By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 December 2025 at 3:23 pm
OCCS expects to move to location to start next school year
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Krista Lawson, standing, teaches all subjects to first-, second- and third-graders, in addition to teaching Bible and acting as school nurse at Orleans County Christian School. Two of her students are Zavina Wright, 7, and Isabella DeVore, 6. Lawson is the wife of Kevin Lawson, pastor of The Vine Church on Maple Ridge Road.
This is the former Shelby Baptist Church on Allegany Road in Shelby Center. The church, an adjoining cafeteria and a brick building have been donated to the Orleans County Christian School, which plans to start the 2026 school year there.
MEDINA – The Orleans County Christian School is about to make a monumental move, which they hope will propel them far into a successful future.
Now located in Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship Church on South Gravel Road, the church is planning a move to the former Shelby Baptist Church, which has been donated to the school.
“God has opened a remarkable door for OCCS,” said Dawn Zaidel, principal and acting administrator, in a press release last week. “A new building has been donated, positioning us for growth, sustainability and increased community impact.”
“OCCS already has a strong foundation and a rich legacy of faith,” said Ayesha Kreutz, who was recently hired as administrator. “Now we get to be part of the next chapter of this story, strengthening what God began and building toward the future He is preparing.”
The church/school complex in Shelby Center, formerly the Shelby Baptist Church, was donated to the Pastors’ Aligned for Community Transformation (PACT), which donated it to the Christian school.
Orleans County Christian School had its beginnings in October 1993, when the Rev. Tim Lindsay organized a steering committee of individuals with a heart for Christian education. Present were the Rev. Lindsay, Rev. David Vetter, Rev. Randy Anson, Rev. Chris Johnson, Curt Strickland, Curt Follman, Mark Irwin, Vanche Hedley and Dr. William Bellavia.
From that meeting, they sent a county-wide survey to see how much community interest there was. The steering committee continued to meet for three years until, in 1996, the Orleans County Christian School opened its doors on Sept. 4. It began with 13 students, one full-time teacher and one part-time teacher. The school was initially located at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion.
After five years, the school moved to Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God in Medina’s old high school, where they were given use of the northeast wing of the first floor, along with the cafeteria, auditorium and gymnasium. After 17 years there, they were forced to move again when the building was sold, and Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship on Route 63 north of Shelby Center became their new home.
“Pastor Russ Peters and his congregation have welcomed us with open arms, but we are excited about our move once again to a new home,” Zaidel said. “We are also excited about the possibilities for growth at our new location. Orleans County Christian School’s purpose was, and still is, to provide young people with the tools and environment they need to attain the highest level of academic achievement and Christian character.”
Students and teachers frequently gather in the Community Room at Orleans County Christian School. Here, from left, are Mary Hollenbeck, an all-around teacher, GED instructor or adviser on hybrid or distance learning; Dawn Zaidel, principal and English and history teacher; a 10th grade hybrid student; Ayesha Kreutz (standing), newly hired administrator; and students Levi, 13, and Jayden 11.
Zaidel said the school won’t be moving until next September. They have to convert the new church into a dual-purpose gymnasium and community center. The cafeteria is housed in the low wood building which connects the church and brick building on the north, which will house the classrooms.
“It is amazing when God pours out,” Zaidel said. “It’s never something small.”
Kreutz is excited about her new position and what she can bring to the school.
Her background is in classical Christian education, fundraising and organizational turnaround, which she is confident will help strengthen the school’s academics, expand student programs and build on the incredible foundation of this school’s history. As administrator, Kreutz will work as a consultant specializing in grant writing, program development and organizational strategy.
“I bring a blend of administrative leadership, curriculum development, community engagement, fundraising and long-range strategic planning,” Kreutz said. “We are on a mission to keep Christian education alive in Orleans County and investing in a legacy that will serve families for generations. I want to be part of raising up citizens with good character, who have a love of learning, family and community, and are prepared for life, wherever that might lead them. We need to invest in our youth so they will stay here and build this community, not just leave the first chance they get.”
Sophia Standish, standing, is working with Abigail Smith, a new student at the Orleans County Christian School.
The Orleans County Christian School is supported by Harvest Christian Fellowship, Albion; Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God, Medina; Faith Alliance Church, Albion; First Baptist Church of Holley;
Oak Orchard Assembly of God and Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship, Medina; Light of Victory Church, Albion; and Faith Covenant Fellowship, Medina.
The parent of a former student shared this testimonial: “This is an awesome school that takes time for one- on-one learning and really cares about the kids. My daughter has gone there for almost 7 years.”
The Orleans County Christian School accepts children from pre-school through 12th grade. This is the first year for preschoolers and they are filled to their capacity of seven children.
Michael Zaidel, school nurse and member of the Christian school board, said most parents don’t realize they can get busing to and from our school if they live within 15 miles of the school. They currently have students registered from Royalton/Hartland, Albion, Holley, Oakfield, Lyndonville and Batavia. Several students are driven in by their parents, he said.
The school is also able to offer students participation in BOCES, and busing is provided, Dawn Zaidel said.
The school plans to use the brick building on the north for the classrooms. The church building is planned to become into a dual-purpose gymnasium and community center. The cafeteria will be housed in a low wood building which connects the church and brick building.
Kreutz said they are looking at additional opportunities for students at the school.
“The kids want to start a Club America,” Dawn said.
“It is student-run and encourages kids to develop different service projects in the community,” Kreutz said.
Dawn said when she was asked to fill in as administrator, the first thing she did was brainstorm on how they could get more students enrolled.
“We have gone from eight to 20 students,” she said. “Our capacity is 37. I am a firm believer if we can get a child from the beginning, he will stay. Our parents are overjoyed we are able to now accept preschoolers.”
The Orleans County Christian School depends heavily upon donations, and anyone wishing to donate to the school may make a one-time donation of any amount or pledge a monthly gift by logging on to www.orleanscountychristianschool.com; or mailing a check to OCCS, P.O. Box 349, Medina, 14103. Donations can also be made through Venmo:@occsschool.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 December 2025 at 8:37 am
Families, businesses and organizations decorate trees at Veterans Park
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – The Village of Lyndonville turned on the lights Saturday for 82 Christmas trees decorated at Veterans Park. Many of the trees are decorated in memory of loves, while businesses and organizations also puts lights and ornaments on the trees.
Lyndonville started the tradition in 2013 with 26 trees. It has continues to have a strong response from the community.
This tree with angel at top was decorated by the family of Derwood and Dorothy James.
One of the trees is decorated by the Bradley family for family members including Wes Bradley, who was a founding member of Christmas in Lyndonville Committee. For the first 12 years of the celebration, Bradley served as the emcee when Santa arrived by carriage and led the countdown to Santa flipping the switch to light up the trees.
Bradley, a beloved teacher and coach in Lyndonville, passed away on Sept. 27. He also was chairman of Lyndonville’s fireworks effort for many years.
Carla Woodworth, left of Santa, served as emcee on Saturday and helped guide Santa to the “North Pole” electric switch so he could turn on the power for all the trees.
The Hardner-Smith family decorated the tree in lower right in memory of Dr. Elizabeth Lucyszyn. It includes a chicken ornament on top.
This tree is decorated in honor of Mark Hughes, a Lyndonville teacher and coach who passed away on June 4. Hughes was known to many as “Mr. Lyndonville.” He was a very active part of the school district for 52 years.
The patriotic tree with flags was decorated by Lyndonville Lions Club.
Veterans Park is the site for Lyndonville’s display of trees. The trees stay lighted up until just after New Year’s Day.
Jennifer Trupo, a music teacher at Lyndonville, and her chorus students sang “Silent Night” and other Christmas songs outside the Yates Community Library before Santa arrived and the trees were lighted up.
There were nearly 20 activities throughout the day on Saturday for Christmas in Lyndonville beginning with a community breakfast/basket raffle from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church. The day concluded with a Christmas LaLaPalooza at the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church.
Amelia McDonald, 3, of Lyndonville was among about 100 kids who were able to meet Santa inside the Village Hall.
The lighting of the trees brought many people to Veterans Park on Saturday evening.
The trees are all decorated in a different way by families, businesses and organizations.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 December 2025 at 10:43 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Albion FFA President Kaitlynn Basinait, left, and Loralei Gailie moves a pallet of onions that were donated for the Albion FFA food drive. The FFA delivered 37,000 pounds of food to Community Action this morning which was distributed to food pantries in the community.
ALBION – The Albion FFA completed its annual food drive today and the farming community once again stepped up in a big way by giving 37,000 pounds of produce and canned food.
The farmers gave of their harvest in a tough growing year caused by a drought that diminished yields.
The farmers still set aside some of their crop for the annual food drive which the Albion FFA has spearheaded since 2010.
“Everybody still showed their support,” said Albion FFA President Kaitlynn Basinait.
The FFA calls farmers to line up the donations. Basinait said many of the local growers had much smaller crops this year due to the lack of rain in the summer. Last year’s drive totaled 45,000 pounds.
The Albion FFA members and supporters pose for a group photo outside the ag shop at the school before taking the food to Community Action of Orleans & Genesee. The FFA is led by advisor Scott Oldenburg.
The FFA started the food drive in 2010 with 3,000 pounds in the first effort. The food drive record is 53,000 pounds in 2020.
Volunteers carry boxes of hams, turkeys and eggs to a cooler at Community Action. The agency will use that food for families during the upcoming holiday season. Community Action has 337 families receiving food and gifts.
The group of FFA students and volunteers and staff for Community Action pose before unloading trucks of produce. Panek Farms loaned the tractor trailer to transport the food from the school to Community Action.
The following farms donated to the food drive:
Nesbitt farm with apples, Poverty Hill Farms (Neal family) with butter, Charlie Swan with butter, Panek’s, Partyka’s with potatoes, East Farms with canned goods, Kirby’s farm Market with apples, Root Brothers with cabbage, Rush’s with potatoes, Preston’s with apples, Orchard Dale (Brown family) with apples, Kludt’s with squash, My-T Acres with potatoes and canned goods, Brightly’s with apples an assortment of squash, Triple G with onions and potatoes, CY Farms with onions, Stymus Farms with potatoes, Circle R with apples, Lynn-Ette and Sons with cabbage, Hurd Orchards with apples, Martin Farms with winter squash, Save-A-Lot in Albion with hams and turkeys, Heberle Farms with apples, Sungrow (formerly Intergrow) with tomatoes, Kreher’s with eggs.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 December 2025 at 7:55 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
CLARENDON – Santa waves to people along Route 237 in Clarendon during a lighted parade on Friday night. He was able to ride on Clarendon’s ladder truck.
The fifth annual parade started at the fire hall on Route 31A, then went through the town’s main intersection and took a right turn onto Route 237, and then a left on Church Street to the Historical Society.
Santa was able to ride up high on the fire truck, waving to people who braved the cold temperatures for the parade.
Megan Rombaut drives this tractor from Rombaut Repair and Landscape.
The Holley Interact Club at the school district brought a contingent of kids for the parade.
Apollo Wilmot, 7, shares a Christmas wish list with Santa in the Clarendon Historical Society museum.
Town Historian Melissa Ierlan holds her granddaughter Rylie next to an ox statue that Ierlan covered with photos from Clarendon as part of the Orleans County Bicentennial celebration this year.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office led off the parade with a contingent of vehicles.
The Boy Scouts carried the colors – American flag and one for the Boy Scouts.
Girl Scouts had a float in the parade and they promoted an upcoming cookie sale.
The Grinch was back in the parade and handed out onions to people along the route.
The Murray Joint Fire District participated in the parade and put some Christmas lights on a fire truck.
ALBION – December is national HIV/AIDS Awareness Month, and GLOW Out! Is hosting a free event in Albion to share information and resources with the community.
On Friday, December 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Hoag Library in Albion, GLOW Out! will partner with Trillium Health to share information about HIV prevention, as well as honor the history of HIV/AIDS Awareness Month.
There will be presentations on the history of the AIDS epidemic in the United Sattes, as well as current updates and options for local testing and treatment for HIV. Trillium Health will provide information and resources, as well as free rapid onsite HIV testing at the event for those interested.
Early detection of HIV is vital for effective treatment, and with more knowledge, HIV can be and is manageable for many people who live with HIV+ status in America. Prevention options exist for those whose partners are HIV+ as well. Open communication with partners is another important tool in prevention and management of HIV.
Residents can seek more information and testing for HIV (and other infections) at their primary care provider or: the Batavia location of Rochester Regional Urgent Care on Oak Orchard Road; at the Batavia Health Center location of Planned Parenthood of Central & Western New York on West Main Street; or at either the Albion or Medina locations of Orleans Community Health.
Attendees at the event will be welcome to participate in coloring crafts or make a red ribbon pin, the symbol of HIV/AIDS awareness. Other local human service providers will also be present with information and resources.
Free HIV awareness stickers will be available, as well as a chance to win a raffle prize. Light refreshments are also included.
GLOW Out! connects the LGBTQ+ population in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans & Wyoming counties, through advocacy and education, creating a beacon for those in need of a safe and supportive community when we need it most. More information is available at glowout.org.
MEDINA – Lee-Whedon Memorial Library is thrilled to announce its upcoming Fundraising Gala and Auction, marking the grand conclusion of the library’s fundraising campaign.
All proceeds from the event will directly support construction costs, ensuring the community’s library continues to grow and thrive.
The gala on Feb. 6 will feature a live auction of library furniture, a silent auction, and a basket raffle, offering guests a wide variety of exciting items. Tickets are available at the library or online through Eventbrite (click here). General admission tickets are $30, while VIP tickets are $50 and include early admission and a swag bag. The event will include music, cash bar, and hors d’oeuvres.
Guests can look forward to fun and unique auction items such as winery tickets, autographed sports memorabilia, signed books by popular authors, and original artwork including children’s book illustrations and pottery. For sneak peeks of available items, attendees are encouraged to follow Lee-Whedon Memorial Library on Facebook and Instagram. Tickets are limited, so early purchase is recommended.
“We are deeply grateful for the incredible support this community has shown throughout our expansion project,” said Library Director Kristine Mostyn. “The generosity of volunteers, both in time and contributions, has been invaluable.”
If you are interested in donating to the gala, please contact Kristine at 585.798.3430.
Construction on the expansion is well underway. Foundation walls, underground electricity, and underground plumbing have been installed, with the exterior of the building expected to be completed by year’s end. Two naming opportunities remain available for donors wishing to make a lasting impact on the library’s future.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 5 December 2025 at 10:35 am
Provided photo: This wine barrel Christmas tree is part of the holiday decorations at The Walsh on West Avenue, where the business will give free toys to children from 10 a.m. until noon on Sunday, as long as supplies last.
MEDINA – The Walsh Hotel is showing its holiday spirit this Christmas season by giving back to the community which has supported them.
From 10 a.m. until noon on Sunday, The Walsh will give out at least 200 toys for children, said owner Rollin Hellner.
“We thought this would be something positive for the community,” Hellner said.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be at The Walsh and available for pictures.
In addition to free toys for the kids, the event will have food and drinks available, including the classic Tom & Jerry. The cocktail dates back to the 1820s, when it was created by British writer Pierce Egan to promote his novel “Tom and Jerry,” Hellner explained.
It became a huge holiday tradition in the United States, especially in the Midwest and Northeast. Unlike eggnog, it is served hot and made with a fluffy batter of eggs, sugar, spices, rum and brandy. Although less common today, the drink remains a beloved December favorite in Upstate New York, Hellner said.
Hellner purchased The Walsh in the spring of 2022 and has been working on more renovations, including eight apartments and 10 hotel rooms.
“We are roughly half way through our multi-million dollar investment,” Hellner said.
The Walsh has also added a country courtyard, which is currently decorated with a wine barrel Christmas tree.
Hellner said he also has plans to rebuild the original porch. A lot of work has already been completed, including a new roof, replacement of rotted wood siding/trim and fresh exterior paint.
Provided photo: Kevin Bittner accepts the James Quinn Award during the annual meeting of New York Farm Bureau.
VERONA – A Niagara County fruit grower who has served several years in leadership roles with Farm Bureau has been recognized by the organization.
Kevin Bittner on Wednesday was presented with the James Quinn Award during NY Farm Bureau’s annual meeting at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona. This is the second highest award in the organization and goes to someone who has gone above and beyond in supporting Farm Bureau and NY Agriculture during the past year.
Bittner is the orchard manager for Bittner Singer Farms based in Appleton. His father Jim is managing partner and brother David is field manager for the farm.
Kevin Bittner just completed his term as Niagara County President. In addition to helping plan the March Ag Forum, he served as emcee. As Farm Bureau president, he served on a number of other county committees. Bittner was a resource person for local farmers and members of the media. He also promoted agriculture through presentations to various organizations including Lions Clubs.
On a state level, Bittner serve on the Resolutions Committee for Farm Bureau. As a grassroots organization, their priorities are set by the members. The Resolutions Committee coordinates each county’s items into a coordinated format. He also serves on the advisory board for the Cornell University Geneva Experimental Station.
When accepting the award, Kevin expressed appreciation for those who helped him throughout the year. As part of Bittner Singer Orchards, he appreciated his father and brother for keeping the farm functioning when he was gone. Bittner appreciated the Niagara County Farm Bureau Board for their help with the numerous projects throughout the year. Finally, he acknowledged the input and friendship from members across the state.
New York Farm Bureau provides the resources that support and enrich the rural way of life. Through the efforts of our organization, farmers have learned to work together to promote more efficient production, better marketing, fair legislation, and a safe food supply and work environment. Membership is open to all involved in agriculture, whether in production or consumption.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 December 2025 at 9:45 am
Albion and Barre host parades on Dec. 13
Photos by Tom Rivers: Clarendon’s lighted parade on Dec. 6, 2024 included this goat, shown rounding the corner from Route 31A onto Route 237.
There are three more lighted parades this holiday season in Orleans County following Medina’s Parade of Lights this past Saturday.
Clarendon’s parade is today starting at 7 at the fire hall on Route 31A. The route then goes through the town’s main intersection, takes a right turn onto Route 237, and then a left on Church Street to the Historical Society.
Santa will then greet people at the museum in Clarendon.
Barre also will be hosting its eighth annual lighted tractor parade at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 13. The parade starts on Route 98 at East Barre Road and goes north on 98 to the Barre Town Park.
Albion is hosting Charles W. Howard’s Hometown Parade at 6 p.m. on Dec. 13. The parade starts and ends at Dubby’s Tailgate on Platt Street. The route goes on Route 31 heading west, turns right on Main Street, right on State Street and then right on Platt Street.
Santa rides on a trailer pulled by a tractor in last year’s Barre Tractor Parade.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 December 2025 at 8:44 am
‘Christmas in Lyndonville’ includes many activities throughout the day
Photo by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – The Village of Lyndonville will host many activities on Saturday as part of its community Christmas celebration.
The community has decorated 82 Christmas trees at veterans Park. The lights on the trees will be turned on at 5 p.m. by Santa.
The village started the tradition of decorating the trees in 2013 with 26 the first year. The number steadily grew reaching a record high of 98 in 2022. There continues to be a big response to decorating the trees with 85 in 2023, and 82 in both 2024 and 2025.
The trees stay lighted up until just after New Year’s Day.
There are nearly 20 activities throughout the day beginning with a community breakfast/basket raffle from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church. The Webber Cafe will host holiday cookie decorating station with crafts from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
There will be caroling at Veterans Park from 4:30 to 5 p.m. just before Santa’s arrival and the lighting of the trees.
Afterward, Santa will be available to visit with kids from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m.
The events conclude with a Christmas LaLaPalooza at the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church. Click here to see the full schedule of activities.
Christmas in Lyndonville is sponsored by the Village of Lyndonville, Lyndonville Fire Department, Lyndonville Lions Club or the Lyndonville United Methodist Church.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 December 2025 at 7:54 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: This photo from Dec. 17, 2022 shows volunteers getting ready to place wreaths on veterans’ graves at Lynhaven Cemetery on Housel Avenue in Lyndonville. Volunteers placed 441 wreaths at veterans’ graves as part of the Wreaths Across America observance.
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville community will be placing wreaths on about 450 graves of veterans on Dec. 13. This will be the eighth year the American Legion will be holding a ceremony at noon and then joining volunteers to set the wreaths for veterans as part of Wreaths Across America.
The ceremony begins at noon at Lynhaven Cemetery. There will be other activities after the wreaths are set at Lynhaven, with others put at veterans’ grave sites at Yates Center Cemetery, Robin Hill Estate, the Greenman Road Cemetery, Lott Cemetery on Angling Road and a cemetery on Marshall Road.
“I want to remind visitors and volunteers alike in Lyndonville we are fortunate to have a memorial fund set up in memory of Fred (Fotius), Peter, George Menel and Ernest Stelianou by their sister Anna,” said Steve Goodrich, commander of the American Legion in Lyndonville and coordinator of Wreaths Across America for Lyndonville. “All veterans (current & future) graves will receive a wreath at no expense to the veteran’s families.”
Any donations made to the Lynhaven Cemetery will be redirected to the Boxwood Cemetery in Medina to help support the wreaths’ effort there, Goodrich said.
There will be a complimentary volunteer appreciation luncheon at the Webber Café afterwards. Webber Café also will offer free crafts for kids, including rock painting and cookie decorating.
The Grinch will be at Sweet Tilly’s Mercantile on Main Street, offering ornaments for kids.
Pictured from left include Garner Light, Melissa Mance-Coniglio, Emma DeLeon and Betsy Black.
Press Release, Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
MEDINA – At its annual meeting Nov. 22, the Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge elected a new member to its board and officers for the coming year.
Elected to the board was Garner Light of Gasport, the group’s past president. Emma DeLeon of Williamsville was re-elected vice president, Betsy Black of Lockport was re-elected treasurer, and Melissa Mance-Coniglio of Bergen was elected secretary.
“Congratulations to those elected by the membership,” said the group’s current president, Richard Moss of Medina. “I look forward to collaborating with them on initiatives like our popular eagle nest camera.”
Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is a 501(3)c nonprofit corporation that exists to support and enhance the 10,800-acre Iroquois refuge, operated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The nonprofit’s main goals are public education, visitor services, and wildlife protection and management.
