giveaway was very popular.
“We had 75 kids in the first half hour, and 150 by 11:30 a.m.,” he said.
Also on hand were Santa and Mrs. Claus, who met with children and posed for pictures.
Jim Dunn and Nichole Penner of Medina were one of the families who brought their children, Jace, 6; Ricky, 4; and Maci, 2. The children eagerly scampered between Santa’s lap and the tables full of toys, where they each got to choose one.
Hellner said any toys left over he would likely donate to MAAC toward their Christmas giveaway.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
ALBION – The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) will be holding their Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council (LEICC) Quarterly Meeting.
The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Orleans County Health Department (14016 State Route 31, Suite 101, Albion, NY 14411). Refreshments will be provided.
The LEICC is a supportive group made up of county officials, early intervention providers, childcare providers, parents of children with disabilities and other community members.
The goal of the LEICC is to afford the opportunity for parents and other members to voice their thoughts and concerns on the strengths and weaknesses of the Genesee and Orleans County Early Intervention Program and to work together to improve the program.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are encouraging parents to attend and to offer input as to how we can best meet the needs of all infants and toddlers in our local communities.
For zoom connection information or for more information on the meeting, please contact Deborah Krenzer-Lewter, Director of Children with Special Needs, at 585-344-2580 ext. 5572 or 585-589-2777.
