Press release and photo courtesy of University at Buffalo
BUFFALO – The following local students were selected as a member of the UB Marching Band for the 2025 season:
Zackary Baron of Albion, a member of the drumline.
Jaxon Phillips of Medina, a member of the drumline.
Caiden Class of Medina, who plays the alto saxophone.
The Marching Band – nicknamed “Thunder of the East” – is the largest and most visible student musical experience at UB. For over 100 years, the group has entertained tens of thousands of UB fans each season with high-energy performances and True Blue spirit.
“I see membership in the UB Marching Band as a journey of tradition and purpose where students grow, inspire others and carry the university’s spirit in every performance,” said James Mauck, Marching Band director. “Membership in the UB Marching Band goes beyond music – it’s about friendships, inspiration and pride in representing the university.”
The Marching Band includes woodwinds, brass and drumline sections, along with members of the color guard, feature twirlers and UB Dazzlers (dance team).
In addition to performing at UB events, the Marching Band performed in front of 70,000 fans at the Buffalo Bills home game vs. the New Orleans Saints on Sept. 28.
MEDINA – The Sandstone Trust of Medina is accepting grant applications from not-for-profit organizations and/or programs in Orleans County, which benefit the residents of Medina, Ridgeway and Shelby.
The community endowment program will make several thousand dollars available in December; funding is intended for purposes that clearly benefit the community. Grants generally range from $500 to $1,000.
Grant application forms can be obtained: in person at Michael Zelazny CPA, 511 Main St.; by regular mail request sent to Sandstone Trust, P O Box 25, Medina, NY 14103; or electronically by clicking here.
Completed applications are due by Nov. 7. They should be mailed to Sandstone Trust, PO Box 25, Medina, NY 14103.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 October 2025 at 1:07 pm
Andrew London brings bright and welcoming business to his hometown
Photos by Tom Rivers: Andrew London opened Wish and Wonder Tattoo in Albion about two weeks ago at 115 East Bank St. London has worked as a tattoo artist the past 11 years.
ALBION – A new tattoo business in Albion features a hometown tattoo artist who wants to help the downtown business district grow.
Andrew London, 33, has worked as a tattoo artist for 11 years. He started at High Voltage Tattoo in Batavia and worked the past seven years at Canalside Tattoo in Medina.
London has a devoted clientele and he wanted to work in his hometown of Albion.
“I wanted to bring something to Albion that would brighten up the downtown,” said London, whose father Dean is a former Albion mayor and police chief.
About two weeks ago Andrew opened Wish and Wonder Tattoo at 115 East Bank St. He is joined by his wife, Katie, who is an apprentice tattoo artist. Megan “Marge” Furness also runs a body piercing business at Wish and Wonder. Furness has worked as a piercer the past four years.
Wish and Wonder Tattoo includes, from left: Megan “Marge” Furness as a body piercer, Andrew London, the owner and a tattoo artist; and Katie London, an apprentice tattoo artist.
London has a bright atmosphere at Wish and Wonder. He picked a name for the business that he said “feels magical.”
He wanted a well lighted space for the tattoo artists and for the body piercer.
“It’s not dark and scary,” he said. “It’s light and airy.”
London said he has done tens of thousands of tattoos so far in his career.
Tattoos have become far more accepted in the past 10 to 20 years. Many people proudly post them on social media, and receive very positive feedback which encourages their friends to want them.
London said most people keep coming back after getting a tattoo. He does many memorial tattoos, and ones with birth stones and birth flowers that people want to represent their children.
“Tattoos are memories,” he said at Wish and Wonder this morning. “People get one, they like it and then they want more.”
He strives to make people feel comfortable during the process of getting a tattoo.
“They all have a fun time when they are in here,” he said. “That must be why they call it ink therapy.”
Andrew London recently created these tattoos of Frankenstein, Zelda and the American flag.
London and his wife Katie pushed to open Wish and Wonder once their youngest child entered kindergarten last month. That has freed them up to put more focus on their own business.
Katie also is an apprentice tattoo artist. She is starting with smaller tattoos and will be working her way up to larger artwork.
Her husband wanted to be an art teacher when he graduated from high school. He found being a tattoo artist fills his artistic passions. He also likes to connect with his customers, and bring them joy with tattoos that are often very meaningful and personal expressions.
London is a sponsored artist through Empire Inks, which provides inks for gray washes – black and gray tattoos.
Megan “Marge” Furness is a body piercer with a business, Piercings by Marge. She worked as a phlebotomist, collecting blood samples from patients, before getting into body piercing.
She did an apprenticeship at Canalside Tattoo to learn the craft. She does piercings for the ear, nose, eyebrow, lip, tongue and other body parts.
She uses a sterile, hollow needle instead of a piercing gun which she said reduces swelling and is easier for her clients. Furness said she talks through the process, especially with children.
“The best part is giving people a very good piercing experience,” she said.
For more information on Wish and Wonder, call (585) 283-4173 or check their Facebook page.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 October 2025 at 7:40 am
Photo courtesy of Jim Panek
ALBION – This combine from Panek Farms is out at sunrise to harvest soybeans on Route 98 between Route 31A and Barre Center.
The farm is trying to beat the rain this morning.
It’s been a tough year for the farmers due to the drought conditions in Orleans County. Jim Panek said the farm’s soybean yields are down to about 60 percent of normal.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 October 2025 at 10:06 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – It was a dramatic sky tonight with a Harvest Moon. The top photo was taken at 8:27 of the Dunkin’ Donuts in Albion.
The moon is shown at 8:47 p.m. high above the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church in Albion.
Bryan McDowell of Lyndonville sent in this photo he took up close of the moon.
It was also an amazing sunset this evening. Tim Archer sent in this photo looking west towards the sun.
Photos by Tom Rivers: This photo at 6:55 p.m. shows St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at left, then the First Baptist Church of Albion, and Christ Church (Episcopal) at right.
Social media has featured many photos of the this evening’s sunset. This one shows St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the First Baptist Church of Albion.
After a couple of days in the 80s, the highs will be a little cooler the rest of the week with 72 on Tuesday, 60 on Wednesday, 57 on Thursday, 65 on Friday and 67 on Saturday.
Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds hosting clinic on Oct. 25
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are urging residents to remain vigilant against rabies and to take advantage of upcoming clinics.
“Rabies is a deadly disease, but it is 100% preventable when proper precautions are taken,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “We encourage residents to attend our upcoming clinics and protect their pets and community.”
Final Rabies Vaccination Clinics of 2025
GO Health will host its final free drive-thru rabies vaccination clinics in October. Funding is provided by the New York State Department of Health.
Genesee County Rabies Vaccination Clinic – Thursday, October 9, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia)
Orleans County Rabies Vaccination Clinic – Saturday, October 25, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 State Route 31, Albion)
Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats and ferrets. Animals must be at least 3 months old. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Limit 4 pets per car maximum. Donations are accepted to offset costs to the health department.
NOTE: Proof of previous rabies vaccination must be provided at the clinic in order to receive a 3-year vaccination. Otherwise, only a 1-year vaccination can be provided. Originals, copies, and clear cell phone images may be accepted.
To help stop the spread of rabies, GO Health reminds residents to follow these important tips:
Keep pets vaccinated. Make sure your dogs, cats, and ferrets are up to date on their rabies shots. Not only is it required by law, but it is also the responsible choice for your pet and helps keep your neighbors and community safe.
Follow leash laws. Always keep pets on a leash and under direct supervision to prevent contact with wild or stray animals. If you or your pet is bitten, seek veterinary or medical care immediately and notify your local health department.
Avoid wild, stray, and unknown animals. Never approach or try to pet animals that don’t belong to you, even if they seem friendly. Do not feed, touch, or handle wildlife (such as raccoons, skunks, bats, rabbits, and foxes) or stray dogs and cats. Teach children to never touch unknown animals.
Never keep wild animals as pets. Do not attempt to adopt or bring wild animals into your home.
Keep bats out of your home. If you find a bat indoors, do not release it! Safely capture it and contact your local health department, For instructions, watch this GO Health Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHK6-hmpiss)
Animal safety notice. If you see a stray animal or notice any animal showing possible signs of rabies, including aggression, excessive drooling, confusion, or trouble walking, contact your local animal control immediately.
For more information about GO Health Programs and Services, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at:
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 October 2025 at 2:18 pm
About 65 attend event which was fundraiser to restore chapel at Mount Albion Cemetery
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Matt Ballard, former Orleans County historian, led a tour on Saturday at Albion’s downtown and Courthouse Square, highlighting “Murder and Mayhem” in the community’s past.
The event was attended by about 65 people who paid $20 each for a fundraiser to restore the chapel at Mount Albion Cemetery.
Ballard is shown speaking from the steps of the County Clerks’ Building. He highlighted two famous murder trials in Albion.
George Wilson was convicted by a jury of killing his wife Alice Wilson by strangulation. George was executed in 1888 in a stockade near where the current county jail is located. That execution on June 22, 1888 was the last one in Orleans County.
Wilson was allegedly having an affair with a girl under age 18. He and his wife had five children.
Wilson protested his innocence. His neighbor provided damning testimony against Wilson. That neighbor was found guilty of committing a murder in Rochester. Ballard said some people have speculated that Wilson didn’t kill his wife. Instead, it was the neighbor.
In another high-profile case, William Lake was convicted of killing Emma Hunt who spurned his advances. She was brutally murdered on Oct. 18, 1894. Lake would be the seventh person put to death at Auburn prison by the electric chair.
There would be 55 people put to death by electric chair at Auburn prison from 1890 to 1916.
Susan Starkweather Miller, Village of Albion historian, welcomed the group for the tour which started at the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church. She is shown in front of the pulpit and church organ. Starkweather Miller has been leading the effort to restore the chapel and roof at Mount Albion Cemetery. She said the group has raised $200,000 towards at $225,000 goal.
Ballard, speaking from the lawn in front of the courthouse, shared about William Stafford, the district attorney during the Wilson murder trial. Stafford would later run for Orleans County judge and was defeated. He blamed the Baptist congregation, where he attended, for not giving him enough support.
When the Catholics were looking to build a church, Stafford sold them the property on West Park Street, with a stipulation the church building had to be so close to the street it would block the view of the Baptist Church.
Ballard stands in front of the Main Street lift bridge and tells about one of the worst tragedies in Albion’s history. On Sept. 28, 1559, there were 250 people on the bridge to watch a wirewalker over the canal. The bridge also had five horses with loaded wagons.
The bridge would tumble into the water, and 15 people would die, including several children.
Outside the Presbyterian Church, Ballard spoke about the murder of Pierpont Dyer on Christmas eve in 1859.
The wirewalker in the bridge collapse had his rope strung across the canal from the second floor of the Mansion House south towards the second floor of Dyer’s building about three months earlier.
Mr. Dyer owned a grocery store. On Christmas eve in 1859, someone entered the store and smashed Dyer in the head, killing him. One man went to trial and wasn’t convicted. The murder remains an unsolved mystery.
The Citizens National Bank used to be the First National Bank of Albion. Ballard told how Albert Warner stole about $40,000 from the bank and then fled to Canada. Warner took leadership of the bank after the previous president died from a lethal dose of arsenic.
Warner was well respected in Albion. Not only did he lead the bank, but he was the Board of Education president and leader of the fire department. But poison, betrayal and greed did in his reputation, and left many in Albion facing financial ruin.
Warner was rumored to have returned to Albion briefly, when he dressed as a woman to attend his father’s funeral at Mount Albion in 1887.
Ballard also spoke in front of the former Swan Library, which was the hoe of Roswell Burrows. Burrows amassed a fortune value at over $6 million when he died in 1879.
He established the First National Bank in Albion, a bank where the coffers were embezzled by Warner.
Ballard speaks on Main Street in front of the Five Star Bank. He highlighted a catastrophic fire on Jan. 13, 1882 that wiped out the corner. The fire started in a building for a milliner that was located behind Five Star, where its parking lot is located.
The fire of 1882 badly damaged the business district. When the fire was finally put out, Ballard said a cat emerged from the rubble.
Ballard shared other stories during the nearly two-hour presentation.
Press Release, Office for the Aging in Orleans County
ALBION – The Orleans County Office for the Aging announced it will be hosting several events for Medicare beneficiaries during the fall annual open enrollment period which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.
Open enrollment is the time for Medicare beneficiaries to review plan information and make educated decisions on what they want their coverage to be starting Jan. 1, 2026.
OFA will be hosting two Medicare Vendor Fairs. Representatives from Medicare Advantage Plans will be present to assist people in understanding changes in current plans and discuss any new plans for 2026.
They can also help those interested enroll in a plan. Attendees should bring their original Medicare Card and a list of both their prescription drugs and medical providers. The Medicare Vendor Fairs are scheduled for:
Tuesday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Trolley Building on the Orleans County Fairgrounds
Friday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hoag Library, 134 South Main St. in Albion.
OFA will also be hosting two Comparison Meetings, where health insurance counselors from OFA will be available to answer questions, screen for possible benefits and provide unbiased information unrelated to any particular plan. Those events will both be held at the Orleans County Administration Building located at 14016 NY-31 in Albion on:
Wednesday, Oct. 15 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in Conference Room A/B
Monday, Nov. 3 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Conference Room C
“Seniors are bombarded with information and solicitations for their healthcare insurance needs and with so many choices and potential program changes, it can get overwhelmingly very quickly,” said Melissa Blanar, Director of Orleans County OFA. “The goal of these meetings is to really help people understand their choices and spend time answering questions so they can make the decisions that are right for them.”
In addition, OFA offers a Medicare comparison packet that outlines beneficiaries’ options. Those interested in attending any of these events or receiving the Medicare comparison packet are asked to call OFA at 585-589-3191.
Seniors can also visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for assistance.
By Leah Brenner, Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Orleans Community Health
Photo courtesy of Orleans Community Health: Leah Brenner greets a child at Orleans Community Health.
Childhood is a time of incredible growth and change – and as parents, it can be both exciting and nerve-wracking to watch your child reach new milestones.
These milestones serve as important markers of physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development, helping you understand whether your child is progressing typically. Every small achievement, from a first smile to a first step, tells a story about your child’s development. Below are some key stages and what to expect as your child grows.
Infancy (0 – 12 months)
The first year is full of rapid physical and developmental changes. By 2 to 3 months, your baby should be able to lift their head while lying on their tummy, a sign of strengthening neck and upper body muscles. Around 4 to 6 months, most babies begin rolling over, sitting with support, and making cooing or babbling sounds. By 9 to 12 months, you may see your little one crawling, standing with assistance, and even saying simple words like “mama” or “dada.”
This is also when babies begin to recognize familiar faces, smile responsively, and show curiosity about the world around them—key steps in emotional and social development.
Toddlerhood (1 – 3 years)
Toddlers experience major leaps in both language and motor skills. Between 18 to 24 months, they often start using simple words and can follow basic directions. Their fine motor coordination improves too – they can stack blocks, turn pages, and begin feeding themselves with utensils. By age 3, many toddlers walk independently, kick a ball, and engage in imaginative play. Socially, they start to learn about sharing, taking turns, and expressing emotions.
It’s also common for toddlers to experience frustration as they learn to communicate and assert independence. Consistent routines, patient guidance, and encouragement from caregivers can make a big difference during this stage.
Preschool (3 – 5 years)
Preschoolers are curious, energetic learners. Between ages 3 to 4, children typically begin forming short sentences and love to tell stories. They can draw basic shapes, recognize some letters and numbers, and demonstrate a growing attention span. By ages 4 to 5, they refine motor skills like running, jumping, and climbing. Socially and emotionally, this is a time of growth in empathy, cooperation, and friendship-building.
Children also begin to develop self-control, creativity, and problem-solving skills through play, which is a vital part of learning at this age.
School Age (5 – 12 years)
Once children start school, their physical growth slows slightly while their cognitive and social skills expand rapidly. Around ages 6 to 7, many begin reading simple books, learning basic math, and developing hand-eye coordination through writing and play. They start to understand rules and routines, helping them navigate the classroom environment. By ages 10 to 12, children are capable of complex problem-solving and navigating more sophisticated social relationships. They also start taking on more independence and responsibility, both at home and in school.
Parents can encourage development by supporting hobbies, promoting healthy friendships, and keeping up with regular check-ups and screenings.
Every child develops at their own pace—there’s no single “right” timeline. These milestones simply offer a guide to what’s typical during each stage of growth. Regular well-child visits are important for tracking progress and addressing concerns early. If you ever have questions about your child’s development, reach out to a pediatrician. Early support and intervention can make all the difference in helping your child thrive and achieve their full potential.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 October 2025 at 8:52 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Midha and Jaotin are co-presidents of the Voice Gavel Club from Oakville, Ontario, Canada. They performed a free concert titled “Leaves of Summer” at World Life Institute in Medina. (Right) The Voice Gavel Club member Hana sings “Dream a Little Dream of Me” during a concert Saturday at World Life Institute.
MEDINA – World Life Institute sponsored a free concert at their headquarters on West Center Street, titled “Leaves of Summer” and featuring the Voice Gavel Club from Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Coordinator of the Club is Lubna Zaidi.
World Life Institute member Deborah Wilson said she has seen the group before, and they are a young version of Toastmasters.
“They have adopted World Life Institute as a project,” she said.
Wendy Zhou, a member of the Voice Gavel Club, was unable to attend World Life Institute on Saturday, so a video was shown of her playing a pipa.
Most of the young performers were known only by their first names and presented a musical program of song, poetry and instrumental offerings. This was their ninth annual concert.
Jaotin Ling is president and Midha Siddiqui is vice-president of the group. Midha said their performance was a celebration of music and talent.
The program included performances by Raheem on clarinet; Tatiana and her student on piano; Ekansh on guitar; Emma, Aman and Greig on flutes; Noah on violin; Carol on a Gujheng (a zither-like instrument); and Wendy on a pipa, sometimes called a Chinese lute.
Also part of the program was Hana singing “Dream me a Little Dream” and “The Leaves of Summer,” and a poetry reading from “The Harvest” by Zehra.
A student named James paid a tribute to the late Dr. Asaf Durakovic, a doctor, professor of Nuclear Medicine and Radiology, writer of poetry, a Colonel in the Army Reserves and founder of World Life Institute.
“He was generous with his time, wisdom and passion,” said James.
Bruce Carter, building superintendent at 229 West Center St. who hosted the concert, gave the young entertainers this advice, “Use your talent to take you as far as you can.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 October 2025 at 8:26 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Miriam Ajrond and her son Ahmed Cherif are pictured at the World Life Institute prior to a “Leaves of Summer” concert last Saturday featuring The Voice Gavel Club from Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Miriam brought Ahmed to America, with aid from Project Life, an initiative administered by World Life Institute, to seek medical attention for multiple health problems. (Provided photo – Right) Ahmed Cherif lays in the bubble on the play gym at the YMCA during a recent fundraiser for his medical care. He overlooks the gymnasium floor, where numerous activities were set up for adults and children.
MEDINA – When Miriam Ajrond brought her son Ahmed Cherif to America, he was suffering from multiple major health problems. They were brought here by World Life Institute hoping the medical attention he needed would be available here.
Since then, World Life Institute’s Project Life has provided funds for his ongoing medical care.
When Ahmed, age 10, arrived here from Tunisa in January 1924, he weighed 35 pounds club feet, intellectual disability, severe digestive problems and a rare genetic condition. He also is on the autism spectrum.
Since then, he has seen significant growth, thanks to ongoing treatment from a dedicated team of doctors, specialists and therapists. Over the past two years he has gained more than 11 pounds, grown nearly 2.5 inches and continues to make daily strides at the Aspire Center for Learning in Buffalo, where he receives occupational, speech, physical and vision therapy. His mother has also made incredible progress, growing more independent and active engaging in Ahmed’s care in their new life in Medina.
Deborah Wilson, Project Life’s deputy director and finance manager, talked about a recent fundraiser for Ahmed at the YMCA in Medina.
“The fundraiser was not just about raising money, it was about rallying around a family who continues to face extraordinary challenges with grace and determination,” Wilson said. “Every dollar raised goes directly toward essential services for Ahmed and his mother Miriam, including a monthly food, clothing and shelter allowance, transportation to multiple medical appointments, medications and home health supplies, educational resources and supplies and more.”
The Family “FUNraiser” focused on family friendly activities, including paint on canvas sessions for adults and children; face painting; henna art; and a bargain boutique. By popular demand, there was a bake sale and an international food section, which sold out at last year’s fundraiser.
During the afternoon, Project Life did a presentation on their decades-long history of involvement with international war orphans and children with rare health conditions.
Those who could not attend the fundraiser, but would like to donate to Ahmed’s care can donate directly to Project Life. Click here for more information or reach out to Shareefah Sabur at (216) 496-2986.
