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.

Stonehill Farms joined the parade the procession.

Press Release, GLOW Out!

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.

Learn more about Trillium Health’s services at trilliumhealth.org.

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.

Email Director@GLOWOUT.org for more information.

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.

Press Release, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library

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.

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.

Press Release, Niagara County Farm Bureau

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.

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.

‘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.

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.

Photos from Orleans County Sheriff’s Office: These three dogs were found abandoned in Shelby. Two people are facing misdemeanor charges.

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke

 SHELBY –  The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division recently made two arrests for abandonment of an animal, under section 355 of the NYS Agriculture and Market Law.

On November 19, Sheriff’s Animal Control Officers charged Paula Neil of Gasport with one count of abandonment of an animal following an investigation into an incident that occurred on November 12. Neil allegedly abandoned a St. Bernard dog along Route 31E in the Town of Shelby. Neil is scheduled to return to the Town of Shelby Court in January 2026.

On December 3, Sheriff’s Animal Control Officers charged Amanda Russo of Middleport with two counts of abandonment of an animal following an investigation into an incident that occurred on Nov. 18. Russo allegedly abandoned two puppies on Niagara/Orleans County Line Road. Russo is scheduled to return to the Town of Shelby Court in February 2026.

This misdemeanor crime is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of $500 to $1,000 or both.

Photos courtesy of Albion Central School: Albion students meet Brooklyn, a therapy dog at the school district.

Press Release, Albion Central School

ALBION – If you have visited Albion’s District Office recently, you may have had the pleasure of meeting its newest team member, Brooklyn.

Her four tiny legs and soft fur certainly sets her apart, but her curious eyes and gentle demeanor make her especially hard to forget.

Brooklyn is Albion school district’s new resident therapy dog. She is a 2-year-old, hypoallergenic mini Goldendoodle. As part of the district’s first Therapy Dog Program, Brooklyn began serving students in November following approval from the Albion Board of Education.

Her owner and handler at all times is Brad Lehman, Albion’s director of student services. They are both trained and certified through the RocDog organization. Brooklyn accompanies Mr. Lehman to campus 1-2 days per week and is available to help provide emotional support for classrooms or students in need throughout the school day.

“Brooklyn has had the opportunity to visit many classrooms thus far and has been given a very warm welcome,” Lehman said. “The smiles I see from students are infectious, regardless if they are in UPK or at the high school. It reminds me how important this program is.”

Brad Lehman, Albion’s director of student services, is Brooklyn’s handler and owner. He will bring the dog to school one or two times each week.

Many surrounding schools have introduced therapy dogs in their buildings in different capacities. The use of therapy dogs in schools can have many benefits that allow for personal growth and an overall improved learning experience.

They can be utilized as a proactive measure or to help support a student in specific need. Their presence provides comfort and companionship to those who may be feeling isolated, they can help foster social interactions, regulate emotions, reduce anxiety, alleviate stress, decrease feelings of depression, and improve overall well-being.

Albion school district is excited for students and staff to interact with Brooklyn and experience first-hand how beneficial her presence can be. If a student is uncomfortable for any reason, or if a parent/guardian does not want their child interacting with the therapy dog throughout the school year, they can opt-out of the program at any time by contacting their child’s main office.