Derek Maxfield kicks off series with presentation on ‘Santa in the Making’
Press Release, Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council
BATAVIA – GO Art! is pleased to announce a new monthly history lecture series – “Uninhibited History.”
Promising a view of history that is “unvarnished, unconventional, and decidedly unromantic,” the series will be hosted by local author, historian, and master storyteller Derek D. Maxfield.
The first lecture will be Wednesday, December 17th at 6:30 p.m. Grab a drink in Tavern 2.o.1 and join us for… “Santa in the Making.”
While the myth of Santa Claus has its roots in many European legends, including Saint Nicholas, the truth is that Santa was born and reared in America in the 19th century. The story started with innocent attempts to amuse children but caught the national consciousness when retailers saw the opportunity to make Christmas into a cultural (and profitable) juggernaut. It is a fascinating story, but may not be suitable for children or “true believers.”
Admission is simply a suggested donation of $5 with all proceeds to benefit GO Art!
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 November 2025 at 9:30 am
Spending, up 1.2%, reaches $100 million for first time; Budget faces pressure from many fronts
ALBION – Orleans County officials are proposing a budget that would raise taxes by 2.6 percent in 2026.
The $100,261,320 proposed budget was filed on Friday by Jack Welch, the county’s chief administrative officer and also the budget officer.
Jack Welch
The budget tops $100 million for the first time. Spending is up 1.18 percent from the $99,092,747 in 2025 to $100,261,320.
The tax levy, what the county collects in taxes, increases by 2.60 percent or by $500,000 from $19,639,000 to $20,139,000. The tax rate is proposed to increase by 1.63 percent from $7.91 to $8.05 per $1,000 of assessed property.
The County Legislature will have a public hearing on the budget at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 3 at the Orleans County Legislative Chambers, 14016 Route 31.
“In recent years, I have raised concerns about how the Orleans County budget is influenced by ‘VUCA,’ meaning volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity,” Welch said in his budget message. “Unfortunately, these dynamics have not changed, and as such, the county remains under tremendous budget pressure.”
The spending plan doesn’t exceed the state-imposed tax cap. Welch said “a tremendous amount of work” by department heads, legislators and the budget team kept the tax increase at 2.6 percent and not much higher.
The budget is seeing a big increase in 730 competency restoration for people deemed unfit to stand trial. Those costs totaled $57,209 in 2023 and have already exceeded $1 million this year. The county has budgeted $1.5 million for the “730” costs in 2026, which is up from the $500,000 in this year’s budget.
“This trajectory is simply not sustainable and must be addressed by the New York State Legislature,” Welch said.
The budget also faces a nearly 21 percent increase in New York State retirement costs, due to a lower stock market evaluation on march 31, 2025, Welch said. The retirement costs are one of the nine state mandated programs which now account of 115 percent of the tax levy, Welch said.
“At the same time, we have made significant strides to reduce costs,” he said. “For 2026, with the agreement of our unions, we have changed our medical coverage from Highmark to NYSHIP’s Empire Plan. This change resulted in 6 percent decrease in our budgeted health insurance costs. We have also continued our efforts to increase the hours in the work week for most of our employees from 35 hours to a 40 hours per week in an attempt to refrain from hiring more workers to cover the mandated services we are required to provide.”
The county also is projecting a $1.6 million increase in the local sales tax revenue. This year the sales tax receipts have been strong, nearly 8 percent ahead of 2024.
“As we present this to the Legislature, I am confident our proposed budget maintains core county services and programs in the most cost-effective manner possible, complies with the New York State property tax cap and provides funding for prioritized projects and programs while avoiding fiscal stress,” Welch said.
The budget keeps funding at the same levels for organizations providing services in the county including:
Cornell Cooperative Extension at $240,000; Orleans Economic Development Agency at $200,000; Soil & Water at $100,500, four public libraries to share $10,000; Mercy Flight at $5,000; Council of the Arts at $4,000; Cobblestone Museum, $3,000.
The budget includes $8,566,052 for capital projects:
Highway – $7,446,143 ($7,060,509 from state and federal governments)
Local bridge and culvert repairs, $50,000
Patch and seal county roads, $150,000
Highway reconstruction, $2,668,458
Eagle Harbor Knowlesville culvert, $865,000
Bridge Project #2, $2,375,500
Groth Road bridge replacement, $1,337,185
Buildings and grounds – $610,000 (all county cost)
ALBION – On Tuesday, at 6:30 p.m., the Community Coalition for Justice will host Dr. Carl Davila, Associate Professor of History at SUNY Brockport. The presentation will be at Hoag Library, 134 South Main St.
Dr. Davila will discuss recent developments in Palestine and the agendas, both overt and hidden, that appear to be driving them. He will do this with an eye to the Law of Unintended Consequences.
Dr. Davila holds a PhD in Arabic studies. He has taught, lectured, and written on the history of the Islamic world for two decades. It is an honor to have him come and shine a light on what’s happening in the Middle East.
There will be a question and answer period after the presentation by Dr. Davila. Light refreshments will be provided. This event is free and open to the community.
The Community Coalition for Justice regularly sponsors programs focusing on diversity and other relevant social justice issues. The Coalition partners with the Albion Betterment Committee, Pullman Universalist Church, Hoag Library, Green Orleans and People Embracing Diversity.
Organization embraces theme: ‘We See the Whole You’
Press Release, Hospice of Orleans
ALBION – Hospice of Orleans, the leading nonprofit provider of hospice and palliative care services Orleans County, is proud to recognize November as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month.
This year’s theme, “We See the Whole You,” highlights the organization’s commitment to treating each patient as a unique individual, honoring their experiences, values, and hopes while providing personalized, high-quality, and compassionate care.
At Hospice of Orleans, hospice care focuses on supporting the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. The organization’s care teams focus on caring for each patient as a unique individual, delivering care that respects their wishes and values while guiding and supporting families and loved ones every step of the way.
“Hospice and palliative care are about more than managing symptoms,” said Erin Bradley, Registered Nurse Case Manager. “They are about recognizing the person at the center of care. National Hospice and Palliative Care Month is a reminder of our responsibility to honor each individual’s story while supporting their journey with compassion and respect. That’s the promise Hospice of Orleans upholds every day: to honor each life fully, with dignity, compassion, and respect.”
Hospice of Orleans encourages the community to learn more about hospice and palliative care services, get involved through volunteer opportunities, and explore educational resources to make the care journey easier. For more information, visit www.hospiceoforleans.org or contact Brittany Dix at info@hospiceoforleans.org.
Hospice of Orleans is a dedicated, community-based non-profit organization providing comprehensive, compassionate end-of-life care to patients and families across Orleans county. Our interdisciplinary team focuses on comfort, dignity, and maximizing the quality of life through expert palliative medical care, emotional support, and spiritual guidance. We are committed to honoring life’s final chapter with peace and respect.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 November 2025 at 12:04 pm
Many of the meetings only have 12-15 attendees among more than 70 elected officials at village, town and county levels
Photo by Tom Rivers: Orleans County legislator John Fitzak speaks during the Oct. 28 meeting of the Orleans County Association of Municipalities. Debbie Yokel, Carlton town clerk, is at left and Margaret Swan, Barre town councilwoman, is at right.
GAINES – An association of local elected officials has experienced very light turnouts in recent years. That is frustrating to the association’s leaders, who want to see more participation.
Some of the meetings have been cancelled because too few people sent in an RSVP. Other meetings only have 12 to 15 people.
The Orleans County Association of Municipalities is currently co-led by County Legislator John Fitzak and Carlton Town Supervisor Gayle Ashbery. They try to brainstorm relevant topics each month in meetings for leaders of the four villages, 10 towns and the county government.
The association has discussed topics this year on local land planning issues, using aerial imagery in the assessment process, and heard presentations from the County’s Special Response Team and also the county’s personnel director. The group in the past has discussed EMS services, sales tax sharing, infrastructure needs and changes in state and federal laws and their impact locally.
The next meeting on Nov. 18 at Tavern on the Ridge will feature Holli Nenni, the Orleans County commissioner of social services. She will discuss impacts of the federal government shutdown. The Orleans County Board of Elections representatives will also share information.
The association was started more than 40 years ago after the county government changed from being run by the 10-member Board of Supervisors to the seven-member County Legislature. The association is intended to give the county legislators, and the town and village officials a frequent and easy way to share information and discuss common concerns.
“The more information we gather, the better the product will be,” Fitzak said at the Oct. 28 meeting.
The towns and county used to be rotation where they would pick the speaker. Fitzak said he is open to having the towns do the schedule, or submit ideas to him and Ashbery.
The Special Response Team, which includes members of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and Albion Police Department, did a demonstration on Oct. 28 for the local officials and showed some of their equipment, including drone technology.
Fitzak welcomed input from the group on what needs to be done to get more involvement from all the towns and villages.
“We want to keep the lines of communication open,” Fitzak said. “Let us know but do your part and get people to show up.”
The Albion Village Board discussed the issue on Wednesday. Trustee Tim McMurray attended the Oct. 28 meeting. He urged other Village Board members to attend. He said it’s a venue for airing concerns and hearing from other local leaders.
McMurray said he would like to have a fresh discussion on sales tax sharing. The amount to the 10 towns and four villages hasn’t changed since 2001 despite sizable increases in what the county collects.
“This is a time where we can show up and ask them questions,” McMurray said about the association of local elected officials.
John Belson, the Lyndonville mayor, is a regular at the meetings. He said Orleans County is unusual in having an association where the local officials can get together regularly to discuss issues.
Each of the 10 towns have five board members, and the four villages also have five elected officials on their boards. The County Legislature has seven members. That is 77 officials among the towns, villages and county, and that doesn’t include clerks and highway superintendents.
But only a few of them attend the association meetings.
Fitzak urged more officials to be there.
“They don’t know the information,” he said. “They’re missing out.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 November 2025 at 11:18 am
ALBION – The Village Board voted to reduce the overnight parking fees at three village lots from $25 a month to $25 every three months.
These fees were raised significantly last year from $5 every three months to $25 a month.
Village Clerk Treasurer Tracy VanSkiver asked the board to look at the fees, saying the higher cost has resulted in a hardship for some of the downtown residents.
Board members said they didn’t realize there was such a steep increase in the overnight parking fees. They were approved as part of an update to the overall fee structure throughout the village.
The village has three municipal lots that allow overnight parking, as long as there is a permit from the village. The lots are on North Main Street by the Presbyterian Church, at the corner of Platt and East Bank streets, and behind the Albion Visitors Center at 121 North Main Street.
Usually about seven people take out permits for the overnight parking, VanSkiver said.
In other action at the Village Board meeting on Wednesday:
• The next village election was moved from the third Tuesday to the third Wednesday on March due to the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.
The election will be on March 18 with voting from noon to 9 p.m. in the village office. The mayor’s position and two trustees are up for election.
• Approved spending $10,750 for a new salter for the Department of Public Works.
• Approved a special use permit for the Charles W. Howard Hometown Parade on Dec. 13. Portions of the following streets will be barricaded from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.: West Bank Street, East and West State Street, Beaver Street and Chamberlain Street. The board also approved use of the larger municipal lot on South Platt Street.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 November 2025 at 9:52 am
Site currently bottle redemption center with fuel; Legislator wants to add RV parking, launch for canoes/kayaks
Photos by Tom Rivers: This photo looking across the Erie Canal shows docks at 255 East Bank St. in Albion. John Fitzak has operated the Albion Redemption Center there for many years. The entrance was facing Bank Street but recently moved to the east side of the business. Fitzak has added a fuel service for boaters, the only site between Rochester and North Tonawanda.
ALBION – An Albion business owner is seeking to turn land along the Erie Canal on East Bank Street into a “mini marina.”
John Fitzak has operated the Albion Redemption Center at 255 East Bank St. for many years. He has recently upgraded that bottle redemption business, and has added fuel and a dock for boaters.
Fitzak, an Orleans County legislator, also has acquired adjoining properties and wants to expand the business to allow RV parking, and a boat launch for kayaks and canoes.
But Fitzak needs clarity and direction from the village about what is allowed at the property, which is zoned for general commercial and is currently mostly undeveloped.
The village code in one spot says no RVs should be parked on private property, but another section allows for up to two of them on a lot.
John Fitzak, an Albion business owner and a county legislator, addresses the Village of Albion Zoning Board of Appeals last week. Craig Tuohey, the chairman, is at right with Tony Wynn next to him at left. The ZBA is seeking a legal interpretation of the codes before making a decision. It also said the Village Board may need to clearly define the goals for the property in the village’s comprehensive plan.
Fitzak owns five lots along East Bank and East State. He is proposing to have RVs on three of the lots. He is asking the village for a variance from the maximum of six RVs, based on the max of 2 per lot. He wants to have eight on the property.
They would just be allowed to park there overnight. They wouldn’t have access to other services, except possibly WiFi. Fitzak would steer them to other businesses for food and services. If they wanted to use a bathroom or shower, they would be directed to the facilities at the Albion Visitors Center at the back of 121 North Main Street.
Fitzak met with the Zoning Board of Appeals last week, and that board didn’t take action, wanting to hear an interpretation of the village code from village attorney John Gavenda.
Fitzak then attended Wednesday’s Village Board meeting to state there are discrepancies in the code that are clouding what he can do with the property.
“Do you want progress and to see this place grow?” Fitzak asked the Village Board members. “I certainly do.”
He worries the project could face be mired in delays due to the uncertainties with the code and no determination yet on what is allowed.
“You need to update the codes if you want development and to see this town prosper,” Fitzak said.
Village Board members said they would see Gavenda’s opinion on the code. The village also has a new challenge with the ZBA in needing to fill vacancies among the board.
Craig Tuohey, the ZBA chairman, has stepped down from that board since the meeting on Nov. 3. Another member, Tony Wynn, is resigning on Dec. 31.
The 5-member board only had three members at its meeting last week and it may struggle to have a quorum to function. The Village Board said it will seek more members. They are paid $40 a meeting. The board meets as needed.
Chris Kinter, the village code enforcement officer, told the Village Board the code doesn’t allow a campground in the village.
Fitzak said it wouldn’t be a campground. There wouldn’t be water, sewer or electric services available. His property would just be a hosting site where people could park an RV.
He wouldn’t be offering permanent sites. “They’re in and out,” he said.
John Fitzak will have the “Mayfair Marina” ready for the next canal season, offering fuel and other limited services. He said the site will be a “mini marina.”
Fitzak also is seeking the ZBA permission to move three trailers that he uses for storage from one side of his property to the other side, farther east. The village code doesn’t allow those trailers, unless they are grandfathered in.
Fitzak has been allowed to keep them on site because the code was updated after he had them. The issue with moving them is they would go from one lot to another.
Craig Tuohey, the ZBA chairman, said the intent of allowing something to be grandfathered in that is out of compliance is to eventually rectify the situation.
Fitzak said he would like to eventually replace the trailers with a pole barn but first wants to see how the expanded business venture goes. He uses two of the trailers for the bottle redemption business and would use the other to store canoes, kayaks and other equipment.
“I’m not asking to do anything crazy,” Fitzak told the ZBA members last week. “This could be a catalyst for the downtown.”
He said he has other goals for the property, including allowing storage of boats over the winter. Fitzak said he would like to be allowed to have up to 20 boats on site for storage in the off season.
He also thinks his East Bank road frontage could turned into a board walk environment, with temporary structures for other small businesses.
Kinter said that although the property is in a commercial district, it’s also in a residential neighborhood and there could be impacts on the local residents.
Village board members, including Deputy Mayor William Gabalski, on Wednesday praised Fitzak for his investment in the properties and for a vision for the site.
“I love the idea,” Gabalski said. “We just want to make sure it’s done right.”
Fitzak said he awaits direction from the village on how to proceed.
“I’m willing to go through all the hoops I have to go through,” he said.
ALBION – Maison Albion will host it’s a Holiday Market on Saturday and Sunday, transforming the historic venue into a festive marketplace featuring 40 vendors from across Western New York.
The two-day event will showcase artisans specializing in baked goods, flowers, jewelry, handmade crafts, and distinctive antiques.
The Market at Maison is a French-inspired marketplace designed to provide small businesses with an elegant platform to showcase their products while fostering connections between artists and community members. Guests will enjoy browsing curated collections while savoring complimentary French hot chocolate and refreshments by Mixologie.
Guests will also have the opportunity to meet Santa James, take photos with him by one of our eight Christmas trees, and enjoy the music of the season. Mansion tours will also be available, so that guests can delight in the nine decorated Christmas trees!
“The Market at Maison creates an opportunity for local artists, farmers, and antique curators to reach a wider audience in a beautiful space,” said Kerri Glover, Maison owner. “This is our third Holiday Market, and we look forward to welcoming the season.”
The event reflects Maison Albion’s commitment to exceptional hospitality and creating memorable experiences for all attendees.
About Maison Albion:
Maison Albion is a historic mansion reimagined to host magnificent weddings and events. Located in Albion, guests are transported to a time of luxurious craftsmanship, baroque decadence, and lavish celebrations. The 1878 mansion is accompanied by a breathtaking ballroom and parklike gardens reminiscent of a late 19th century French cottage.
For more information on tickets to attend the market, visit www.maisonalbion.com.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 November 2025 at 4:32 pm
Residence on Butts Road will serve up to 25 women including 5 bedrooms for women with young children
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – A group from UConnectCare as well as others gathered for a ribbon-cutting celebration this afternoon for a new residence on Butts Road. The site will serve women in treatment for substance use disorder. The site will also offer behavioral health care.
In the center of this photo shows Amanda Lloyd, assistant director of residence; Stephanie Nadolinski (holding scissors), director of residential services for UConnectCare and the site director; and Allison Parry-Gurak, UConnectCare’s chief residential officer.
Nadolinski is the on-site leader. She has worked 25 years for UConnectCare, which was previously known as GCASA. Nadolinski brings experience of running the Atwater House in Batavia, which provides residential treatment for men with substance use disorder.
UConnectCare is looking forward to offering treatment and services at the site. It recently received its operating certificate from the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports.
The group, which includes representatives for the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce and elected officials, welcomed the first residential treatment option for women and their children in the GLOW region.
The first residents will move in next week. Nadolinski expects six to eight women to move in the first week, and then another six to eight the following week. That will give staff and the residents a chance to adjust to the new location, which will have 15 to 20 employees.
The first priority will be given to women who need treatment who are currently homeless. Nadolinski said IV users also will be given priority.
She said most of the residents at the site are expected to come from the GLOW region but she said the site will be open to women from Monroe, Erie, Niagara and other counties as well.
This is one of the bedrooms for a mother and her children. There are five bedrooms for mothers who can have up two children at the residence who are 5 or younger.
The building contains a variety of spaces to support and continue the recovery process including counseling, group sessions and career and personal development spaces.
UConnectCare said there are very few options in the region for residential treatment for women that also can accommodate their children.
Orleans County Legislator Don Allport presents a citation to UConnectCare leaders Stephanie Nadolinski (left), site director; and Allison Parry-Gurak, UConnectCare’s chief residential officer.
UConnectCare also received certificates of commendation from the offices of Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, State Sen. Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
The state Department of Health provided a $4.6 million grant for construction of the residence. That grant doesn’t include the operation of the site, which will be staffed 24-7, including two employees at night.
UConnectCare picked Albion for the project because many of the agency’s other residential and treatment programs are based in Batavia.
Most of the women at the site are expected to stay several months as they work on their rehab and re-entry. The maximum tends to be a six-month stay, but Parry-Gurak said people could stay longer as long as they are working on their treatment.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Santa Claus visited Hoag Library on Nov. 28, 2022, sporting his casual wear. The library’s main meeting room was full of youngsters wanting to meet Santa and share their Christmas wish list. Santa will be back at Hoag on Dec. 1. Santa is shown reading the book, Reindeer Christmas, by Mark Kimball Moulton and Karen Hillard Good.
Press Release, Hoag Library
ALBION – Hoag Library invites the community to join in a series of engaging programs as the library concludes 2025, featuring the final concerts of its Music Series, festive holiday events, and a community blood drive.
The Hoag Library Music Series, presented in partnership with GO ART! and the Statewide Community Regrant Program, offers two remaining performances in 2025.
On Saturday, November 15 at noon, classical guitarist Tom Torrisi and violinist Angel Rhodes will perform. The series concludes on Saturday, December 13 at noon with a performance by the Rochester Mandolin Orchestra. All concerts are free and open to the public, with plans already underway for the 2026 season.
The library’s holiday programming begins with a visit from Santa Claus on Monday, December 1 at 6 p.m. This family-friendly event is free and open to all ages.
The Friends of Hoag Library will host their annual Tasty Treats event on Thursday, December 4 at 6 p.m., featuring local business Serenity Vitality Café. Registration is required. Proceeds from this event directly support Hoag Library programs and services. The Friends also want to remind the community that their bookstore sells titles by local authors, which make great holiday gifts!
Additionally, Hoag Library will host a Red Cross Blood Drive on Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community members are encouraged to register in advance at www.redcrossblood.org.
For more information about Hoag Library programs and events, please visit www.hoaglibrary.org or follow Hoag Library on Facebook and Instagram.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) commented today on the state’s decision to delay the implementation of the controversial All-Electric Buildings Act.
The proposal, which was set to go into effect at the start of the new year, would prohibit natural gas and heating oil equipment in many new construction projects, including private residences. News of the delay broke after state attorneys agreed to a stipulation that was filed in the U.S. District Court calling for a suspension until an appellate court made a decision in the case.
This news comes amid backlash from upstate communities over the effect this policy would have on rural areas that rely on fossil fuels to heat and power their homes and businesses. Hawley, a longtime critic of this initiative, is pleased to see this delay; however, he hopes to see a permanent suspension of this proposal from the state.
“Today is a day of victory for rural communities across Western New York,” said Hawley. “We must keep in mind, however, that while Kathy Hochul’s ‘Green New Deal’ agenda has been delayed, we need to keep working toward a full repeal of this disastrous policy.
“I’ve spoken with countless individuals across my district, many of whom own small businesses or simply rely on fossil fuel sources in their daily lives, and they all tell me the same thing. This proposal was simply not feasible. I’m glad to see the state has finally woken up to the needs of rural communities, and I will continue to work alongside my colleagues in the state Assembly to repeal the rest of this radical climate agenda.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 November 2025 at 10:11 am
Construction to start in spring on new visitor center
Photos by Tom Rivers: The Cobblestone Society held its annual meeting on Nov. 1 and presented awards including, from left: Jeannette Riley representing the Riley family received the Donna Rodden Hospitality Award; Chris Capurso was named Volunteer of the Year; and Marie Bell, owner of Country Treasures Quilt Shop in Brockport, received the Business Partner of the Year award.
GAINES – The Cobblestone Society & Museum held its annual meeting on Nov. 1 and honored several key supporters of the Cobblestone Museum. The attendees also heard about an effort to save the last remaining cobblestone house in Rochester.
Museum President Matt Holland announced the organization expects to break ground on a new visitor center this spring. The museum has $1.6 million in place for the project. That includes a $716,000 state grant for the visitor’s center at the corner of routes 98 and 104 in Gaines. The new Thompson-Kast Visitors Center will go next to a brick house from 1830.
The Cobblestone Society formed in 1960 initially to save the Cobblestone Church from 1834 and the then the cobblestone schoolhouse down the road on Route 104. The school was built in 1849. The museum has grown to about 15 structures.
This rendering shows the new Thompson-Kast Visitors Center for the Cobblestone Museum, left, which would be next to a historic brick home from the 1830s.
The Cobblestone Museum & Society held the annual meeting at the Gaines Carlton Community Church and presented awards for people who have made significant contributions to the organziation.
Business Partner of the Year – Marie Bell, owner of Country Treasures Quilt Shop in Brockport, was named Business Partner of the Year. Since 2016 she has extended financial support toward programming connected to quilts, whether live or virtual events. In 2025 she was the exclusive sponsor of a virtual program featuring a remarkable textile held by the Kentucky Historical Society, the Elizabeth Roseberry Mitchell Graveyard Quilt, c. 1843, said Sue Bonafini, the museum’s assistant director.
Provided photo: Pat’s Auto Repair of Albion owned by Patrick & Marissa Olles received the Community Partner Award for sponsoring several events at the Cobblestone Museum.
Donna Rodden Hospitality Award – The Riley family of Albion graciously allowed members and friends of the Society to visit their magnificent gardens on the north bank of the Erie Canal for our midsummer celebration in July.
“They received the Donna Rodden Hospitality Award, which recognizes the hosting of events on behalf of the museum,” Bonafini said. “This special event has become an ideal fundraiser for the Museum, and we greatly appreciate the family’s efforts to prepare and share their beautiful location with all of us.”
Community Partner Award – Patrick & Marissa Olles, owners of Pat’s Auto Repair of Albion, received the Community Partner Award. Museum members at the Bronze Membership level, the Olles have sponsored several events when funding was needed, including sponsorship of two virtual programs during the 2025 off-season, and they were the exclusive sponsor of last year’s Solar Eclipse celebration in April.
“They have provided more than one gift basket for our events,” Bonafini said. “They’ve donated some merchandise with their company logo for our use, and they went home with more than one item from our Membership Dinner auction this past May, which equates to additional financial support for our organization.”
Volunteer of the Year – Chris Capurso was named Volunteer of the Year. She is a trustee of the Cobblestone Society and a volunteer since 2021. Capurso has demonstrated a willingness to take on a variety of roles to assist staff with daily operations, special events or other projects. She also recently became a docent and is now sharing the history of the museum buildings with the public. This past season she tackled several special activities, including the sorting of 110 boxes of donated books for our Used Books building.
Tim Keller and his wife Debbi shared about a community effort to prevent the last cobblestone house in Rochester from being demolished to make way for a dollar store.
The Lockwood-Alhart Cobblestone House & Retail Plaza is at 1090 Culver Rd. After the community rallied to save the building from 1835, the owner opted to donate it to Rochester Land Bank Corporation. The Kellers and community members are now optimistic the site will be a satellite city office for people to meet with city staff.
Don Alhart, a legendary Rochester television broadcaster, shared about his family’s connection to the house. The Alhart family owned it until 1988.
“Losing a structure like the Lockwood-Alhart House for a dollar store, that’s quite a slap in the face to the residents of the City of Rochester,” Mrs. Keller said.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 13 November 2025 at 8:57 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Volunteers on duty at Lyndonville United Methodist Church’s Hope Resales Holiday Shop are, from left, Cathy Bane-Dinse, Cathie Barry, Anne Hyndman and Roxinne Montague.
LYNDONVILLE – Anyone looking for an unusual or unique Christmas gift just might want to check out Hope Resales Holiday Shop at Lyndonville United Methodist Church.
Hope Resales Thrift Shop was an idea developed by former church member Ruth Hedges in 2019, before she moved east to be near her family.
Since then, the shop has generated thousands of dollars, which have benefited the church and its missions.
“Ruth was in charge of missions for our church and got the idea to start a thrift shop to earn money for missions,” said Cathie Barry, a church member and thrift shop volunteer.
Cathie Berry and Colleen Gooding look at a list of charitable causes to which the Lyndonville Methodist Church has donated with profits from their Hope Resales Thrift Shop. The shop’s Christmas Store recently opened, with an entire fellowship hall full of holiday items.
The shop was immediately popular and profitable. Then they decided to open a separate holiday shop at Christmas time.
“People who work in our sorting room say there’s not a day goes by that they don’t get donations of Christmas items,” Barry said.
“This is the place to get good deals on games and toys,” said volunteer Anne Hyndman. “People who regularly shop here are always asking when are we opening the Christmas store.”
The Christmas Store grew from an idea developed years ago by their women’s group, who started a mini mall at Christmas, where children could come and shop for their parents and friends at very reasonable prices.
“Whatever money a child had, we accepted it for the gift they wanted,” Barry said. “It was a custom for parents to sit in another room drinking coffee and eating cookies while volunteers helped their children shop. There was also a room for wrapping.”
A customer browses in Hope Resales Holiday Shop at Lyndonville United Methodist Church. The shop is full of all kinds of Christmas items, from games and toys to clothing and Christmas trees.
Hyndman said people would come in and give them donations to be used for children who didn’t have any money to buy gifts.
After the lady who came up with the idea died, people were constantly asking if the church was going to do it again. The result was the Christmas Store.
“People like to shop here because they get good deals on games and toys,” Hyndman said.
This year could end up being a record year for giving, Barry said. Last year they gave a total of $10,000 to their church missions and to local charities, including the food pantry housed at the Presbyterian Church, Orleans Koinonia Kitchen in Albion, a homeless shelter in Lockport, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, local libraries, PAWS Animal Shelter and more. They have already donated $9,000 to various causes and anticipate a very busy month ahead.
This table features an assortment of miniature Christmas buildings and accessories.
“It takes a lot of volunteers to run the thrift shop,” Barry said. “We need sales people, cleaners, sorters, organizers and people to create displays. We can always use more help. It’s really kind of fun. Some great friendships have been made with the people we work with here. And we really love the people who shop here. We often pray together before we open the doors.’
“And we have prayed with our customers who came through the door,” Hyndman said.
Hope Resales has become a favorite place to shop for many people.
“Often, we open the doors at 10 a.m. and by 10:02 there are eight people in the store,” Barry said.
Hope Resales, managed by Colleen Gooding, is located in the basement of the church at 102 North Main St., and offers clothing in all sizes for the entire family, gifts, housewares, jewelry and more. Entrance is through the door on the northeast corner of the building. The Christmas Store is in the fellowship hall, one floor above. Hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays. The Christmas Store opened Nov. 5 and will be open through Dec. 20.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 November 2025 at 8:25 am
Orleans approved for $1.75 million for Public Safety Building roof, upgrades
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Public Safety Building, which opened in 1998 at a former furniture store building, was approved for $1.75 million for roof repairs and other upgrades.
The federal government shutdown is over after 43 days after the House of Representatives followed the Senate in voting to keep the government funded. President Trump then signed the budget bill on Wednesday evening.
Congressman Joe Morelle of Rochester, a Democrat whose district used to include part of Orleans County, voted against the bill.
He issued this statement on Wednesday night: “Today I voted NO on the funding deal because it fails to do what matters most: bring down the crushing cost of health care for working people.
“The Republican majority continues to be more focused on fulfilling Donald Trump’s whims and pleasing their billionaire donors than on making Americans’ lives better. Once again, the President has used fear, hatred, and cruelty to get what he wants.
“At its heart, this budget fails millions of American families who now face massive increases in their health insurance premiums. Mr. President, how are they supposed to survive that?
“There is a long way to go, and we must find a bipartisan solution before it’s too late.”
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, a Republican whose district includes Orleans and about a dozen other counties, supported the bill, which passed 222-209.
She highlighted $1.75 million in the bill for Orleans County for repairs to the roof at the Orleans County Public Safety Building and other upgrades to the building on Route 31 in Albion.
Tenney issued this statement: “After weeks of senseless disorder and delay, the House has finally taken action to reopen the government and deliver stability to families, small businesses, and our troops.
“This shutdown was entirely avoidable. Democrats manufactured a crisis to damage President Trump’s America First agenda while federal workers went without pay and essential services were disrupted. Their partisan games hurt the very people they claim to represent.”
“House Republicans delivered a clean CR to fund the government and pay our servicemembers. Democrats blocked every effort and used hardworking Americans as political leverage. Only after weeks of using the American people as leverage did they finally accept nearly the same terms we offered from the start.”
Tenney highlighted these projects in her district FY26 Community Project Funding and general appropriations process:
City of Oswego Police Department — $1,000,000 towards a new police station, to enhance public safety operations.
Orleans County Public Safety Building — $1,750,000 for critical safety and security improvements.
Town of Torrey Water District #2 — $2,050,000 for resource and infrastructure upgrades, expanding clean water access for residents.
Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station — $16,110,000 for the new Combined Operations Airfield Facility.
Fort Drum — $9,500,000 for the design of the Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Addition and $8,300,000 for the design of the ORTC Transient Training Barracks.
“These projects will strengthen public safety, expand access to clean water, bolster our national security, improve troop readiness, and deliver meaningful results for our region,” Tenney said. “While Democrats wasted weeks playing politics, House Republicans remained focused on getting things done for the American people and for Upstate New York.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 November 2025 at 3:15 pm
Ryan Armstrong
ALBION – The man driving a U-Haul that plunged into the Erie Canal on Sept. 2, following a high-speed chase with law enforcement, was arraigned in Orleans County Court this morning on manslaughter and numerous other felonies.
Ryan Armstrong, 43, was driving a stolen U-Haul with Reginald Russell, 56, of Rochester as the passenger.
The two had been spotted allegedly stealing items from the Walgreens in Brockport and loading them into the U-Haul. They attempted to flee law enforcement in a chase where speeds reached speeds up to 85 miles per hour. The chase went from Clarkson into Ogden, back through Brockport and eventually onto a canal service road in Orleans County.
Police used spike strips in the area of Bennetts Corners Road, where one of the vehicle’s tires became deflated. Armstrong then drove onto the southside of canal pathway before driving the U-Haul into the water, just east of Bennetts Corners Road.
Russell escaped the vehicle and was spotted struggling in the water before he went under, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies jumped in to try and save him, but could not find him due to murky water conditions. Russell’s body was later recovered by a scuba team from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Armstrong escaped the vehicle, swam to the north side of the canal and ran away, but was eventually caught and taken into custody with the use of drone technology, said Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke.
Armstrong today was arraigned in Orleans County Court by Judge Sanford Church. Armstrong has been charged with manslaughter for recklessly causing a death, as well as these felonies: fleeing an officer in a motor vehicle in the first degree, criminal possession of stolen property valued at more than $50,000 in the second degree, criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in a death.
Armstrong also faces misdemeanor charges of reckless endangerment in the second degree, unauthorized use of a vehicle, criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree, and criminal mischief for property damage.
Judge Church set bail at $100,000 cash, $200,000 insurance bond or $500,000 partially secured bond at 10 percent.
Armstrong is next to appear in court on Nov. 24 for a conference.
In other cases in County Court:
• Jason Dusett, 50, of Lyndonville was sentenced to six months in the county jail for aggravated driving while intoxicated, a felony. He also has to pay $490 in court surcharges, a $50 DNA database fee, $25 DWI fee and $25 crime victims fee.
Dusett was stopped on June 12 and a state trooper recorded Dusett’s Blood Alcohol Content at 0.19 percent, more than double the legal limit. Dusett has a previous DWI in Victor in 2018.
• In cases from last week, Joseph Reamer, 53, of Albion pleaded guilty to third-degree rape for sexual contact without the other person’s consent in April 2025. He faces up to two years in state prison when he is sentenced on Jan. 7.
• Marcus Donley, 22, of Medina was sentenced to 364 in the county jail for violating his probation by not getting treatment or housing. Donley is on probation for third-degree burglary and criminal mischief.
