Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – David Horn, 7, of Medina and his mother Lynn look for a toy police car as part of this morning’s “Shop with a Cop” at the Albion Walmart. Rob Riemer, a chief deputy with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, joined the mother and son while they shopped.

This was the fifth time Walmart hosted  “Shop with a Cop” in the Albion store. Walmart contributed a $4,000 grant to the Sheriff’s Office for the program that paired Sheriff’s employees with children and their families. The kids pick out items to help their families or be given as gifts for a family member.

Some of the kids made it their first priority to get a gift for a sibling or a parent. Each kid had about $350 to work with.

Chief Deputy Rob Riemer and David Horn pose for a photo in the store. Riemer said David was very excited and happy to be able to get the gifts fr his family.

David’s mother has been out of work with a medical condition. She said she appreciates the gifts for the family’s holiday celebration.

Lt. Steve Fox goes shopping with 10-year-old Brandon Kalpin of Albion.

Fox said Brandon had a good system to spread out the gifts for people he cares about.

Provided photo: This group includes some of the kids and members of the Sheriff’s Office, as well as some Walmart leaders. The Orleans County Office of Child and Family Services assists in the event. Jeannine Larkin, who helps coordinate the effort, said they try to have different kids for “Shop with a Cop” each year.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries is serving 2,000 chicken barbecue dinners today for free from the Masonic Lodge on Platt Street in Albion.

Christina Ruffin, left, and John Hollenbeck are in the kitchen putting the chicken and macaroni salad in the take-out containers.

This is the third year the Royal Body Shop Outreach Ministries has made a big effort serving the chicken barbecues on Albion’s “Hometown Holiday.” Two years ago there were 1,000 dinners served for free. Last year and today the goal is 2,000.

Pastor Al Wilson, right, welcomes people to get a chicken dinner. He thanked the volunteers from the church, the Masonic Lodge and Job Corps students for serving the meals.

“What a blessing,” Wilson said. “We have everything we need.”

Lisa DeCarlo, center, and other volunteers kept up a frantic pace serving the dinners which are available until they are all gone.

25 organizations will share in the bounty

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion FFA program delivered 37,000 pounds of produce and food to Community Action of Orleans & Genesee this morning. Mickey Edwards (center), the district superintendent, helps out unloading the trucks and trailers. He is carrying a box of ham donated by the Orleans County Farm Bureau. Adele Mathes, an FFA member in the middle school, also helped unload the truck and trailer.

FFA member Abby Ferris holds a thank you sign in appreciation for the local farms and ag businesses that donated.

The donors include Haylett Farm Enterprises, Stymus Farms, Lynn-Ette and Sons, Panek’s, Orleans County Farm Bureau, Kreher’s, Torrey Farms, Brightly’s, Kludt Brothers, Rush’s, Lake Ontario Fruit, Orchard Dale Fruit, Root Brothers, Martin Farms, My-T Acres, Poverty Hill farms, Nesbitt’s, Triple G and Starowitz Farms.

Lyla Neal carries a box of ham that will be stored in a cooler and given out in holiday food baskets.

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.

Josh Zayac uses a pallet jack to move the produce with some assistance from Rick Standish, the facilities manager for Community Action.

Katrina Chaffee, left, is director of community services and reporting for Community Action and Jeanette Worsley is a case manager.

They said the food drive from the FFA is a big help not only for Community Action but 25 other food pantries and organizations in the area.

Community Action will use some of the produce and items from the FFA for food baskets. Community Action is collecting food baskets and toys for 60 households and 136 children just in Albion this Christmas.

Scott Oldenburg, left, is the Albion FFA advisor. Kaitlynn Basinait, second from left, is the FFA president.

Kaitlynn, a sophomore, said the FFA looks forward to the food drive every year.

“It helps the community out,” she said.

She and other FFA members called the farms and businesses to see if they would donate, and then checked in again to help schedule a drop off at the school or arrange for the food to be picked up.

Kaitlynn said the farms are very gracious in setting aside for the annual collection.

FFA member Oliver Beach helps unload heavy bags of cabbage from a tractor trailer truck.

Photos by Tom Rivers

CLARENDON – Michael Klatt drives a 1947 Ford 2N tractor and pulls a small trailer with his three children and his mother, Susan Colby, who is the Clarendon town clerk.

They were in Clarendon’s third annual lighted parade on Friday night. The route started at the fire hall on 31A, 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.

There will be a lighted tractor parade in Barre today at 5:30, starting on Route 98 at East Barre Road and going north on 98 to the Barre Town Park.

Albion has a lighted parade at 6:30 p.m. starting at Dubby’s Tailgate on Platt Street. The route for “Santa’s Hometown Parade” then goes on East Avenue, turns right on Main Street, until another right on Bank Street, and one more right on Platt Street and ends at Dubby’s.

Painted Sky Ranch brought about a dozen horses for the parade. Here they are headed down Church Street.

These Girl Scouts were in the parade and also promoting their upcoming cookie sale.

These scouts led off the parade.

The Grinch greeted people along the route and gave them an onion instead of candy.

The Cub Scout Pack 3062 enjoyed the parade in warm temps of about 50 degrees.

Clarendon Town Supervisor Richard Moy and his wife Sandy rode in the parade on an RTV. Moy said he is thrilled to see turnout grow for the event. The Moys gave away candy bars to kids and some adults along the route.

Sheriff Chris Bourke participated in the parade.

A Clarendon fire truck was decked out in lights for the procession.

After the parade people gathered at the Clarendon Historical Society to meet Santa and have hot chocolate.

Santa meets with Adam Pahman of Clarendon. Adam’s family also was in the parade with a horse from Showdown’s Ranch.

Raymond Kingdollar, 7, of Clarendon whispers his Christmas wish to Santa: “hunting stuff.”

Audrey Penna, 7 months, meets Santa for the first time.

Site includes 9 Christmas trees on tour of mansion

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Maison Albion is decorated for the holidays, including nine Christmas trees set up in the historic mansion at 13800 W County House Rd.

The site is hosting a holiday market this weekend with 25 vendors from Western New York, specializing in baked goods, flowers, handmade goods and antiques.

Cindy Eibl from the Corner Gift Boutique made three trips to Maison Albion, bringing vintage, hand-crafted and new products for this weekend’s show. She is shown setting up today with help from Jeff Witkop in the ballroom.

Eibl is usually based at the Arnold Gregory Memorial Office Complex in Albion. She has done previous winter and spring market shows at Maison, which she said brings customers from all over WNY.

Jaclyn Eichas, venue manager for Maison and a partner with Mixologie, is shown with one of the nine Christmas trees decorated on a tour of the mansion. Those tickets are $15 each and includes beverages and refreshments served by Mixologie as well as access to the vendors.

The market is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Karyn Papponetti of Barre and Steve Marciszewski of Elba set up for the show this weekend in the patio. Papponetti has wood décor, signs and many Christmas-themed items. Marciszewski is a woodworker with cutting boards, bread knives, T light holders and some Christmas themed creations, including reindeer.

Papponetti’s daughter Jenna also will have artwork for sale, and copies of her children’s book, “The Little Bird Who Wanted to Fly.”

Maureen Bennett of Albion sets up for the market. She sells upcycled or refurbished items. She usually is based out of the Modern Mercantile in Medina and Red Check in Albion.

Photos and information courtesy of Medina Central School

MEDINA – For almost 30 years, the Medina Junior-Senior High School has helped out those in need in partnership with the Medina Area Association of Churches.

This year, under the mentorship of English teacher Kayla Rosenbeck and science teacher Sara Cinquino, students were asked to donate essential items to help out those in their community.

Students and staff collected over 1,300 items for MAAC to distribute to those in need.

“We are always happy to help out,” Rosenbeck said. “My co-advisor Sara Cinquino and I knew our students would want to help out such a worthy organization. We are very fortunate that our students wanted to donate and we are very proud of them for trying to make the holidays a little bit brighter for those less fortunate.”

The Medina Fire Department stopped at the school on Wednesday to collect the items and deliver them. Our Mustangs gave them a hand loading them into the ambulances.

Press Release, Lyndonville Area Foundation

Provided photo: Steve Goodrich (left), commander of the American Legion Houseman Tanner Post in Lyndonville, shakes hands with Jim Simon, Lyndonville Area Foundation director and Houseman Tanner Post member.

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Area Foundation donated $500 to the Houseman Tanner Post to support the annual Wreaths Across America Community Brunch.

The event will be hosted at The Webber Kitchen Collaborative in Lyndonville on Dec. 16 prior to the laying of wreaths on veterans’ graves at the local cemeteries.

Wreaths Across America is a nationwide program that honors those who have served by placing Holiday Wreaths on the graves of our service members. Steve Goodrich, the Houseman Tanner Post Commander, said that this is their way to thank the volunteers that will be laying wreaths on veterans’ graves in the Lynhaven Cemetery later that day.

The American Legion Post holds fundraisers throughout the year to help raise funds to defray the cost of the brunch, where they expect to host around 50-75 people. Members of the Post and volunteers raise funds a variety of ways during the year.

This year the American Legion booth accepted donations at the Lyndonville 4th of July celebration for opportunities to win a variety of prizes donated by local artisans. Additionally, during the Town of Yates Street Dance in August, the Post sold Sunflower Bouquets donated by a local resident. The funds raised, along with donations made by local businesses, cover the cost of the event.

“Due to Legion bylaws, we cannot directly help or sponsor any organization,” Goodrich wrote in an application to the Foundation. “We can show our gratitude to those helping to remember the Fallen.”

If you are a Veteran and are interested in becoming a member of the Lyndonville Houseman Tanner Post please contact Joe Hausler at 585-967-2934 or email the Post at AmericanLegion1603@gmail.com.

Photo by Tom Rivers: A volunteer carries wreaths to be placed at veterans’ graves at Lynhaven Cemetery on Housel Avenue in Lyndonville last Dec. 17 as part of the Wreaths Across America observance. Volunteers placed 441 wreaths at veterans’ graves in Lyndonville last year. Wreaths Across America will be observed on Dec. 16 with ceremonies locally in Lyndonville, Medina and Holley.

MEDINA – A nurse at Medina Memorial Hospital has been recognized for her 15 years of service and dedication to residents of the North Wing.

Nicole Chapman

Orleans Community Health has announced that Nicole Chapman, a licensed practical nurse, is recipient of the Caring Heart Award presented by the New York State Health Facilities Association and New York State Center for Assisted Living (Western Region Buffalo).

Chapman is often recognized for her dedicated work ethic and commitment to the residents of the North Wing, according to Scott Robinson, director of Communication, Marketing and Outreach.

“As a supervisor in the facility, when I see her on my schedule it immediately brings a smile to my face,” said Shelley Jakubec, registered nurse and nursing supervisor at Orleans Community Health. “I know I have a strong dedicated worker with a heart of gold.”

Chapman is regularly highlighted by her team members for her 15 years of service and dedication to the residents of the North Wing. She is very compassionate and kind, always willing to lend a hand and help out. She is described as having a very bright and warm personality, bringing smiles to many residents’ faces. Residents and staff look forward to the nights Chapman works.

“The reputation of the skilled nursing facility at Medina Memorial Hospital is because of the amazing team, which includes Nicole Chapman,” Robinson added. “If you’ve ever visited a resident at North Wing, you know the family dynamic that has been built by all of these individuals.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: Christ Church at 26 South Main St. in Albion will be a designated warming center when temperatures drop below freezing.

Press Release, Oak Orchard Health

ALBION – Oak Orchard Health is pleased to be a part of a community collaboration that addresses the needs of people without housing when the temperature is below 32 degrees (referred to as “Code Blue”).

This collaboration resulted in the opening of the Orleans County Warming Center at Christ Church, 26 S. Main Street, Albion. If an individual needs evening shelter during Code Blue, they can call (585) 895-4090 and they will be provided with a warm place to stay at Christ Church.

During the daytime, people can keep warm at the Hoag Library, 134 S. Main Street in Albion. Their hours of operation are Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. When they are not open, the Orleans County Warming Center is available for shelter when needed.

“After several years of planning, our vision of a local warming center has become a reality,” said Holli Nenni, commissioner of the Orleans County Department of Social Services. “This was made possible through the collaboration of many community partners whose goal is to ensure that no one is left without protection from harsh winter weather conditions.”

New York State mandates that if the weather gets below 32 degrees, it’s considered “Code Blue” and the community needs to provide shelter.

“Oak Orchard Health is pleased to be a part of this collaboration and to take the lead on the administration of the Warming Center,” said Karen Kinter, CEO at Oak Orchard Health. “We are responsible for staffing and coordinating the opening of this valuable asset to the region.”

In addition to shelter, hot beverages and on-site food will be available.

“This represents an amazing community collaboration,” said Nyla Gaylord, executive director of United Way of Orleans County. “The United Way of Orleans County was happy to convene the community collaborative to discuss this issue.  We want to thank all the local partners that made this a reality. A special thanks to Oak Orchard Health and Karen Kinter for taking the lead role and establishing the administrative framework for this program.”

In addition to Oak Orchard Health and the Orleans County Department of Social Services, Gaylord said the community partners include Community Action of Orleans and Genesee County, Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern, Christ Church, Medina Area Association of Churches, Independent Living of the Genesee Region, and the Orleans County Emergency Management Office.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – A community information kiosk with 8 panels about Medina has been installed in the Canal Basin.

The village’s Tourism Committee and the Orleans County YMCA worked with Takeform to design and develop the project. The YMCA used a $10,000 grant to pay for most of the cost.

The central part of the kiosk includes a map of Medina and the surrounding area in the 14103 zip code. That central part has a lighted panel to be visible at night. There are eight flanking panels, with four in a dark blue background and the other four in light blue.

The Tourism Committee, Takeform and village officials will have a dedication ceremony at 4 p.m. on Dec. 14 in the Canal Basin.

“This will be a beautiful addition to our Canal Basin for years to come,” said Jim Hancock, the Tourism Committee chairman.

The panel on the left focus on Medina Sandstone while the panels at right include “Embrace the culture” with history & museums, visual arts, significant architecture, “Made in Medina,” and performing arts. The panel at the far right “Savor our culinary creations” features farm markets, craft beverages, American cafes & family diners, drink & dine, pizza, wings & things, and familiar fast food.

These panels are about Erie Canal history (left) and exploring the outdoors – Erie Canal trails, the Canal Basin and marina, the Y Canal Club, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Medina Memorial Bluebird Trail, local municipal parks and Glenwood Lake.

The kiosk also includes panels about community services with local government, health and emergency services, educational resources, community organizations, county agencies and veterans’ clubs.

Another panel highlights community events with parades, festivals and other events in the spring, summer, fall and winter.

There is a map with list of spots for shopping, houses of worship, lodging, recreation and cemeteries.

LYNDONVILLE – The Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County held its annual meeting on Tuesday evening at the White Birch and presented awards for “Friend of the Extension” and “Outstanding 4-H Leader.”

Everybody Solar was honored with a Friend of the Extension for its efforts to have 77 solar panels installed on the roof of the Knights Building at the fairgrounds.

Everybody Solar did not have a representative at the annual meeting to accept the award. The company helps non-profits find funding for climate-friendly projects.

Photo by Katie Oakes: Officiating in a ribbon cutting on Oct. 19 to dedicate installation of 77 solar panels on the Knights Building at Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds are, from left, Orleans County Legislator Bill Eick; Cooperative Extension board president Marlene Seielstad; Eileen Banker, representing Assemblyman Steve Hawley; Rich Marino of Horseheads, chair of the board of Everybody Solar; and Robert Batt, executive director of Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Everybody Solar solicited money from donors to help fund the installation of 77 solar panels on the roof of the Knight’s Building on the 4-H Fairgrounds in 2023. The project was dedicated in October and Extension Executive Director Robert Batt said power generated from the panels will save the Extension more than $4,000 in the first year alone.

Photo by Tom Rivers: This picture was taken during this year’s fair in late July. The group was back selling French fries again to benefit the 4-H program. Pictured from left include Sheryl Watts, Rita Helsdon, Roger Ragan and Jane Read. Jane Read has been volunteering in the booth for more than 40 years. Her daughter Sheryl Watts has been there for more than 30 years. Rita Helsdon also has been a regular for more than three decades. Ragan was a newbie in his second year. They typically go through 90 to 100 cases (30 pounds each) of French fries during the week and raise about $12,000 for the 4-H program. “We promote children and families working together,” Watts said. “The 4-H program teaches the youth to become good citizens and give back to their community.”

Sheryl Watts and her mother Jane Read also were honored with a Friend of the Extension award for their many years of volunteering in the French fry booth at the fair.

Read has been involved as a volunteer for 42 years and Watts has been a part of the program for 30 years, Batt said. They run the French fry stand and raise money for the 4-H program.

“The Fry Stand job takes up countless hours during fair, and Jane still finds time to do her homemade butter demonstration in the Trolley Building on the Wednesday of Fair Week,” batt said.

 Fairgoers are taught about making butter with an antique churn and get to help turn cream into butter. The butter is served with Read’s famous freshly baked rolls.

At holiday time, Watts and Read can be found in the Trolley Building kitchen preparing food for the 4-H Holiday Faire, held the first Saturday in December. The funds raised help support the Orleans County 4-H Family and Consumer Science Program. The popular menu features foods made from scratch: chili, macaroni and cheese, rolls and butter and cinnamon rolls.

Provided photo: Kristina Gabalski, leader of the 4-H program in Orleans County, presents the outstanding 4-H leader award to Alice Mathes and Louise Henderson of Barre.

Another mother-daughter duo was recognized as Outstanding 4-H Leaders. Alice Mathes and her mom, Louise Henderson, are leaders of the Adventurers 4-H Club based in Barre.

“Alice grew up in Orleans County 4-H and both she and Louise are long-time volunteers,” said Kristina Gabalski, 4-H program coordinator in Orleans County. “Through their very active club, Alice and Louise impact the lives of youth with projects that include sewing, cooking, crafts and gardening.”

Their club members are regular participants in the Orleans County 4-H Fashion Revue and the Produced in New York silent cooking competition.

Mathes and Henderson help club members and family members with animal science and livestock projects at the 4-H Fair and oversee a large exhibit in the Trolley Building of project work done by their club members.

“Very few counties in New York State still host a Fashion Revue or Produced in New York – they do not have the volunteer leaders needed to continue these important events,” Gabalski said. “ Program Coordinator said.  “I am so grateful that in Orleans, we have leaders who are willing to share their knowledge, talents and time with youth.”

The two also are active members of the Family and Consumer Science Program Development Committee, and help with projects at the annual Holiday Workshop. Henderson makes sure the story time area for libraries in the Trolley Building during the Fair is well stocked with fun take-aways for young fairgoers, Gabalski said.

In 2023, bags made from feedbags were filled with healthy snacks, crayons, coloring sheets and books and information about 4-H.

Five of the seven towns in a proposed contract with Monroe Ambulance have approved a contract for 2024.

The remaining two towns, Gaines and Carlton, vote next week. The $300,000 contract requires all seven towns to ratify the deal.

The seven towns are divvying up the share for each municipality based on the call volume. That puts Gaines and Carlton among the lowest in expense. Gaines would need to pay $12,030 in 2024 while Carlton is at $22,350. (Gaines was at $24,600 in 2023 and Carlton at $14,800 this year.)

The town boards in the other municipalities have already agreed to their contributions for 2024 (with 2023 in parentheses): Albion at $155,820 ($84,400), Barre at $13,740 ($8,000), Clarendon at $25,350 ($18,800), Kendall at $17,850 ($0) and Murray at $52,860 ($30,600).

The Gaines Town Board meets at 7 p.m. on Monday at the Gaines Town Hall, 14087 Ridge Road West. There will be a public hearing on the ambulance contract and then a vote by the Town Board.

Carlton will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Town Hall, 14351 Waterport-Carlton Rd.

The towns started paying for ambulance coverage for the first time in 2023. In 2023, Monroe sought $200,000 from the seven towns. It was reduced to $181,200 after Kendall bowed out of the contract, claiming it didn’t need to pay because there already was an agreement with the local fire districts in Kendall.

In 2024, Kendall will be paying out of its town budget. The $300,000 contract calls for Monroe to station an ambulance in Albion 24 hours a day, seven days a week and one in Holley for at least 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Monroe also will draw on ambulances in Monroe County if there is a need in Orleans County.

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

ALBION – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is honoring the tragic loss of lives that happened at Pearl Harbor over eighty years ago.

Just before 8 a.m. on December 7, 1941, the naval base was attacked by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service. In the aftermath of the assault, 2,403 Americans were killed and an additional 1,178 were wounded.

This attack prompted the United States to formally enter World War II the following day. Hawley hopes that people will take time today to remember the bravery and sacrifice of those killed in those deadly attacks.

 “President Franklin D. Roosevelt described December 7, 1941, as ‘a date which will live in infamy’ in his speech to Congress following the attack on Pearl Harbor,” Hawley said. “That phrase captures the gravity and importance of that day eighty-two years ago. Let’s make sure that we make time today to reflect on the significance of the sacrifice those brave men and women made and remember these important events in our nation’s history.”