Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Volunteers and staff at Community Action of Orleans & Genesee were out in the cold for a couple hours on Monday morning for a food distribution. The top photo shows Barb Kurzowski (center), a volunteer from the Cornell Cooperative Extension.

The CCE and Community Action have been helping each other at their food drives.

The distributions in Albion are usually the second Monday each month and include enough food for about 200 households.

Community Action announced there will be an extra distribution this month in Albion starting at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 21. This is at the municipal parking lot at 131 South Platt St. There is no need to register.

Ryan Lasal, director of community programming for Community Action, was among about 15 people helping to fill and deliver boxes of food.

Many of the people showed up two hours before the distribution started.

Foodlink had more food available for the people on Monday, and will be doing the extra distribution on Nov. 21.

“The need is great,” Lasal said.

The Community Action food pantry was nearly bare last week. People in the community donated $5,000 to help restock the pantry. Lasal said he spent $1,200 over the weekend at Costco to get more food for the local pantry.

To donate to Community Action online, visit caoginc.org/donations. To donate to the food pantries, contact Kristina Ettinger, community services manager, at 585-589-5605 x101. To volunteer, email: info@caoginc.org.

Taryn Moyle, program manager of the Child Care Resource Center, carries a box of food for a family.

Other upcoming distributions in Orleans County include:

• Orleans Cornell Cooperative Extension, 12690 State Route 31, on Monday, December 1 beginning at 10 a.m. Pre-registration is strongly suggested. Those who pre-register will be assigned timeslots for pickup (12-12:30, 12:30-1, 1-1:30. 1:30-2 p.m.) Pre-register at 585-798-4265. Walk-ins may start at 2 p.m.
• Lyndonville Presbyterian Church, 107 North Main St., on Friday, Dec. 5, beginning at 9:30 a.m. (No registration required.)
• Community Action at Albion municipal lot at 165 South Platt St. on Monday, Dec. 8, beginning at 9 a.m. (No preregistration required.) Community Action also has the schedule for the first six months of 2026: Jan. 12, Feb. 9, March 9, April 13, May 11 and June 8.

File photo by Tom Rivers: The Phipps Road culvert over Otter Creek has been closed to traffic since Sept. 9, 2022.

ALBION – The Town of Albion is accepting bids from contractors to replace the Phipps Road bridge, which has been closed for more than three years.

The town is accepting proposals from contractors until 1 p.m. on Nov. 24. Town Highway Superintendent Michael Neidert said he is hopeful construction will in the spring as long as the project is within budget.

The bridge was closed to traffic in Albion on Sept. 9, 2022 after an inspection showed the steel high-beam supports were rotted.

The town has been awarded a $1.038 million state grant from the Bridge NY program. The span over a tributary of Otter Creek is 19.5 feet long. That technically makes it a culvert at 19.5 feet.

The new bridge will be 25 feet. Bridges are classified as spans that are at least 20 feet.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on July 5, 2023 that the project was approved for Bridge NY funds. Albion has been working with Ravi Engineering and Land Surveying in Rochester for design and bid specifications, as well as securing easements.

The project includes the removal of the existing concrete culvert, and replacement with a 3-sided single span precast concrete span unit. The structure will be supported by micropiles (to rock) on spread footings, and associated highway approach work and stream work, according to a description seeking bids.

An alternate allowed is the prefabricated modular cast-in-place (CIP) bridge system. The prefabricated modular CIP bridge system must use prefabricated, lightweight panels that contain the concrete formwork and reinforcing steel. It needs to arrive site-ready to be filled with locally procured concrete, producing a cast in place, jointless superstructure that is self supporting during assembly and eliminates bearings, tie downs, and below span work.

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Brockport lift bridge, which closed to traffic in May 2023 for an extensive rehabilitation, opened to motorists this afternoon. These photos were taken on Saturday.

Press Release, NYS Department of Transportation

BROCKPORT – New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced that the historic lift bridge carrying Route 19 over the Erie Canal in the Village of Brockport has reopened following an extensive rehabilitation that modernized the structure and extended its service life by three decades.

With an upgraded lift system, new deck and several other improvements, the 110-year-old bridge will provide enhanced safety and resiliency along an important travel link to the Village of Brockport, a vibrant community along the Erie Canal with a bustling business district and Victorian charm.

“I’d like to thank everyone in the Village of Brockport for their patience and understanding throughout the duration of this project, and I sincerely hope that residents and visitors appreciate the beauty and historical significance of this finished product, which will preserve the lifespan of this iconic lift bridge for future generations to enjoy,” said Commissioner Dominguez.

The Route 19 steel truss lift bridge was built in 1915.  As an important component of the Erie Canal system and a registered National Historic Landmark, the bridge benefits from protections that ensure it continues to look as it did early in the 20th century, with its trusses and lift towers preserved.

The bridge received a major overhaul as part of a project that included the Main Street lift bridge in Albion. The two projects cost $29.1 million.

As part of the bridge’s rehabilitation, its decks and portions of the truss system were replaced with high-strength, galvanized steel. To complete work on the trusses, the bridge was dismantled and the trusses moved to an area near the Canal, where more than 80% of the steel was replaced. Upgrades were also made to the mechanical and electrical components within the bridge’s vertical lifting system, which raises and lowers the bridge to accommodate canal traffic.

Additional improvements included the rehabilitation of the bridge towers, installation of new bridge rails and repainting of the bridge in its existing shade of green. Pedestrian enhancements were also made including new signage, pavement markings and a realigned canal path on the bridge’s north end to improve visibility for both pedestrians and motorists.

The Village of Brockport is listed on the National Register of Historic places and is the largest community along State Route 19, which is also a primary travel route to the SUNY Brockport campus and a key conduit for the region’s many agricultural products.

The closure of the bridge drastically reduced traffic on Main Street in the downtown. WHAM in Rochester reports 10 businesses in Brockport in the downtown shut down during the bridge closure.

While the lift bridge has reopened to traffic, construction activities will continue adjacent to the structure and the traveling public should be advised of occasional short-term delays.

Rehabilitation of the State Route 19 bridge is part of a $29.1 million project to modernize and preserve New York State’s iconic canal structures. The project also included the Route 98 lift bridge over the Erie Canal in the nearby Village of Albion and builds on the Department’s prior successes in rehabilitating similar lift bridges in the Villages of Fairport and Spencerport, a $16.9 million project.

New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “We are thankful for the efforts of our partners at DOT to fully rehabilitate this historic lift bridge for the next generation of Brockport residents and visitors. We appreciate the patience of the community while this critical work was completed.”

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the last statewide Free Fishing Day of 2025 will occur Tuesday, Nov. 11, to mark Veterans Day and honor those who defended and protected our nation’s democracy and freedoms.

During Free Fishing Days, New York State waives the fishing license requirement for freshwater fishing in New York’s waters. While no license is required, all other freshwater fishing regulations remain in effect.

“Fall is a great time of year to fish in New York’s pristine waters while honoring a veteran in your life,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage New Yorkers to get offline and get outside on this free fishing day to enjoy an affordable outdoor recreation opportunity on the water and to reflect on the freedoms that we have in this country thanks to our veterans.”

As water temperatures drop through the fall, plenty of exciting fishing opportunities pick up across the state. Trout fishing is a fall favorite, as trout stream regulations are now catch and release, artificial lures only in inland streams statewide through March 31.

In addition to Free Fishing Days, there are other options for veterans or active-duty military members to fish for free or at a reduced cost. New York State offers free/reduced fee fishing licenses of 40 percent or more for active-duty military members meeting certain criteria and for resident veterans with a service-related disability.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “DEC thanks all of New York’s veterans for their dedicated service and hopes that this free fishing day provides an opportunity for families and friends to spend time together exploring our natural environment along the remarkable fisheries we have here in New York State. Free fishing days are also the perfect time to introduce someone new to the sport or test out a new fishing spot at any of the state’s world class lakes, streams or ponds.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: The historical marker by the Albion Free Methodist Church, which notes this is the first church in the denomination, is pelted with snow this morning.

More snow is headed to Orleans County. The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a winter weather advisory until 1 p.m. Tuesday for Orleans and Niagara counties.

The lake-effect snow will be 3 to 6 inches in the most persistent snow bands. There will also be winds gusting as high as 35 miles per hour to create blowing snow with poor visibilities.

“Travel will be difficult,” the Weather Service said. “The hazardous conditions will impact the Tuesday morning commutes.”

Knights of Columbus also donates $3,000 to organization that assists veterans

Photos courtesy of Operation Honor

MEDINA – Operation Honor held its first cornhole tournament and basket raffle on Saturday at the Knights of Columbus in Medina. The event raised $5,600 for the organization that assists veterans in Orleans County with some of their bills and other needs.

There were 17 teams of two players. There were six boards in play on two floors at the Knights of Columbus.

The top players at the tournament include, from left: Mateo May, Mark Hamm, Tyler Thompson, Jeffrey Gearhart, Jay Longwell & Jim Bonsmer.

The winning teams include:

• 1st Big Wolf – Jeffrey Gearhart & Tyler Thompson
• 2nd Moonwalk – Jay Longwell & Jim Bonsmer
• 3rd Mayhamm – Mateo May & Mark Hamm

Operation Honor decided to change from a 5K run/walk to the cornhole tournament this year.

The Knights of Columbus in Medina also donated $3,000 to Operation Honor.

Pictured from left include Steve Winans, bar president for the Knights and an Operation Honor volunteer; Jim Mirand, grand knight for the K of C; Jenn Thom, leader of Operation Honor; and K of C board members, Howie Gardner and Bob Fox.

Libby Pollard-Woodroe, owner of Grand Pollard Insurance, sponsored one of the boards. Five other businesses also sponsored a board.

There were 35 raffle items including a $500 Tops gift card.

Provided photo: The Point Breeze Yacht Club held its Annual Members’ Meeting on Oct. 25 at Godfrey’s Pond.

Press Release, Commodore Bob Bialkowski of Point Breeze Yacht Club

Commodore Bob Bialkowski reported that The Point Breeze Yacht Club held its Annual Members’ Meeting on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the at Godfrey’s Pond Clubhouse. During the business meeting upcoming events were discussed and new member recruiting.

After the meeting the members enjoyed a great fall roast beef dinner. Member Dan Schuth gave a presentation on the beautiful antique sailboat model that he acquired and restored.

Anyone with a fishing boat, power boat, sail boat or mega yacht may become a member. We are a very inexpensive club based at the Orleans County Marine Park. We charge no monthly fees just an annual membership fee which entitles you to all the benefits of the big clubs.

If you are a novice, we have seasoned members that will offer you advice and guidance. During the season we have several social and educational events which are always a good time to meet and talk to other boaters.

Anyone interested in becoming a member may contact the Commodore at commodore@pbycny.com or check our website at PBYCNY.com for more information.

Orleans Hub readers sent in their own photos from the first snowfall of the season, including the top one of the two dogs by the Erie Canal in Medina. Kimberly Stawicki, a frequent photo contributor for the Hub, sent in that photos.

Stawicki also took these photos of the snow along the canal towpath. Many of the leaves remain on the trees.

Jacquelyn Cheverie sent in this photo of her dog, Moose, in snow in Holley.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Civil War cannon at Mount Albion Cemetery is covered in snow after the first snowfall of the season this afternoon. The carriage for the cannon was rebuilt in 2023 with new wheels after the other carriage had rotted.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Orleans County until 7 a.m. Monday. The Weather Service said the area can expect 2 to 5 inches of snow.

Here are some other photos at Mount Albion taken about 4:50 p.m.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Running the Reverse Raffle fundraiser at Treasure Island were, from left, Tammy Pritchard, Becca Schoolcraft and Jorgie Lang.

LYNDONVILLE – Saturday night’s 31st annual Treasure Island fundraiser in support of Orleans Community Health raised an estimated $50,000, according to Megan Johnson, chair of the event and director of Orleans Community Health Foundation.

White Birch Golf Course hosted the event, which featured online betting a day before and during the event, a buffet meal, open bar, live auction and exciting opportunities to win prizes.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who made this year’s Treasure Island such a success – our sponsors, auction donors, volunteers and every guest who joined us,” said Johnson. “Thanks to your generosity, our auction alone raised nearly $25,000, and the event as a whole brought in close to $50,000 to support vital needs across all of Orleans Community Health. Every dollar helps strengthen local healthcare and ensures that our community continues to receive the best possible care, right here at home.”

Wes Pickreign acknowledges a bidder in the live auction at Treasure Island Saturday night.

Wes Pickreign again served as master of ceremonies and auctioneer for the event, something he said he has been doing for a long time. He asked the audience how many of them had used the services at Medina Memorial Hospital and explained the advantages of having such a facility right here at home.

“I’ve been there two times and the attention I received was phenomenal,” Pickreign said.

Seven high-end items were donated for the live auction, with the highest bid being $2,550 for two tickets to the Buffalo Bills home opener next year in the new stadium. The package, donated by William and Jacquelyn Bixler, was valued at $1,200.

Other live auction items were a Buffalo Sabres VIP fan experience valued at $825. It was donated by the OCH Pharmacy Department and Buffalo Sabres and sold for a bid of $550.

Matthew Kennedy was in charge of the Pirate’s Pillage live auction item, a regular feature at Treasure Island.

A one-week stay in Myrtle Beach, donated by the Bixlers, was valued at $750 and was awarded to three bidders for $550 each.

A one-year membership to Shelridge Country Club, donated by the club, was valued at $1,400 and sold for $1,300.

Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman and her husband John donated  a Buffalo Broadway Experience: Wicked Night on the Town, valued at $730. It brought a bid of $450.

Another high bid was $2,000 for a Four-Night Getaway to Lakefront Cape Cod, donated by Dr. Jeffrey and Ellen Schratz. The bid was the actual value of the prize.

Chuck and Nicole Geraci of Cheektowaga came to their first Treasure Island Saturday night. Here, they checked out the numbers left in the Reverse Raffle event.

The final item was a Here Comes Santa Claus lottery board with $500 in cash and $100 worth of scratch-off tickets, donated by Kathy Vicknair in memory of her husband Vic. Vic was a longtime member of the Treasure Island committee and was the DJ and sound man. He worked hard to raise funds for the hospital, Kathy said. The prize, valued at $600, sold for $750.

Some attendees were first-timers, while many others were repeat supporters of the event. One couple attending for the first time was Chuck and Nicole Garcia of Cheektowaga.

“I work for Seaway Insurance, so we wanted to come,” Nicole said. “It is very nice.”

Leah Brunner and her husband Matthew check out one of the items up for bids at Treasure Island. Leah, the nurse practitioner at the Albion’s Walk-in Clinic, said this is the first time they have attended the event.

Leah Brunner, the nurse practitioner at the Albion Walk-in Clinic, and her husband Matthew were also first-time attendees.

“It’s been super fun,” Leah said.

Her husband added, “It’s been a blast.”

Seaway Insurance Associates was the Sunset Presenting sponsor of the event.

Other sponsors included Great Lakes Surgical Association, Lucky Cork sponsor; Baxter, Junior Wilson Sportsmen’s Club and Ontario Shores Federal Credit Union, Palm Tree sponsors; and Cooper Funeral Home, Eastown Plaza, Hellner Development Company, Takeform and WNY Energy, Coconut sponsors.

Megan Johnson, director of Orleans Community Health Foundation, and Lori Condo, assistant controller at Orleans Community Health, get ready to accept payment from bidders at the conclusion of Treasure Island Saturday night.

Jeanne Crane, center, chats with Richard Williams, his daughter Kate Brauen, his wife Mary Williams and Kate’s husband Trevor Brauen at Treasure Island Saturday night at White Birch Golf Course. The fundraiser was the 31st annual event to support Orleans Community Health.

Carol and Dean Bellack of Medina watch bids on their smart phones during the 31st annual Treasure Island Saturday night. An estimated $50,000 was raised by the event.

A winter weather advisory has been issued for Orleans and Niagara counties from 10 a.m. today until 7 a.m. on Monday with 3 to 5 inches of snow expected.

The rain will change to wet snow, the National Weather Service said.

“Plan on slippery road conditions,” the Weather Service said. “The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning commute.”

Today is forecast for a high of 38 with an overnight low of 26. Monday there will be a chance of snow showers with a high of 31 and an overnight low of 21. On Tuesday, Veterans Day, there will be a chance of showers with a high near 36 and overnight low of 29.

Teams can win prizes, explore Orleans County

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Medina Rotary Club is gearing up for its first Road Rally on Nov. 15. It’s start at 10 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Club on North Gravel Road and teams then embark on a journey that includes 8 checkpoints. Pictured on a recent windy day from left include Jennifer Hill-Young, Edee Hoffmeister, Kelly Kiebala and JT Thomas.

MEDINA – The Medina Rotary Club has a new fundraiser that will get people out exploring the county while having fun and putting some of their skills to the test.

The club on Nov. 15 will have its first Road Rally. For $50 a vehicle, teams go on a journey that includes eight checkpoints. The event starts at 10 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Club on North Gravel Road.

The teams will be given clues that will direct them on their journey. They also will have some tasks to complete and puzzles to solve. The event is similar to “The Amazing Race.”

The rally is expected to take about 2 ½ hours. The winning team gets $100, with $75 to second and $50 to third. There are also prizes for best decorated vehicle.

“I don’t think people realize how much fun this is going to be,” said JT Thomas, a Medina Rotary member who is helping to plan the event.

The club teamed with the Orleans County Tourism Department to pick some of the sites on the Road Rally.

“We wanted to highlight a lot of what Orleans County has to offer,” said Jennifer Hill-Young, another member of the Medina Rotary.

People don’t need to be local trivia experts to do well in the event.

“Observation is the number one skill,” Hill-Young said about a key to success in the event.

Medina Rotary in 2024 added a cornhole tournament in January and a meat raffle in March as new fundraisers that continued this year. The Road Rally is the newest effort to raise money for the club to give back to the community, while bringing people together for a fun time.

For more on the rally, and to purchase a ticket, click here. Or send a message to the Medina Rotary Club through its Facebook page.

Provided photo

CLARENDON – Scouts from Troop 59 in Clarendon were out this morning in the annual “Scouting for Food.” They collected over 600 individual food items.

“We would like to thank the Community for their enormous support and the Community Center in Holley for distributing this food in a time of great need,” said Randy Moore, the troop’s scoutmaster.

Pictured from left are: Tyler Moore, Logan Lane, James Shaw, Scoutmaster Randy Moore and Committee Chairman Ken Shaw.

ALBION – After more than a week delay in SNAP benefits, the funds should be disbursed beginning on Sunday in New York State, Gov. Kathy Hochul said.

A U.S. District Court on Nov. 6 ordered the federal government to issue the full November SNAP benefits to eligible households. However, the Trump administration appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court and that court sided with Trump on a temporary pause on paying the full SNAP benefits.

However, Gov. Kathy Hochul said SNAP beneficiaries in the state will be getting their full benefits beginning Sunday. Those payments are expected to continue through Nov. 13.

In Orleans County, there are 5,146 people who receive SNAP.

“After weeks of the Trump administration putting millions of New Yorkers through chaos and confusion, following guidance from USDA, I’ve directed state agencies to issue full federal SNAP benefits for November,” Hochul said in a statement. “We expect the first New Yorkers to begin having access to their benefits starting Sunday.

“Let me be clear, President Trump is hellbent on preventing millions of Americans from putting food on the table. He’s made decision after decision to withhold funding that feeds families, seniors and children — and continues doubling down on this cruelty by challenging the courts’ clear orders. It’s senseless and un-American and I’m working tirelessly to bring this uncertainty to an end for the nearly three million New Yorkers who rely on this program.”

Photos from Orleans/Niagara BOCES – This photo shows the group of students at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center who were inducted into National Technical Honor Society.

Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES

MEDINA – Congratulations to the students from the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center, who were recently inducted into the National Technical Honor Society.

Out of all the high school students in the United States, the National Technical Honor Society students who receive this honor comprise 1.6 percent of that population. For staff at the Orleans/BOCES centers, they represent the four pillars of the National Technical Honor Society: scholarship, leadership, service and character.

The students were honored in front of their teachers, families and school district representatives. The students had to maintain an 89.5 grade average in their career and technical education programs and an 84.5 average at their high schools, have superior attendance, exemplary behavior, be a member in good standing with SkillsUSA and have a recommendation from a faculty member.

This group from Medina was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. Mollie Mark, assistant high school principal is at left, and Dr. Mark Kruzynski, district superintendent, is at right.

Congratulations go to:

Bella Andes (Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering/Lockport), Brianna Bacon (Cosmetology/Royalton-Hartland), Jenna Barnard (Early Childhood Education/Albion), Emiliana Batista (Allied Health/Medina), Theresa Bennett (Allied Health/Royalton-Hartland), Adriannah Berner (Allied Health/Royalton-Hartland), Elliot Beyrle (Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering/Albion), Icess Britton (Automotive Technology/Lockport), Kara Browning (Security and Law Enforcement/Lockport), Deven Byrne (Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering/Medina), Kyle Cassick (Cosmetology/Royalton-Hartland), Karlee Cau (Allied Health/Medina), Joseph Cirillo (Graphic Communications/Barker),

Andrew Coder (Diesel Technology/Heavy Equipment/Royalton-Hartland), A’Niya Cornwell (Health Occupations Technician/Lockport), Cheyanne Cunningham (Cosmetology/Lockport), Alicia Dabb (Security and Law Enforcement/Royalton-Hartland), Kacie Disinger (Security and Law Enforcement/Royalton-Hartland), Matthew Donahue (Security and Law Enforcement/Lockport), Noah Doxey (Building Trades/Royalton-Hartland), Vincent Gray (Allied Health/Medina), Austin Guido (Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering/Medina), Carina Hartigan (Culinary Arts/Royalton-Hartland), Briley Huwyler (Auto Collision & Repair/Barker), Avion Johnson (Auto Collision & Repair/Medina), Conner Kam (Security and Law Enforcement/Lockport), Aydan Kickbush (Computer Technology/Medina),

Alyssa Killock (Cosmetology/Lockport), Abigail Kincaid (Allied Health/Albion), Matthew Maines (Welding/Barker), Nathaniel Miller (Security and Law Enforcement/Royalton-Hartland), Emily Miner (Allied Health/Lyndonville), Markayla Ming (Cosmetology/Lockport), Madison Muckle (Allied Health/Albion), Lauren Nagel (Animal Science/Lockport), Reilly Notin (Computer Technology/Royalton-Hartland), Aurora Owczarczak (Allied Health/Medina), Paisley Pasnik (Allied Health/Medina), Alexandrea Patrick (Cosmetology/Lockport), William Plummer (Welding/Albion), Cherish Potter (Health Occupations Technician/Barker), Ethan Robinson (Diesel Technology/Heavy Equipment/Akron),

Gianna Rowles (Cosmetology/Newfane), Penelope Schalck (Allied Health/Medina), Carson Schwab (Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering/Barker), Allie Smith (Allied Health/Medina), Savannah Spoth (Cosmetology/Lyndonville), Violette Streckewald (Cosmetology/Royalton-Hartland), Hagen Van Leuven (Welding/Medina), Camden VandenBosch (Computer Technology/Royalton-Hartland), Hunter Walczak (Electricity/Electronics/Medina), Aurora Wass (Security and Law Enforcement/Barker), Alexander Wilson (Building Trades/Medina), Nathan Woodworth (Diesel Technology/Heavy Equipment/Lyndonville), Giovanni Wright (Security and Law Enforcement/Newfane), Joshua Zayac (Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering/Albion), Brooke Zglinicki (Cosmetology/Royalton-Hartland).

This photo shows the students from Albion inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. Principal Jennifer Ashbery is at left with Superintendent Mickey Edwards at right.