Press Release, Oak Orchard Health

BROCKPORT – A Community Health Fair will be held at the Oak Orchard Health Center in Brockport on Saturday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to the health fair at 300 West Ave. Oak Orchard and UR Medicine will offer free health screenings. And the Kiwanis Club of Brockport will be serving pancakes at the Fair!

Have questions about health insurance? Fidelis Care Health Insurance will answer them – and give away stress balls, pens, notepads, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. The Brockport Community Connection will also be at the fair to connect residents to services, including emergency assistance.

Oak Orchard Health (OOH) will offer free services and giveaways:

• Blood pressure screenings
• Blood glucose checks
• Cancer information
• Dental and vision screenings
• Healthy Eating Information
• Information on the Patient Portal and technology updates
• Behavioral Health screenings and educational handouts
• WIC Program enrollment and more
• Kids’ Zone with games, prizes, face painting, and the Teddy Bear Clinic

UR Medicine will offer services and giveaways:

• UR Dermatology: free skin cancer checks
• UR Medicine: mammogram screenings (Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged. Call 1-844-870-0002 to schedule.)
• UR MobilEyes (Flaum Eye Institute): free vision screenings

All services are first-come, first-served.

“We’re excited to work with so many community organizations and UR Medicine to provide health screenings. There is something for everyone here, including children. We’ll have a Kid Zone and Teddy Bear Clinic. This is a great opportunity to get information and health screenings for free,” said Dr. Danielle Renodin-Mead, chief medical officer and pediatrician, Oak Orchard Health.

There will be plenty of giveaways for you to pick up at the booths.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Ben Lacy of the Medina DPW installs banners on Tuesday in front of Lyon’s Collision on East Center Street. Lacy and DPW employee Chris Dix hoped to finish the task on Wednesday. (Right) Daniel Roberts, great-great-great-grandfather to a number of local residents, is the first Revolutionary War soldier to have a banner in Medina. It hangs on Main Street in front of Zambistro’s.

MEDINA – Although this year’s Hometown Heroes banners project faced several setbacks during the year, the results have been excellent, said Mary Woodruff, who started the project in 2019 with 38 banners. By the fourth year they had reached the maximum of 120.

“Everyone has been supportive and patient during this long period of completing the 2025 campaign,” Woodruff said. “One particular and most generous supporter has donated a large sum of money to the Medina Hometown Hero banner project. I was overwhelmed and most grateful for this kind donation. This person is very happy with the project and hopes it continues for a long time.

The donation will be helpful in many ways, such as updating their website and providing more opportunities for sponsors who would love a banner for their family members, but have limited funds in their budget, Woodruff said. Many more ideas are being considered, thanks to this very generous contributor since the project began in 2018.

The array of banners featured this year will highlight the number of servicemen and women in our village of Medina and towns of Shelby and Ridgeway, Woodruff said.

“Each year I am amazed at the number of banners produced and the history of all these servicemen and women,” Woodruff said. “I thank everyone who joins in keeping this most honorable project alive and well. Imagine the coincidence back in the fall of 2018 when I asked the village board members to consider the ‘Hometown Hero banner project.’ I presented my pitch, explaining each detail of managing this project, which would be done in memory of my wonderful father-in-law, Willis Burr Woodruff. My final step, I told the board, would be to contact Orleans Hub and ask them to support this project with an article. Unbeknown to me, Tom Rivers had arrived at the meeting and was there throughout my presentation. He assured me the project would be a featured article – and the rest is history.”

Every year, Woodruff expresses her thanks to the village of Medina DPW for installing the hardware and putting up the banners each spring. They are typically taken down around Veterans’ Day.

For several years Woodruff has expressed the desire to have a Revolutionary War soldier, and she ended up with two – Daniel Roberts, whose ancestors lived in East Shelby and Medina, and Benjamin Darling, who also lived on East Shelby Road, and most certainly served in the same regiment as Roberts.

In addition, Daniel’s grandson Ziba Roberts, who lived on East Shelby Road, served in the Civil War and has a banner this year.

Woodruff is already receiving requests for banners next year.

(Left) The second Revolutionary War soldier to have a Hometown Heroes banner is Benjamin Darling, who lived on East Shelby Road. This artist’s drawing represents Darling, whose banner is next to Daniel Roberts. (Right) A Civil War soldier is memorialized on a banner this year. Ziba Roberts, who lived on East Shelby Road and is the grandson of Revolutionary War soldier Daniel Roberts, is also one of the first three hung on Main Street.

Project will add 4 apartments, 2 commercial units in historic downtown

Photos from Forward NY: Gov. Kathy Hochul announced an $850,000 Restore NY grant to rehabilitate the upper level of 409-413 Main St. in Medina to create apartments and also add two commercial units to the bottom of the building facing the Erie Canal.

MEDINA – Gov. Kathy Hochul today announced $50 million in Restore NY grants across the state, including $850,000 towards rehabilitating the upper levels of 409-413 Main St. in Medina to create apartments and also commercial space on the lower level facing the Erie Canal.

Those apartments will be above the Hemp House CBD Store and More at 409 Main St. and the Downtown Browsery at 413 Main St.

Thomas Development LLC, owned by Tom Snyder, is the developer for the project at the 1873 brick building, the former home of The Journal-Register in Medina.

Snyder plans to by transform approximately 4,600 square feet on the second-floor into four apartment units. He is planning three 1,000-square-foot one-bedroom units and one 1,200-square-foot two-bedroom unit.

The project improvements will include two egress stairs and a lift, exterior windows, building insulation and a fire suppression system.

Snyder plans to create two commercial units in the rear-facing, sub-grade space and a new commercial flex kitchen at street-level. He also has been approved for a $370,000 NY Forward grant towards the rehab of the building.

The State’s Restore New York Communities Initiative aims to help remove and reduce blight, reinvigorate communities and generate new residential and economic opportunities statewide.

The program, administered by Empire State Development, is designed to help local governments encourage new commercial investments through community revitalization, growing local housing, and putting properties back on the tax rolls to increase the local tax base, Hochul’s office stated in a news release.

“Revitalizing and rehabilitating vacant and blighted areas of our communities for housing or development is vital to make downtowns thrive,” Governor Hochul said. “Restore New York helps our municipalities plan for the future by catalyzing economic growth and supporting housing, businesses and cultural spaces. We are further unlocking the potential of these sites and communities across New York.”

Press Release, Tops Friendly Markets

WILLIAMSVILLE – Tops Friendly Markets has partnered with DoorDash, a leading global platform for local commerce, to launch on-demand grocery delivery across all 145 stores in New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, including the stores in Albion and Medina.

Shoppers can now order from a selection of 80,000+ items—including fresh produce, pantry staples, household necessities, and prepared meals—delivered on-demand through the DoorDash app or website.

To celebrate the launch, DoorDash is offering special savings on the first delivery order from participating Tops locations. Select Tops Friendly Markets stores are also available on DashPass, DoorDash’s membership program that offers $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees from thousands of restaurants, grocery, and convenience stores nationwide.

From now through June 19, DashPass members get 40% off orders with a subtotal of $55 or more (up to $25 off) using promo code 40TOPS at Tops. Non-DashPass customers can save 30% off orders with a subtotal of $45+ (up to $15 off) with promo code 30TOPS.

“At Tops, our commitment has always been to serve our neighbors with value, care, and dependable service,” said Ron Ferri, president of Tops Friendly Markets. “This partnership with DoorDash builds on that promise—giving customers a fast and easy way to shop with Tops, whether they’re planning their weekly groceries or looking for a quick meal solution after a busy day. It’s another way we’re helping families save time without compromising the service or standards they’ve come to expect.”

The partnership reflects Tops’ ongoing investment in e-commerce and its focus on expanding access to dependable grocery and meal options, particularly during busy weeknights and peak mealtimes.

The new offering makes it even easier for customers to shop with Tops—enhancing convenience for loyal shoppers while also creating more ways for shoppers to connect with the trusted regional grocer online.

“DoorDash offers a convenient way for shoppers to get fresh, affordable groceries delivered on demand,” said Mike Goldblat, VP of Retail and Grocery Partnerships at DoorDash. “We’re delighted to add Tops with 145 locations to DoorDash, allowing consumers to stock up on everything from daily staples to grab-and-go favorites and discover other great local options in their community.”

To get started, visit DoorDash.com or open the DoorDash app and search for your local Tops Friendly Markets store.

Press Release, Holley Central School

MacKenzie Fiorito

HOLLEY –MacKenzie Fiorito of Holley has been recognized by the Monroe County Council of Superintendents as a 2025 Outstanding Senior at the 30th Annual Dr. Michael C. O’Laughlin Outstanding Senior Recognition Dinner on May 7.  One senior from each high school in the Monroe One and Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES region is selected for this honor based on their scholarship, leadership, service and character.

MacKenzie served as co-president of Interact Club, the largest club in the school, where she focused on leading community service projects year-round. She was president of the High School Student Council where she organized homecoming events, seasonal pep assemblies and more.

She was a SOAR Leader where she served as a peer mentor to 7th grade students, a member of the Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team, and a member of the Holley-Kendall Unified Basketball Team which empowered students of all abilities to come together to compete.

“MacKenzie embodies all that Holley stands for,” said Holley Central School Superintendent Karri Schiavone. “She is a champion for students of every ability and represents Holley with her leadership, positivity and compassion. She exudes kindness and strength, making her a true a role model to her peers and perfect candidate for this award.”

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today voted in favor of the historic One Big Beautiful Bill Act to deliver on President Trump’s America First Agenda.

This legislation passed the House by a vote of 215-214 with one voting present.

“The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which passed the House today, puts America First by making permanent the Trump Tax Cuts, providing ICE and the Department of Homeland Security the funding they need to build the wall and hire more agents to secure our borders, unleashing American energy production, and restoring common sense and sanity in our government,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

“House Republicans voted to prevent the largest tax hike in American History by preserving and expanding the 2017 Trump Tax Cuts. This legislation will now bring the most significant tax cut in American history, bringing an average of an extra $5,000 into our wallets. In addition, Americans earning between $30,000 and $80,000 will pay nearly 15% less in taxes. This legislation also includes President Trump’s promises of No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, and cutting taxes on Social Security recipients to benefit working-class Americans.

“NY-24 is the largest agricultural district in the Northeast; the One Big Beautiful Bill protects family farms by preventing the 6,804 family farms in our district from seeing their death tax exemption cut in half. Main Street businesses are also the backbone of our district, and this legislation protects the 199A Small Business Deduction to ensure the 40,720 small businesses in NY-24 are not hit by a 43.4% effective tax rate.

“This legislation also contains historic provisions to secure our borders and combat the migrant crisis by providing nearly $70 million to expand ICE detention centers, hire over 10,000 new ICE Agents, and finish the border wall. President Trump and House Republicans are also committed to protecting American family values and restoring sanity to federal policymaking. By including my legislation to end taxpayer funding for sex changes for children and repealing the Left’s Green New Scam, we are working to rid our federal government of waste, fraud, and abuse.

“Now, it is up to the Senate to unite around this legislation and get this One Big Beautiful Bill to the President’s desk to deliver on our promises to the American people. It was a great privilege to support this once-in-a-lifetime bill, and I am eager to see it signed into law!”

Photo by Tom Rivers: Albion Police Chief David Mogle holds a torch on May 31, 2024 while the law enforcement officers gathered near the start line in the village’s municipal lot on Platt Street next to Dubby’s Tailgate. Turnout was about 40 for the torch run, more than double the debut in 2023.

ALBION – Local law enforcement will again be leading a torch run to benefit the Special Olympics.

The May 30 run over 2.7 miles in Albion will be the third time the Albion Police Department is organizing the run with the Special Olympics.

The run starts and ends at the Albion municipal parking lot on Platt Street. There is a 10:30 a.m. registration with the run starting at 11 a.m.

For more information contact Lt. Brandon Annable at (585) 589-5627 ext. 2929 or annable@albionpolice.com, or contact Erica Raepple at (716) 909-6444 or eraepple@nyso.org.

There were 40 participants in last year’s run, including several students in the life skills class at Albion. Those students ran the first half of the course.

Police Chief David Mogle said he would like to see an even bigger turnout from the community.

Law enforcement from the Albion Police Department, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, State Police and DEC joined students last year on the run.

Press Release, Orleans County Youth Bureau

ALBION – The Orleans County Youth Bureau is inviting the public to join in celebrating young people, youth workers and youth volunteers who will be honored at the 43rd Annual Youth Recognition Banquet.

The event will take place on Thursday, June 5, at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.  Doors to open at 6 p.m., with the program starting at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are $25 and reservations must be made by May 25.  To register, please email OrleansCountyYouthBureau@OrleansCountyNY.gov or call 585-589-2740.

The 2025 Youth Recognition Awards honor those young people who have performed outstanding service for our community and/or have assumed an extraordinary role within their families by helping to support themselves.  Receiving awards are:

• Morgan Bidwell
• Theresa Biesinger
• Kylee Dann
• Madison Davis
• MacKenzie Fiorito
• Noah Fox
• Grace Goodrich
• Garrett Koch
• Karter May
• Makenzie McGrath
• Christena Molina
• Aidan Oberther
• Hannah Rowland
• Keira Zambito

In addition to the youth recognition awards, Saul Harrison will receive the Helen Brinsmaid Award, given to an Orleans County youth-serving professional, in a paid position, whose work surpasses normal expectations.

Katherine Anderson and Pastor Al Wilson will receive the Eileen Heye Adult Volunteer Recognition Award, presented to an adult who serves the youth of Orleans County in a volunteer setting.

“I hope members of the public will consider joining us at this event as we shine a spotlight on some young people doing some amazing things, as well as honor adults who are dedicated to working with our youth,” said Jack Welch, chief administrative officer for Orleans County.

Press Release, Genesee Community College

Provided photo: Kenadie Patten earned her degree from Genesee Community College on May 17, about a month before she graduates from Albion High School on June 27.

BATAVIA – Genesee Community College celebrated its 57th annual Commencement Ceremony on May 17 with a group of seven students from area high schools and home schools deserving special mention.

They completed their GCC degree requirements concurrently with their high school diplomas or New York State High School Equivalency. These graduates participated in the seventh annual cohort of the Excel Program (formerly Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Enrichment Program) through GCC’s Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Office.

These high-achieving individuals include the following: Zoey Berggren (Attica), Jeremiah Childs (Batavia), Paige Harding (Oakfield), Holden Kelly (Perry), Tess McLaughlin (Perry), Kenadie Patten (Albion) and Olivia Swyers (Perry).

The Excel program began in 2012 allowing the students to start their college studies as early as the seventh grade. In addition to their traditional schoolwork, they enrolled in college level coursework each year taking advantage of many academic opportunities and successfully completing all of the rigorous challenges of an associate degree.

“We are extremely proud of these seven exceptional students who have not only earned their high school diplomas but also completed their GCC degree requirements,” said Ann Valento, director of Accelerated College Enrollment programs at GCC. “Their dedication and hard work demonstrate the power of early college enrollment and the opportunities it provides. They are truly an inspiration to future generations of students.”

Kaitlyn Harloff, Excel program coordinator at GCC, added, “This program highlights the remarkable achievements of our students and their ability to excel in demanding academic environments. Their success is a testament to the effectiveness of the Excel Enrichment Program and the commitment of our faculty and staff to support and guide them.”

Genesee Community College’s 57th annual Commencement Ceremony was held at the Richard C. Call Arena and featured special guest Keynote Speaker Kate Welshofer. To view the ceremony, click here.

For more information contact Director of ACE Programs, Ann Valento at (585) 343-0055 x6316, or via email: amvalento@genesee.edu.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Main Street lift bridge remains in the upright position to allow boating traffic to pass through today. Village officials hoped the bridge rehabilitation would be completed in time for the Albion Strawberry Festival next month, but now a completion is more likely in September.

ALBION – The Main Street lift bridge won’t be reopening anytime soon.

Village officials were expecting the bridge would be operational in time for the Albion Strawberry Festival on June 13-14, but the bridge may not be ready for four months.

A “catastrophic event” occurred on May 7 during start-up testing of the control system to operate the lift bridge, Paul Attoma, engineer-in-charge for Region 4 Construction, wrote in a letter today to Albion Village Trustee Joyce Riley.

A failure occurred within the main drive system cabinet located in the control tower. A vendor, with a specialization in control systems and experienced in movable bridge projects, was starting the motor function tests, Attoma said.

“When the system was energized, one of the electric drive controllers arced, producing a fire in the drive cabinet,” Attoma wrote in his letter. “The arcing drive assembly was severely damaged, and the heat from the fire damaged the second controller. Both drive controllers are beyond salvage and other components in the cabinet were damaged.”

Significant lead time is needed to procure and test replacement control drive units, he said,

“We anticipate the bridge opening will be delayed an additional 15 weeks,” Attoma wrote in the letter.

The cause of the failure is being investigated by the electrical contractor and control manufacturer, with the back panel of the cabinet with all the drivers and controls shipped to the manufacturer for forensic analysis and replacement.

Riley said the latest setback is “horrible” for the community.

“At this point nothing surprises me,” she said.

The bridge was initially closed on Nov. 14, 2022 for what was expected to be about 18 months for a major rehabilitation. That project stretched to more than two years when the bridge was reopened just after Christmas on Dec. 27, 2024.

But then the bridge was closed again to traffic on April 21 to finish up the extensive rehabilitation of the bridge that was originally installed in 1914.

With the failure in the control tower, the bridge completion may be closer to three years from the start of the project.

Provided photos: Law enforcement raided the Albion Mini-Mart at 45 North Main St., another smoke shop in Albion and a Cheektowaga residence on Tuesday and seized cannabis, counterfeit-stamped cigarettes and $5,000 in cash.

Information from Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force

ALBION – A Newburgh man has been charged after search warrants were executed on Tuesday at two smoke shops in Albion and a Cheektowaga residence.

The arrest was made on Tuesday after an investigation into the sale and distribution of high-grade cannabis flower, THC edibles, concentrated cannabis and THC vapes without a state cannabis license, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force said.

The Task Force, the Albion Police Department, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, the NYS Office of Cannabis Management and the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance executed search warrants at 45 North Main St, Albion (Albion Mini-Mart); 139 South Main St. in Albion (D-R Smoke Shop); and a Cheektowaga residence. (There were no cannabis products found at D-R Smoke Shop during the search warrant execution.)

The Task Force reported that law enforcement seized over 5 pounds of cannabis flower, 1 pound of cannabis edibles, 30 cannabis vapes, a quantity of concentrated cannabis, several cartons of counterfeit-stamped cigarettes and over $5,000 in cash.

Badr A. Nagi

Badr A. Nagi, 38, of Newburgh has been charged with 1 count of criminal possession of cannabis in the third degree (class A misdemeanor) and 1 count of criminal possession of cannabis in the second degree (class E felony).

Nagi was operating the Albion Mini-Mart at 45 North Main St. in Albion. As a result of the investigation and items seized, the NYS Office of Cannabis Management closed the store for selling and possessing unauthorized cannabis products.

These illicit cannabis products can pose a threat to public health and safety due to not being tested or approved by the NYS Office of Cannabis Management. The NYS Department of Taxation and Finance also suspended the Albion Mini-Mart’s license to sell tobacco products due to the counterfeit NYS tax stamps.

Assisting in the investigation were the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office, the Albion Police Department K9, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department K9, the Village of Albion codes officer and the Cheektowaga Police Department.

This investigation is ongoing and further charges and arrests are pending, said Joe Sacco, supervising investigator for the Major Felony Crime Task Force.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Heidi and Andrew O’Hara pose on the porch of Trade 180’s Onesimus House at 574 East Ave. in Albion, which will open soon as a home to provide guidance and compassion and teach a trade to young men.

ALBION – A remodeled home in Albion is close to opening its doors as the Onesimus House, a ministry dedicated to helping underserved young men value themselves, their community and learn a trade.

Heidi O’Hara is executive director of Trade 180, a grassroots ministry developed out of a need in the rural communities of Orleans County and operating out of a donated building at 25 East Bank St. to help underserved young adults.

Since opening in 2021, they have made significant changes in the lives of 12 young people, including self-responsibility, work ethic, self-esteem, greater involvement in their community, building healthier relationships and baptism.

“Trade 180 refers to ‘trading your old life for a new life,’” Heidi said. “We have several retired tradesmen who are willing to work with us, including a carpenter, machinist, electrician and mason.”

At her side in development of the Onesimus House is her husband Anthony O’Hara, a nurse at BOCES.

The Onesimus House will operate out of a home owned by Harvest Christian Fellowship next door, which has donated use of the home to the new ministry. Onesimus House is a core initiative within Trade 180, but needs to raise $80,000 to staff and stock the home.

Onesimus is named after a disciple in the Bible who stole and was redeemed and sent back in his community as an active productive member, Anthony explained.

Showing off the newly-remodeled interior of the Onesimus House are Heidi and Andrew O’Hara. A benefit featuring comedians Dan Kulp and Dan Viola on May 31 at Bent’s Opera House will support the new “Home of Hope.”

When the idea for the Onesimus House was first discussed, it was during the Covid pandemic. The home was unoccupied and there was talk of tearing it down, until the idea for Onesimus House emerged.

Funds were donated by local individuals, businesses and churches to buy materials. Ace Hardware in Medina provided tools and paint, Heidi said.

“We want these youth to thrive, not just survive,” Heidi said. “Things that affect the human soul matter. Such as ‘Who am I, why am I here and where am I going.’”

Onesimus House can accommodate four young men aged 18 to 25, with a house mother.

“Young men will become less dependent on us if we train them to get a job and their own apartment,” Anthony said.

Young men can stay at Onesimus House for six to 18 months. They set their goals where they want to be at three months and six months. Some want to get a license, or an apartment and a job, Anthony said.

“If they want to get certified in a profession, we will work with them step by step,” he said. “We will help them recognize who they are as a child of God.

Youth will not only learn a trade, but life skills, such as budgeting, shopping and cooking a meal.”

“We want to make sure they leave here well grounded,” Heidi said.

“Many young people never had a family,” Anthony said. “When they become part of Trade 180, they have a family.”

“It’s a beautiful thing when you are in a family,” Heidi said. “You feel loved, accepted and wanted – and saved.”

There is a void in the community for this type of ministry, Heidi said.

Anthony said donations have come from Buffalo to Rochester. Pastor Tim Lindsay at Harvest Christian Fellowship has also been very supportive, in addition to donating use of the home.

“He is always willing to share for the community,” Heidi said.

Heidi also acknowledged support from the Risen Café on East Bank Street and other area pastors.

Men who come to Onesimus House will be given a list of area churches and they must agree to attend one.

“We not only want them to get established in their community, we want them to have an obligation to be a good citizen,” Anthony said.

“Six or seven years ago, this was only a dream,” Heidi said.

“This house is an example of steadfastness and faith,” Anthony said.

Much work still needs to be done on the outside, such as siding and landscaping, he said.

All those involved in this mission are hoping the comedy night at Bent’s Opera House will be successful. The event was the idea of Ayesha Kreutz of Medina, who has seen the comedians and highly recommends them. She said they are hilarious.

Harvest Restaurant is offering 20% off a meal that evening, and one of the hotel rooms will be raffled off during the evening.

Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., with entertainment by jazz artist Doug Egling at 5 p.m. Comedians Dan Kulp and Dan Viola have both been seen on Dry Bar Comedy.

Tickets are $25 and are available at Della’s Chocolates, 512 Main St., Medina.