Tops Friendly Markets announced today that the company will once again offer military personnel and their immediate families an 11 percent discount off their grocery bill this Veterans Day.
This marks the 12th year Tops has been extending this discount to military personnel and their families. To date this program has afforded our veterans over $1million dollars in discounts.
On Tuesday, November 11, Tops Markets will honor an 11 percent discount off a total order to all veterans and immediate family members in the same household, who shop at any Tops location. Tops has stores in Orleans County at Albion and Medina.
Customers should present proof of service that they, or an immediate family member are a U.S. veteran, active duty, reserve or retired military personnel to automatically receive an 11 percent discount off their total purchase that day.
“The respect and gratitude we feel for those who serve or have served in the military is beyond measure, and for that, we are eternally thankful,” said Ron Ferri, president of Tops Friendly Markets. “Since the campaign’s inception in 2014, we’re proud to have helped save our veterans over $1 million dollars. This annual savings is just one of the many ways we strive to give back to our local military community by honoring the associates and customers who have bravely defended our nation and made countless sacrifices through their service.”
Additionally, select Tops locations will be selling 4×6 US flags with a portion of its proceeds being donated back to Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight. Flags will be on sale through Nov. 15.
Orleans County Department of Social Services Commissioner Holli Nenni and Niagara County DSS Commissioner Meghan Lutz today issued a joint statement to residents regarding the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) for the 2025 -2026 season.
“Please be advised that due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the start of applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) has been delayed indefinitely. We know how important HEAP is to helping many families keep their homes warm in the winter and our staff will be ready to move forward with applications as soon as the process starts. We will be releasing more information about the HEAP process as we receive it.
“The shutdown is not yet affecting other programs overseen by our offices and the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Applications for Public Assistance and SNAP are continuing to be accepted, benefits are being provided, and use of benefit cards continues at this time. We have been told, however, that these programs could be impacted as well if the shutdown continues into November.”
To learn more about HEAP and to keep up with any updates, visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/apply/#heap. Information on the federal shutdown can be found at the top of that page.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 October 2025 at 11:16 am
ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting a Drug Take Back Day on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Orleans County Public Safety Building.
This is an opportunity to properly and safely dispose of unwanted, unused and expired prescription medications.
For the safety of the staff at the Sheriff’s Office, do not bring uncapped, unsecured, or loose needles and sharps.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 October 2025 at 11:06 am
Provided photo: These cornhole boards will be raffled off during a tournament on Nov. 8 at the Knights of Columbus in Medina.
MEDINA – Operation Honor is trying a cornhole tournament on Nov. 8 as a fundraiser for local veterans.
The event is a shift away from a 5K in Medina that Operation Honor had been organizing around Veterans Day. The new cornhole tournament also includes a basket raffle.
The event will be at the Knights of Columbus in Medina. The tournament starts at 1 p.m., and baskets will be drawn at 5 p.m.
Doors will open at noon for practice and the basket raffle. There will be drinks and food available all day. Spots are still available for the cornhole tournament. The registration fee is $60 per team. The basket raffle is open to the public.
To register, contact Jenn Thom, Operation Honor director, at 585-356-9596 or operationhonor18@gmail.com.
Basket raffle donations can be dropped off at 415 West Ave., Suite 2.
Operation Honor is a non-profit organization in Orleans County that provides financial assistance and support to local military veterans and their families. It helps with utility bills, car payments and heating pellets, and it also supports other veteran-focused initiatives, such as a van service for medical appointments.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 October 2025 at 9:33 am
Photos from Chick-fil-A: The new Chick-fil-A will be at the intersection of route 19 and 31 in the Town of Sweden.
BROCKPORT – A new Chick-fil-A restaurant will open in Brockport on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 6:30 a.m.
The new Chick-fil-A is owned and operated by Aaron Reynolds, who worked at Chick-fil-A in college. He was able to use a Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures scholarship to help with his education.
“What began as a part-time job during graduate school quickly became my greatest passion,” Reynolds said. “I’m thrilled to open Chick-fil-A Brockport in a community I now proudly call home and to invest in Team Members as they grow and discover their own potential, just like I did.”
The new Chick-fil-A has been under construction since March. It is located at the corner of Rt. 19 and Rt. 31 in the Town of Sweden with the address 4871 Lake Rd. S.
The restaurant will be open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. with the drive-thru open until 11 p.m. and will offer dine-in, drive-thru, carry-out, delivery, curbside pick-up and Mobile Thru.
The new Chick-fil-A brings approximately 100 jobs to the community and joins four other Chick-fil-A restaurants in the Rochester market.
Customers who dress in a cow print on the opening day will receive a free entrée.
Chick-fil-A released this map of the property to show the traffic flow at the site.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Pamela Jenks of Pretty Sweet Bakery, right and Debbie Prest of Red Check Rustic dole out the candy in Albion during Beggar’s Night on Oct. 27, 2023.
By Tom Rivers and Ginny Kropf
Halloween is still almost a week away but local kids can get a chance to collect lots of candy on Friday during beggar’s Night in the downtowns of Albion and Medina.
The downtowns in both villages will have hundreds of children in costumes for Beggar’s Nite. That day is observed the Friday before Halloween. This year, Halloween is on a Friday so Beggar’s Nite will be a week ahead of Oct. 31.
Provided photo: The Print Shop has candy boxes and stickers ready for each child on Beggars’ Night in Medina. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday at outside the The Print Shop, 128 East Center St. In Albion, Beggar’s Night begins at 5 p.m.
Albion has Beggar’s Nite from 5 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 24, while in Medina the event runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. In medina, the event starts outside The Print Shop by the Medicine Shoppe.
The Print Shop is upping the ante this year, bringing more fun, fog and community spirit, according to Micheal Fuller, co-owner of the business with Dameon Heslor.
An estimated 700 children are expected in downtown Medina, where they will receive a royal send-off as they go trick-or-treating. The Print Shop will bubble and fog machines, festive music and a custom photo backdrop at the beginning of the Beggar’s Night route in the downtown.
The Print Shop team has created custom-designed items in their shop for each child. Also, a first-time feature will be Greenlief’s food truck on site during the entire evening.
“Beggars’ Night is one of our favorite events, because it gives us a chance to give back to the community that supports us all year long,” Heslor said. “Seeing the kids’ excitement and being part of a night that brings so many families downtown reminds us why we love being here in Medina.”
Albion’s Beggar’s Night starts at 5 p.m. There isn’t a specific starting spot. The trick or treating line in a loop.
People can park behind the fire department, next to Courthouse Square or the small municipal lot on Platt Street.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 23 October 2025 at 4:49 pm
Photos courtesy of Dave Miller: The Parade of Lights banner leads off last year’s parade. Plans are well underway for this year’s parade Nov. 29.
MEDINA – Days are getting shorter and temperatures are dropping, but one thing which is picking up speed is planning for this year’s Parade of Lights, scheduled Nov. 29.
Jim Hancock heads the Parade of Lights Committee, which met Monday night at the home Reinhard Rogowski. Members include Barb Hancock, Todd and Nikki Bensley, Dave and Gail Miller, Dave Stacey, Kathie Valley and Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus (Kevin and Sue DeHollander).
Hancock was delighted to report he already has a number of first-time entrants and several returning floats, and is urging citizens, business people, organizations and fire companies to put their thinking caps on and come up with a float.
Entry forms to enter a float or become a sponsor are available online at www.christmasinmedina.com. Deadline to submit entries is Nov. 25. The parade follows a day-long Christmas celebration in Medina, sponsored by the Medina Area Partnership.
The Parade of Lights has been a major attraction in Medina and beyond since its inception 16 years ago, attracting thousands of people every year and 35 to 45 parade entries.
A musical group, the Hit Men from Rochester, will perform at 5 p.m. in Rotary Park. Other musical groups marching in the parade are Medina Mustang Marching Band, the Mark Time Marchers and Pembroke High School Marching Band.
Sponsorship levels are available at diamond, platinum, gold, bronze and silver levels.
Entrants may choose to compete in one of seven categories – Non-profit, Commercial, Religious, Fire Department, Service Club/Organization, Agriculture and Other.
Floats will be judged by a panel of judges and prizes awarded in each class for Best in Class, in addition to a Grand Prize.
Again this year, a tree light ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. in Rotary Park and fireworks by Young Explosives of Rochester will take place at 5:45 p.m.
Anyone with questions may call Hancock at (585) 798-2118.
Niagara-Orleans BOCES was the grand champion in last year’s Parade of Lights on Nov. 30, 2024. The parade committee is accepting applications until Nov. 25 for floats for this year’s parade on Nov. 29.
Press Release, Orleans Economic Development Agency
ALBION – Orleans County-based businesses are reminded to register or renew their professional listings on OnlyInOrleans.com to ensure their information is accurate and up-to-date for future projects and local procurement opportunities.
Maintaining current listings helps ensure local businesses remain visible and competitive for upcoming initiatives that prioritize Orleans County companies.
Businesses with a brick-and-mortar presence in the county are encouraged to log in and update their contact details, services, and other relevant information. Eligible participants should have an established operational site in Orleans County.
The database is administered through the Orleans Economic Development Agency to assist new enterprise and existing corporations seeking goods and services from within Orleans County.
Provided photos and information courtesy of Peggy Bropst
KENDALL – Twenty-five classmates, seven teachers and their guests met on Saturday, October 11th at the Back Porch 585 Tavern for an afternoon of reminiscing, visiting, music, good food and lots of laughing!
Pictured, in front: Rosemary Nix Steffen and Joan Smith Page.
Next row: Bill Uhl, Beverly Fair-Brooks, Peggy Wheelock Bropst, Debbie Hansen Thomas, Brenda Munzert Jackling, Joy Meiers Cliff, Cheryl Schepler Fishbaugh, Dona Wilson Maynard, Tina Knittle Harper, Cheryl Kludt Cole, Judy Smith Fox and Nanci Barthel Bogan.
Back row: Dave Cole, Kim Smith, Mark Elmore, Rob Kraynik, Kathy Redshaw Gardner, Karen Waye St. John, Andy Keyser, Ron Graham, Mark Maynard, Garry Schildt and Ray Oehlbeck.
Mark Maynard led us on a wonderful walk down memory lane and the Rev. Kim Smith blessed our class, our meal and those we have lost from the class – Mary Cataldi, Valerie Coolbaugh, Tim Graham, Mike Gray, Rick Lardner, Judy Rowles, Tim Tytler, Wayne Vanderlaan, Kevin Van Orden and Mike Woodhams.
The class enjoyed a Kendall-themed cake for the milestone reunion.
Teachers in attendance were Linda Curtis, Jerry Greenlee, Gail Johnson, George Lonnen, Gary Kent, Carla Petronio and Jim Sauberan.
SANBORN – The Rural Schools Association of New York State is inviting the community, school administrators, teachers and business members to attend a forum on Nov. 5 at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES’ Conference Center at 4124 Saunders Settlement Road in Sanborn.
It will run from 6 to 8 p.m. with David Little, executive director of the RSA, as the featured presenter.
The event is designed to create an environment for collaboration and innovation with a diverse community to discuss the future of our rural schools and communities. There will be a briefing on the current state of rural education, followed by an opportunity for attendees to share their perspectives on the local and regional challenges impacting rural schools and the communities that support them.
The RSA invites the community to share their thoughts in advance and read what others have shared at RSA’s Digital Thought Exchange at https://bit.ly/ruralforum. Your feedback will help guide the efficient and effective use of resources in support of rural students and education as the RSA continues to work on behalf of rural communities.
Governor’s office, agencies sent items for freshmen’s “Iowa” float during homecoming
Photos from Holley Central School: Freshmen at Holley are shown with their Iowa-themed float during the homecoming parade on Sept. 26.
Press Release, Holley Central School
HOLLEY – Each year, Holley Middle/High School’s Homecoming celebrations culminate with a parade that awards points for the coveted spirit stick. When this year’s theme of “States” was announced, the freshmen class chose Iowa, never imagining it would spark a heartwarming interstate collaboration.
Freshman Class Advisor Samantha Zelent and Volunteer Co-Advisor Jessica Seaward knew this state would hit close to home due to the Holley community’s farming connections. On a whim, they reached out to a few Iowa-based agencies to see if they might contribute materials for the float. The response was overwhelming.
Numerous Iowa organizations and affiliates sent donations, ideas, and encouragement. News of the float spread quickly, and soon packages filled with Iowa-themed goodies began arriving from Iowa organizations the school hadn’t even contacted.
Students embraced the opportunity, hoping to represent everything people love about Iowa, including emulating the Davis County FFA’s sculpture “Hog Wild” as the centerpiece for their float.
“We were overwhelmed by the support from Iowa, especially the governor’s office, who sent us items including a signed photo wishing us a happy homecoming,” said Samantha Zelent. “Students loved the help from Iowa and had so much fun with the float. We have been a part of their Facebook page and they made us honorary members of the Historic Hills Scenic Byway’s Annual Bale Trail. Now, Iowa has a whole group of fans from the Holley Central School District’s freshmen class!”
This unexpected partnership not only boosted school spirit, but also created lasting connections between communities hundreds of miles apart, proving that sometimes, the most meaningful collaborations begin with a simple idea and a little curiosity.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 October 2025 at 7:32 am
Inductees include St. Stephen’s Church in Middleport, Christ Church in Rochester, Albion Academy Apartments (former Grammar School) with Sandstone Park in Albion to receive Heritage Award
Photos by Tom Rivers: The former Albion Grammar School, now the Albion Academy Apartments, will be inducted into the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame today, one of three new inductees.
MEDINA – The Medina Sandstone Society will induct three sites into its Hall of Fame today during at 1:30 p.m. ceremony at Medina’s City Hall.
The new inductees bring the total to 46 since the Hall of Fame was started in 2013. The Hall of Fame is located in the main meeting room at Medina City Hall, 600 Main St.
The new inductees include:
STEPHEN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, Middleport, NY
St. Stephen’s Catholic Church was built in 1908 at 21 Vernon St. in Middleport.
For more than a century, St. Stephen’s Catholic Church was a spiritual home for the faithful in Middleport, a village in eastern Niagara County.
The congregation formed in 1854, and the church building was constructed in 1908 at 21 Vernon St. The local Catholics were diligent stewards of this site for the next 117 years.
St. Stephen’s celebrated its final Mass on Jan. 12, 2025. It closed as part of a restructuring in the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo due to a shortage of priests and declining attendance.
The church has been combined with St. Mary’s Church in Medina as part of the Holy Trinity Parish.
“We recall the great many blessings that have come into our lives and community from this church,” Father Mark Noonan said during the final Mass.
The church was the site for more than a century for baptisms, weddings, funerals, communions and confessions.
St. Stephen’s may be on a side street, but it is a dominant building in the community. The building has been a landmark in Middleport since the building’s construction. The top of the large church looms over trees and downtown buildings that are blocks away.
St. Stephen’s was inducted into the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame on Oct. 23, 2025.
CHRIST CHURCH, Rochester NY
Christ Church at 141 East Ave. in Rochester was built in stages between 1883 and 1894 with the Johnson Tower, the tallest part of the church, completed in 1903.
Christ Church in Rochester was founded as an Episcopal parish in 1854. The cornerstone of Gothic Revival edifice was laid in 1883. The church at 141 East Ave. was built in stages between 1883 and 1894, using rock-faced red sandstone from Albion. The Johnson Tower, the tallest part of the church, was added in 1903.
The church was designed by nationally renowned architect Robert Gibson, and includes buttresses, flying buttresses, and a polygonal apse.
Christ Church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. It is also part of the Eastman Historic District. In 2022, Christ Church received a Merit Award from the Landmark Society of Western New York for a restoration project to repair its aging infrastructure and preserve its historic beauty.
The church is noted for its soaring ceilings, excellent acoustics, and numerous Tiffany stained-glass windows, mosaics and tiling. The church’s location and superb acoustics have made it a major musical venue in Rochester. Many Eastman School of Music rehearse and perform there.
Christ Church also embraces artistic expression and contemplative practices. In addition to its regular services, it hosts candlelight and virtual concerts, gallery exhibits, and seasonal events.
ALBION ACADEMY APARTMENTS (FORMER GRAMMAR SCHOOL), Albion, NY
This photo shows the community room in the former Grammar School, which was turned into 30 apartments for senior citizens, as well as the base for Meals on Wheels and a day rehabilitation program for Arc GLOW.
The striking grey Medina Sandstone building at 16 East Academy St. in Albion was originally a four-story school, built in 1906.
The 55,000-square-foot site has been transformed, becoming 30 apartments for senior citizens on the second to fourth floors, while the bottom floor is used for Meals on Wheels, and a day rehabilitation program for Arc GLOW.
The $7 million renovation has given the build a new purpose, providing vital services in the community for housing, nutrition and rehabilitation.
PathStone, known as Rural Opportunities at the time, took on the ambitious project with construction starting in September 2007 and the building opening in 2009.
The project involved repairing the Medina Sandstone exterior, restoring the grand main entrance with wood wainscoting and stamped tin ceilings, and preserving the grand staircase, moldings, and wood trim throughout the building.
Modern apartments were created within the former classrooms and auditorium, designed to maximize natural light and utilize the original window openings. The entire building was made fully accessible in accordance with ADA standards.
This project was honored by AIA Rochester for urban building re-use, the APWA with a Historic Preservation Award, and the NAIOP with a Historic Adaptive/Re-Use Award.
Heritage Award – SANDSTONE PARK, Albion NY
This photo shows one of the Little League teams for Sandstone Park in the late 1950s. Sandstone Park was an original member of the Albion Midget League in 1956 and has fielded a team every season. Next year will be the 70th anniversary of the league.
In 1954, volunteers created a baseball field and park on East State Street in Albion by a former quarry. Since then, generations of families have cared for the property, and fielded a Little League team every year.
Sandstone Park wears a distinctive bright orange uniform. The teams are often among the top contenders in the Albion Midget League. Sandstone is one of the original teams in a league that formed in 1956. Sandstone has had a team every year, and they play on one of the best fields in the area.
That field got a major makeover in 2021 with new bleachers, dugouts, a fence in the outfield, upgraded backstop and a new flagpole. Other improvements have followed with a new concessions stand, rehabbed equipment shed, and expanded parking.
A non-profit board oversees the park, and many, many volunteers keep up the field and work with the team.
They keep “Sandstone” prominent in the Albion community, and continue to bring pride to the quarrymen families who helped establish the park more than 70 years ago. Those families in the neighborhood back in 1954 paid the village $25 for 16 acres to create the park.
A sandstone plaque in the shape of home plate was placed near the base of the new flagpole in 2021. That plaque states:
“Sandstone Park – Our Greatest Generation created a unique neighborhood recreation area for the children on East State Street and the village. Generations of volunteers allowed Sandstone to provide and maintain the sense of fair play and sportsmanship the founders worked to instill in their children. The residents of East State Street and the Village of Albion are forever in their debt. To the Greatest Generation – Thank You!”
Sandstone Park recently completed several improvements to the field on East State Street which is named in honor of the late Steve Coville, a long-time coach of the team.
Editor’s Note: Orleans Hub editor Tom Rivers is a member of the Medina Sandstone Society board of directors and is currently chairman of the Hall of Fame Committee.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 October 2025 at 8:35 pm
Photo from Sheriff’s Office
ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke, right, announced two dispatchers have been promoted to senior public safety dispacthers.
Mike Schultz and Jerry Bentley will serve in the roles. Both are long-time local volunteer firefighters, with Schultz a past chief at Kendall and Bently a past chief for Barre.
In their new roles, Schultz and Bentley will assist in overseeing the Sheriff’s Office Communications Division, with responsibilities including supervision, training, quality control, and managing materials related to FOIL requests and NYS Discovery requirements, Bourke said.
“Both Schultz and Bentley are highly experienced, dedicated, and well-respected professionals whose leadership and expertise will greatly benefit the Communications Division,” the sheriff said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 October 2025 at 8:11 pm
ALBION – Harry Papponetti has seen a lot of things from local wildlife in his 33 years as animal control officer for the village of Albion.
But Papponetti has never seen squirrels working so furiously to stack pine cones for the upcoming winter. Papponetti has pine trees at his house and he said squirrels are scampering about his property amassing piles of pine cones. He sees it at other residences too in Albion.
He also has received calls from residents about squirrels getting in their attics, and bringing in pine cones.
Papponetti thinks the squirrels know something about the winter, and they are gearing up for extended harsh conditions.
“You’re looking at cold, hard winter coming up,” he told the Village Board during its meeting this evening.
Papponetti said he received many calls about squirrels and skunks on the move recently. He said the wildlife has been active as they get ready for winter.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 October 2025 at 3:56 pm
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the state will be spending $600 million to pave nearly 2,150 lane miles in the 2026 construction season, including $1.4 million to resurface Route 98 in Orleans County from Route 104 in Gaines going north to the Lake Ontario State Parkway in Carlton.
The paving plan also includes $2.8 million to resurface Route 262 from Route 63 to Route 98, and Route 98 from Edgerton Road to the Orleans County line in the towns of Oakfield and Elba, Genesee County
Hochul, in announcing the projects today, called the work an “unprecedented paving investment” that leverages $800 million secured in current state budget.
“As someone who has ridden on virtually every mile of every state road across New York, I know firsthand every curve and every pothole, and next year we will be making an unprecedented investment to improve state roads across New York,” Hochul said. “New Yorkers will be seeing crews out there like never before next year, rejuvenating highways, enhancing the safety of the traveling public, and laying a solid foundation for economic development across the Empire State.”
