By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 July 2025 at 12:33 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Isabel Nesbitt, 12, of Lyndonville shows a pig during Monday’s swine show. Isabel won the novice division featuring first-time swine showman and then won the overall title against the top two showmen in the junior and senior divisions.
The swine showmen included 51 kids in 4-H. That is double the number in recent years. There will also be 25 pigs in the market auction at 7 p.m. on Saturday. That is about double the usual number of pigs in the auction.
“We’re growing,” said Julie Donofrio, the swine superintendent. “We’re like a big family.”
It was intense competition in the show ring, especially because many of the 4-H’ers were trying extra hard to beat their siblings and cousins.
This photo shows Everett Bruning of Barre, left, and Lane Miller of Lyndonville. Lane finished second in the novice division. There were 16 kids in the novice division.
Sylvia Bruning of Barre keeps a pig under control during the swine show. She competed in the novice division and came in fourth.
The swine showman competition stretched more than an hour. The final two included Isabel Nesbitt, 12, of Lyndonville and defending swine master showman Ruth Kuipers, 15, of Byron. They used swine sticks to help guide and control the animals.
Isabel won the showman title with the judge praising her for maintaining her intensity throughout the competition. Isabel kept a hunched over posture throughout it, while keeping her eyes focused on the judge. She received loud applause when she was declared the winner.
She qualifies for the grand master showman competition on Friday when the top showmen from nine species of livestock have to show all of the species.
David Schultheis, the swine judge, said he was duly impressed by the 4-Hers at the swine show.
“What outstanding showmanship and what a drive we had out here,” he said.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 22 July 2025 at 12:07 pm
Melissa O’Connor, left, has written a novel, The One and Only Vivian Stone.
MEDINA – Melissa O’Connor of Buffalo has chosen Author’s Note in Medina for the initial book signing to launch her debut novel, The One and Only Vivian Stone, published by Simon and Schuster.
O’Connor heard about Author’s Note at 519 Main St. from her husband’s parents, who live near Oakfield. She will discuss and sign copies of her novel at 7 p.m. July 28.
O’Conner has a literary background, having been editor of a higher education publishing firm until deciding to stay home with her children, now ages 10 and 13.
“I have wanted to write since I was 9 years old, and wrote a short story at Thanksgiving from the viewpoint of a turkey,” O’Connor said. “When I graduated from college, I tried to write several times, but it was bad and I was turned down. I kept trying and stopping. I don’t know what clicked in my early 30s, but one time my husband was on an overnight trip for work and I pulled out my computer, and the words just kept flowing.”
Although The One and Only Vivian Stone is her first published novel, she has written four overall.
This book was inspired by “I Love Lucy,” O’Connor said. “I was obsessed with her show. I had gone to the Lucy and Desi Museum when I found out they had gotten a divorce. I had loved how they were a couple on and off the screen and didn’t understand how this couple who appeared to have it all, didn’t. They had this successful show, and I thought, ‘What do you do when your co-star is your estranged husband.’ Do you stay with the show and make America happy, or do you make yourself happy.”
O’Connor said it took her six weeks to write the book and four months to edit it. She got an agent’s offer, unbelievably, within a week.
“It was a case of having the right story at the right time going across the right desk,” she said.
In her book, O’Conner weaves a dual narrative from the novel The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and the television show “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” in which estranged lovers reconnect over mysterious tapes found in an attic and the old Hollywood secret hidden within them.
New York Times bestselling author Abby Jimenez calls the book “intriguing, sparkling with wit and suspenseful in all the right places,” and Booklist called it “a captivating blend of romance and mystery that will keep readers eagerly turning pages.”
O’Connor became obsessed with stories involving family secrets, betrayal and forbidden love after being given a box of used V.C. Andrews books at the age of 10.
When not writing now, O’Connor can usually be found cheering on her kids’ hockey teams and sneaking words on the page between games.
O’Connor shared she is working on a new novel about the music industry, inspired by Carly Simon’s You’re so Vain.
During her visit to Author’s Note on July 28, she will not only sign copies and read from her book, but will answer questions from the audience.
Her book signing will immediately follow Author’s Note Fiction Book Club, which will take place at 6 p.m. instead of its usual start time of 6:30. The One and Only Vivian Stone will be the book club’s August selection for discussion at the bookstore on Aug. 25 at the regular time of 6:30 p.m.
Book clubs and Author’s Note events are open to the public, according to owner and New York Times’ best-selling author Julie Berry.
Copies of the One and Only Vivian Stone are available at Author’s Note or online at www.authorsnote/com/events. Those unable to attend may order signed copies of the book to be picked up at the store or shipped free by logging on to the above website or calling (585) 798-3642.
BATAVIA – Genesee Community College has announced the students from Orleans County on the Dean’s List for the spring semester. There are 198 students from GCC in total named to Dean’s List.
Students honored on the Dean’s List have maintained full or part-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.50 to 3.74.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 July 2025 at 10:59 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County 4-H Fair is always game for new contests to test the prowess of the public. On Monday, the fair held its first ever corn of the cob eating contest.
In the top photo, Luke Gregoire (left), and Vinnie Snell chomp on corn on the cob that was provided by Rush’s in Waterport.
There were nine competitors in the corn on the cob eating contest. They are introduced by Kayla Dengler, right, the emcee of the event. From right to left going down the table include sisters Madison and Reagan Flor, Michael Decker, Katie Oakes, John and Vinnie Snell, Luke Gregoire, and Michael and Jason Clark.
Michael Clark, 21, of Kendall won the event, gobbling 4 ½ ears of corn in only 3 minutes. Michael said the corn was hot but he didn’t let that slow him down.
“I ignored the heat and pain and just kept munching,” he said.
His father sat next to him and came in second with 4 ears of corn consumed.
John Snell of Albion came in third with 3 ½ ears of corn eaten. He is next to his son, Vinnie.
Madison Flor, 25, of Albion was able to eat 3 ears of corn in 3 minutes. “It sounded like fun and it was fun,” she said.
She is next to her sister, Reagan, while Kayla Dengler announced the action.
There are some other unusual contests at the fair including a rubber chicken throwing contest at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, a rooster crowing competition at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, a Mom Calling Contest at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, and some others. Click here to see the full fair schedule.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 July 2025 at 9:24 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
KNOWLESVILLE – Nick Fitzak raising the American flag while other veterans join at opening ceremonies of the Orleans County 4-H Fair on Monday evening.
Veterans for many years have led a flag-raising ceremony for the start of the fair.
Next to Fitzak are Dave Kuzmierszak, at left, and Tom Snyder.
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley said fairs help celebrate agriculture’s critical importance to the local and state-wide economy.
The 2022 Ag Census put the farm revenue in Orleans County at $233.6 million, the 15th most of 62 counties in the state. Cayuga is the top-ranked county at $461.9 million.
State-wide, the ag revenues totaled $8.04 billion in 2022.
Hawley also invited veterans to consider going on the next Patriot Trip to Washington, DC from Sept. 19-22.
These veterans provided a dignified presence at opening ceremonies for the fair.
JW Cook, the Finger Lakes region representative for Gov. Kathy Hochul, touted NY’s investments in rural New York, including $11 million to broadband Internet expansion in Orleans County.
Caton Conde, president of the board for the Cornell Cooperative Extension, praised a team of staff and volunteers that have worked on the fair all year. Conde was an active 4-H member when she was a kid. She said the fair is a showcase for 4-Hers and their projects.
Fair manager Marty Zwifka said the fairgrounds have new bathrooms/showers, and a full slate of entertainment.
This week’s fair also changes the admission, from per car to a $10 admission fee per person that is good all week. The parking lot off Wood Road also is being used for vendors with the public lot shifted to the side by Taylor Hill Road, the second entrance off Route 31.
Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature chairwoman, said the fair is a chance for local youth to make memories that will last a lifetime.
A parade through the grounds included Orly the Ox in the Gator, 4-H members and their dogs, and a Ridgeway fire truck.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 July 2025 at 7:41 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Maevyn Ham, 6, of Holley is delighted by all the bubbles from the Amazing Bubble Factory. She is shown just before the 8:30 p.m. show on Monday.
8 a.m. – 4-H English Horse Show at Carlos Marcello Arena
9 a.m. to 11 a.m. – 4-H Senior Council Stand Breakfast Hours at 4-H Senior Council Stand
10 a.m. – 4-H Dairy Goat Show at Livestock Show Arena
10 a.m. – Horticulture I.D. Contest at Center Stage
11 a.m. – Senior Council 4-H Food Booth Hamburgers, Hots, and Cold Drinks. Proceeds support teen award trips and programs. 4-H Senior Council Stand
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Showmanship at Wachob Pavilion
Elizabeth Dresser competes in the swine showmanship competition on Monday, which featured 51 4-Hers with pigs, about double the participants from recent years.
12 p.m. – Paid public admission begins, Buildings open to the public. Taylor Hill Road Parking Lots
1 to 3 p.m. – 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Knowledge Contest at Wachob Pavilion
4 p.m. – Dog Grooming and Handling: Junior Judging
4 p.m. – 4-H Leaders’ Pie Stand Opens at Pie Stand
5 to 10 p.m. – Main Event Amusements $35 Unlimited Ride Wristbands during this session at Midway
5 to 6 p.m. – Basketball Free Throw Contest at JCH of Buffalo Food Court
5 to 10 p.m. – Agrigolf. Miniature Golf with an agriculture twist. Trolley Building Lawn
Orly the Ox leads a parade on Monday in a gator driven by Abby Smith of the Cornell Cooperative Extension. They are followed from a big group of 4-H’ers and their dogs.
6 p.m. – K9s In Flight: Free entertainment! Knight’s Building Lawn
6 p.m. – 4-H Dairy Cattle Show at Livestock Show Arena
6 p.m. – 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Show Costume, Pet and Cloverbud Classes at Wachob Pavilion
6 p.m. – K9s In Flight: Free entertainment! Knight’s Building Lawn
6:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: The Amazing Bubble Factory at Cattle Barn Lawn
6:30 p.m. – Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull- Registration ends 15 minutes before event. JCH of Buffalo Tent
7 p.m. – 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Show, Breed Classes at Wachob Pavilion
7 p.m. – Down Home Country Cloggers Dance Group at Orleans Hub Stage
8 to 10 p.m. – Orleans County 4-H Fair $1,000 Karaoke Challenge at Orleans Hub Stage
8:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: The Amazing Bubble Factory at Cattle Barn Lawn
10 p.m. – Buildings Close – Goodnight Fair
Aim High Canines put on a show with dogs leaping to catch frisbees and do other acrobatic feats.
MEDINA – The Medina school district announced it will continue providing free breakfasts and lunches to all students this school year.
Medina has been offering free breakfast and lunch to all students the past seven years through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the National School Breakfast/Lunch Program.
The CEP program provides the opportunity for schools in high poverty areas to provide two nutritious meals every school day, while eliminating the stigma for those students previously identified as “low income.”
The CEP began in 2011 with three states piloting the program and then became a nationwide program in 2014. To be eligible for CEP at least 40 percent of students must be identified as “directly certified” for free meals without a meal application through programs such as SNAP, TANF and Medicaid. Medina school district has met this eligibility guideline.
For additional information about the program, contact the following:
Medina Jr/Sr High School – Michael Cavanagh, Principal at 585-798-2700 ext. 1
Clifford Wise Intermediate School – Jennifer Stearns, Principal at 585-798-2700 ext. 2
Oak Orchard Primary School – Julie Schiavone, Principal at 585-798-2700 ext. 3
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 21 July 2025 at 4:00 pm
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health continues to expand and add services with the announcement of the opening of a gastrointestinal clinic at Medina Memorial Hospital in August.
The clinic will be led by Dr. Saman Chubineh, a board-certified gastroenterologist with more than a decade of experience in diagnosing and treating a broad range of gastrointestinal conditions.
“We continue to grow and expand specialty services to better serve our rural community,” said Marc Shurtz, CEO of Orleans Community Health. “The addition of Dr. Chubineh and the Medina GI Clinic is another step toward making high-quality, local care more accessible to the people who rely on us.”
Dr. Chubineh received his medical degree from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine after graduating magna cum laude with departmental honors from New York University. He is also board certified in internal medicine, having trained at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset.
After a year directing the hospitalist program at Eastern Niagara University, he completed his fellowship in gastroenterology at the University of Connecticut and has been practicing as a board-certified gastroenterologist since 2013. His work has been published in several peer-reviewed journals, and he is dedicated to providing thorough, evidence-based care, according to a news released from Orleans Community Health.
Patients visiting the Medina GI Clinic will see Dr. Chubineh personally for both office visits and procedures, ensuring continuity and a high level of personalized care, said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach.
The clinic will initially operate on the first Thursday of each month, with plans to expand as needed.
“Patients deserve access to high-quality specialty care without having to travel far, and we’re proud to offer that here in Medina,” Dr. Chubineh said.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (716) 240-2296.
This familiar rustic sign by the 4-H Fairgrounds is a familiar sight on Route 31.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 5, No. 25
KNOWLESVILLE – As these signs indicate, the Orleans County Fair has been held at a variety of dates over the years.
Whatever the date, “The Fair” is a defining event in the calendar year, equal in stature to “The Holidays.”
This older sign promises “Gigantic Night Entertainment, Many New Features Racing Daily, Big Midway Attractions.” This was when the fair was held in Albion.
Its carnival spirit heightens experiences, tastes, memories. The sights, smells, sounds, even the heat or rain, everything is intensified at the Fair.
This Fair advertising pin is from 1972.
Yes, we will see you at The Fair!
Be sure to visit us at the Orleans County Bicentennial booth this year. Carol Culhane will be on hand with her keepsake Orleans County Bicentennial posters. Of course, Orly, our charismatic mascot, will also be around to join us.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 July 2025 at 12:12 pm
SHELBY – Three of the five Shelby Town Boards resigned last week leaving the board without a quorum to carry on town business.
Town Supervisor Scott Wengewicz and board members Jeff Schiffer and Stephen Seitz Sr. all resigned. Seitz also is the town’s deputy town supervisor. With the resignations of the three board members, the Town Board only has Linda Limina and Eddie Zelazny left.
There will be a meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Shelby fire hall where town attorney, Kathleen Bennett, will discuss the situation and possible next steps for the Town Board and government.
The board doesn’t have enough members to appoint anyone to fill the vacancies.
Wengewicz on June 24 was defeated by Jim Heminway in a Republican primary for town supervisor, 283 to 118.
Lawrence Waters Sr. and Ed Żelazny campaigned with Heminway and they defeated Michael Moriarty and Vassilios Bitsas in the Republican primary. The Republican Committee endorsed Wengewicz, Moriarty and Bitsas. Although they won the primary, the terms for office don’t start until Jan. 1, 2026.
Last year in the Town of Berne in Albany County three of the five board members resigned. The town wasn’t able to have another Town Board meeting for eight months until March 2025. Kathy Hochul needed to make an appointment to fill one of the vacancies so the Town Board could have a quorum.
In St. Lawrence County, four of the five members of the Hermon Town Board resigned in March 2024. The town was unable to carry out routine business, even paying its bills. Gov. Hochul would appoint two members on April 4, 2024 so the board could function but it needed unanimous votes among the three members for a resolution to pass.
Tuesday’s meeting in Shelby is expected to last until 6:30 p.m.
After that there will be a presentation from representatives of New Leaf Energy on their plans for two solar energy projects on Route 63. One solar project is called South Gravel Rd. Solar 1 LLC and the other is South Gravel Rd. Solar 3LLC. Both are for 5 megawatts of power.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 July 2025 at 9:18 am
Penny for hot dogs, pie, lemonade and many other activities
Photos by Tom Rivers
EAST SHELBY – Horses pull a wagon on Sunday during the very popular Old-Fashioned Day celebration at the East Shelby Community Bible Church.
The event typically draws about 2,000 people for an event that goes back about 35 years.
Aaleyah Hoste of Medina pets a horse named Blaize. She is next to her parents, Amber and Brandon. Jacob Sherlock, right, of Springville brought a team of horses to give rides. There were six different groups of horses and wagons offering rides.
The church served pie, hot dogs and lemonade for a penny. From left cooking the hot dogs include Ken Baker, Jack Redick and Mike Conlon. The church had 2,500 hot dogs ready for the public.
Robert Eaton and Denise Jaczynski get pies ready for the people. Church members baked 325 pies. At 8 slices each that was 2,520 slices altogether.
JoJo Dudley, 7, did laundry in a wash basin – the old-fashioned way. Doing the laundry was much harder work back in the 1800s. It was typically done on Mondays with the dirtiest clothes done last. Water needed to be gathered and warmed up. When the task was done, the water was poured in flower beds. People used onions and lemons to help clean the clothes.
The church choir sang several hymns while pastor Erik Olsen played the piano. Olsen said about 200 people put on the event.
This horse pulls a wagon down Barber Road with freshly cut wheat fields nearby.
These signs lined Barber Road near the West Jackson Corners village.
Emma Kehlenbeck, 8, of Alexander hammers in a wooden peg in a coat rack under some guidance from Leo Dispenza at left. Church volunteers had 275 coat racks ready to be assembled.
A long line of cars parked along East Shelby Road to see the events at the village, West Jackson Corners, created by the church across the road.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 July 2025 at 7:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Samantha Basinait and her father Craig attach a banner in the cattle barn. Samantha has aged out of 4-H. Her sisters – Kaitlynn, 16, and Isabella, 13 – will be showing beef cows and goats this week. Many of the 4-H’ers brought animals to the fair on Sunday.
Opening Day: Gates open at 4 p.m. Midway will not be open.
9 a.m. to 11 a.m. – 4-H Senior Council Stand Breakfast Hours at 4-H Senior Council Stand
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Commercial Exhibits in Place throughout event
8 a.m. – Cloverbud Horse Show Followed by Walk/Trot Horse Show at Carlos Marcello Arena
9 a.m. – Rabbit and Poultry Meeting for all Exhibitors at Wachob Building
9:20 a.m. – Cattle Barn Department Meeting for all Exhibitors at Cattle Barn
9:40 a.m. – Goat/Sheep Department meeting for all Exhibitors at Goat/Sheep Barn
These kids are in the Wachob Building eager to see chickens and rabbits.
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – 4-H Exhibits including Common Garden Vegetables, Market Packages, Cut Flowers, Indoor Gardening, Fruits and Nuts, Plant Collection (Preserved and Scrapbook), Landscape Pictures and Plants, Experiments, Horticulture Methods judged at Trolley Building
11 a.m. – Senior Council 4-H Food Booth Hamburgers, Hots, and Cold Drinks. Proceeds support teen award trips and programs. 4-H Senior Council Stand
11 a.m. – Field Crops judged at Trolley Building
1 to 3 p.m. – Group Exhibits, Food Preservation, Baked Goods and Visual Arts judged at Trolley Building
4 p.m. – Paid public admission begins. Taylor Hill Road Parking Lot
4 p.m. – Mini-Horse Show and Horse Driving Classes at Knights Building
4 p.m. – 4-H Leaders’ Homemade Pie Stand opens at Pie Stand
4 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Blacksmith Demo at Beadle Building
Kendyll Kidney,17, of Lyndonville and Caleb Fisher, 12, of Albion separate slices of cheese in the 4-H Senior Council Stand. The stand expects to sell 650 pounds of cheeseburgers this week and 100 pounds of hamburgers. Proceeds from the stand helped pay for the new bathrooms and showers opening at this week’s fair.
5 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Agrigolf. Miniature Golf with an agriculture twist. Trolley Building Lawn
6 p.m. – K9s In Flight: Free entertainment! Knight’s Building Lawn
6 p.m. – Orleans County 4-H Fair Opening Day Parade throughout grounds
6 p.m. – Disc Golf Competition at Lawn West of Horse Arena
6:30 p.m. – Miniature Horse Hands On at Knights Building
6:30 p.m. – Opening Ceremony, Presentation of Colors by Orleans County Veterans Flag Pole on Ed Center Lawn
6:45 p.m. – Corn Eating Contest – Sponsored by Rush’s Farm at Orleans Hub Stage
6:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: The Amazing Bubble Factory at Cattle Barn Lawn
7 p.m. – 4-H Dog Bowl
Beth Wood, left, and Kriss Sniffen set up a booth for the Orleans County Democratic Party. Many organizations and businesses will have displays set up during the fair at the Lartz Building. The Democratic Committee will be giving away “USA” key chains, copies of the U.S. Constitution, and offering a short political quiz so people can see where they fall on the political spectrum. “There is a lot of common ground,” said Wood, secretary for the local Democratic Party.
7 p.m. – 4-H Fashion Revue at Orleans Hub Stage
7:30 p.m. – Trolley Building Youth Exhibits Open at Trolley Building
7 p.m. – 4-H Swine Show at Livestock Show Arena
6 p.m. – K9s In Flight: Free entertainment! at Knight’s Building Lawn
8-10 p.m. – Orleans County 4-H Fair $1,000 Karaoke Contest at Orleans Hub Stage
8:30 p.m. – Free Entertainment: The Amazing Bubble Factory at Cattle Barn Lawn
10 p.m. – Buildings Close – Goodnight Fair throughout event
