This song, “Make Orleans County Dry,” was discovered in notebook from the pages of a birthday book for the W.C.T.U. in Gaines.
GAINES – A rousing song was found nestled in the pages of the Gaines W.C.T.U. (Woman’s Christian Temperance Union) Birthday Book, a modest notebook with handwritten entries of members’ birthdays for each month of the year and another of the quiet gems in the Orleans County Dept. of History’s local history collection.
This is what gladdens the heart of a local historian! A quintessential piece of local history. The power of a single sheet of paper to evoke another era and a totally different sensibility.
Come comrades to the rescue, help make Orleans County dry,
In this glorious cause of temperance help to lift the standard high
And this shall be our slogan until victory draweth nigh,
Make Orleans County dry.
This composition directly connects a larger, national movement with its interpretation at the local level. What could be more local than a listing of the ten towns of Orleans?
The issue that galvanized the anonymous poet was the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, organized in Cleveland, Ohio in 1874 to combat the influence of alcohol on families and society.
Women of every rank and class could attest to the domestic abuse and impoverishment which resulted from the consumption of alcohol. Members pledged to abstain from all alcoholic beverages and opium and to encourage others to do likewise.
Earnest and committed women galvanized this movement. Locally, an early reference to a Temperance meeting appears in the February 4, 1874, issue of the Orleans Republican, when Rev. Mr. Hoyt spoke at the Free Will Baptist Church in East Gaines.
In June 1885, the temperance organizations in Orleans County were invited to a July 4th Temperance Basket Picnic at the grove property of Mr. C.J. Lewis. The Knowlesville Woman’s Christian Temperance Union furnished tea and coffee, ice cream and lemonade as well as confections, all at reasonable prices.
The semi-annual convention of the Orleans County Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was held in Albion in January 1890. The Millville Woman’s Temperance Union advertised their monthly meeting in 1895.
“Making Orleans County Dry” was a serious proposition. By 1908, the towns of Barre, Gaines and Yates had “voted dry” – well in advance of the 18th Amendment which introduced Prohibition in 1920. According to the Medina Daily Journal, nine towns were “dry” by June 1916, a statistic which helps date our song. We would venture to say that it was composed 1914-1916.
We cannot but smile at the anonymous poet’s rhymes, especially in the third verse.
Ten towns are in our county, six of which have closed their gates.
Barre, Carlton, Gaines and Kendall, Murray and the town of Yates,
Against the legalized saloon, which for the young awaits,
Make Orleans County dry.
His composition lends itself easily to the tune of Battle Hymn of the Republic. Appropriately enough, and continuing the tradition, the words of the Battle Hymn were set to the melody of John Brown’s Body, an abolitionist song.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 December 2025 at 10:17 am
HOLLEY – The Village of Holley held its annual tree lighting ceremony on Saturday. Diane Rietman sent in this photo she took from her apartment in the Holley Gardens, the former Holley High School.
This tree includes memory bulbs purchased in honor of Holley residents. Village officials wanted to separate this tree from the decorated trees in the Public Square. This year’s tree was donated by Cox Family Farm in Clarendon, which also donated last year’s tree.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Hartland Carriage offered rides through the Public Square and along the canal park trail.
Dale Jenks of Hartland Carriage in Gasport guides a pair of Percheron horses that pulled the carriage in Holley.
The rides were part of Christmas in Holley celebration that included other activities at the Murray-Holley Depot Museum, the Village Office and Community Free Library.
Hartland Carriage takes a group past Sam’s Diner in the Public Square.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 December 2025 at 8:30 am
Group selling items inside 128 North Main Street in effort to clear out site
Photo from Albion Betterment Committee: These bins of items are available for $10 each today from noon to 1 p.m.
ALBION – The Albion Betterment Committee, which recently purchased 128 North Main St., is offering a glimpse of the site today for the public, and also a chance to help clear out the site by purchasing plastic bins of items.
Those bins are $10 each. There are also old doors and some furniture that will be for sale. The Betterment Committee will be at the site today from noon to 1 p.m.
People won’t be able to look through the bins to see what is inside before buying a bin.
“We have no idea what are in some of these bins but you might find some gems!” the Betterment Committee posted on Facebook. “All the money we raise will go back into the building!”
The Betterment Committee purchased the building last month from the estate of Henri Pulley. The site is 6,600 square feet.
The Betterment Committee wants to turn the vacant two-story building on Main Street into a tourism center that celebrates Santa. The group wants to develop an interactive tourism center with displays about the Charles W. Howard Santa School and Christmas Park, which Howard ran for many years near his farmhouse on Phipps Road.
Howard ran a Santa School from 1937 until his death in 1966. It was the world’s first school for Santas. He was a well-known portrayer of Santa, appearing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade from 1948 to 1965.
The Betterment Committee envisions the first floor as interactive exhibits and displays, as well as room for a bakery and food operator. The site could also offer services, including showers, for canal boaters, cyclists and other visitors.
The second floor is envisioned to offer space for artists – painters, potters, and others in need of studio space. The second floor has large windows that let in natural light that would be ideal for artists, said Natasha Wasuck, a member of the Betterment Committee.
The group is seeking grants to help with building upgrades. The Betterment Committee welcomes donations.
The group is a 501c3 organization that accepts tax deductible donations. Donations can be sent to Albion Betterment Committee, c/o Joe Gehl at 14487 Baker Rd. in Kent, NY 14477.
There is an online giving option. Click here for more information.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 December 2025 at 3:23 pm
OCCS expects to move to location to start next school year
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Krista Lawson, standing, teaches all subjects to first-, second- and third-graders, in addition to teaching Bible and acting as school nurse at Orleans County Christian School. Two of her students are Zavina Wright, 7, and Isabella DeVore, 6. Lawson is the wife of Kevin Lawson, pastor of The Vine Church on Maple Ridge Road.
This is the former Shelby Baptist Church on Allegany Road in Shelby Center. The church, an adjoining cafeteria and a brick building have been donated to the Orleans County Christian School, which plans to start the 2026 school year there.
MEDINA – The Orleans County Christian School is about to make a monumental move, which they hope will propel them far into a successful future.
Now located in Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship Church on South Gravel Road, the church is planning a move to the former Shelby Baptist Church, which has been donated to the school.
“God has opened a remarkable door for OCCS,” said Dawn Zaidel, principal and acting administrator, in a press release last week. “A new building has been donated, positioning us for growth, sustainability and increased community impact.”
“OCCS already has a strong foundation and a rich legacy of faith,” said Ayesha Kreutz, who was recently hired as administrator. “Now we get to be part of the next chapter of this story, strengthening what God began and building toward the future He is preparing.”
The church/school complex in Shelby Center, formerly the Shelby Baptist Church, was donated to the Pastors’ Aligned for Community Transformation (PACT), which donated it to the Christian school.
Orleans County Christian School had its beginnings in October 1993, when the Rev. Tim Lindsay organized a steering committee of individuals with a heart for Christian education. Present were the Rev. Lindsay, Rev. David Vetter, Rev. Randy Anson, Rev. Chris Johnson, Curt Strickland, Curt Follman, Mark Irwin, Vanche Hedley and Dr. William Bellavia.
From that meeting, they sent a county-wide survey to see how much community interest there was. The steering committee continued to meet for three years until, in 1996, the Orleans County Christian School opened its doors on Sept. 4. It began with 13 students, one full-time teacher and one part-time teacher. The school was initially located at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion.
After five years, the school moved to Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God in Medina’s old high school, where they were given use of the northeast wing of the first floor, along with the cafeteria, auditorium and gymnasium. After 17 years there, they were forced to move again when the building was sold, and Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship on Route 63 north of Shelby Center became their new home.
“Pastor Russ Peters and his congregation have welcomed us with open arms, but we are excited about our move once again to a new home,” Zaidel said. “We are also excited about the possibilities for growth at our new location. Orleans County Christian School’s purpose was, and still is, to provide young people with the tools and environment they need to attain the highest level of academic achievement and Christian character.”
Students and teachers frequently gather in the Community Room at Orleans County Christian School. Here, from left, are Mary Hollenbeck, an all-around teacher, GED instructor or adviser on hybrid or distance learning; Dawn Zaidel, principal and English and history teacher; a 10th grade hybrid student; Ayesha Kreutz (standing), newly hired administrator; and students Levi, 13, and Jayden 11.
Zaidel said the school won’t be moving until next September. They have to convert the new church into a dual-purpose gymnasium and community center. The cafeteria is housed in the low wood building which connects the church and brick building on the north, which will house the classrooms.
“It is amazing when God pours out,” Zaidel said. “It’s never something small.”
Kreutz is excited about her new position and what she can bring to the school.
Her background is in classical Christian education, fundraising and organizational turnaround, which she is confident will help strengthen the school’s academics, expand student programs and build on the incredible foundation of this school’s history. As administrator, Kreutz will work as a consultant specializing in grant writing, program development and organizational strategy.
“I bring a blend of administrative leadership, curriculum development, community engagement, fundraising and long-range strategic planning,” Kreutz said. “We are on a mission to keep Christian education alive in Orleans County and investing in a legacy that will serve families for generations. I want to be part of raising up citizens with good character, who have a love of learning, family and community, and are prepared for life, wherever that might lead them. We need to invest in our youth so they will stay here and build this community, not just leave the first chance they get.”
Sophia Standish, standing, is working with Abigail Smith, a new student at the Orleans County Christian School.
The Orleans County Christian School is supported by Harvest Christian Fellowship, Albion; Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God, Medina; Faith Alliance Church, Albion; First Baptist Church of Holley;
Oak Orchard Assembly of God and Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship, Medina; Light of Victory Church, Albion; and Faith Covenant Fellowship, Medina.
The parent of a former student shared this testimonial: “This is an awesome school that takes time for one- on-one learning and really cares about the kids. My daughter has gone there for almost 7 years.”
The Orleans County Christian School accepts children from pre-school through 12th grade. This is the first year for preschoolers and they are filled to their capacity of seven children.
Michael Zaidel, school nurse and member of the Christian school board, said most parents don’t realize they can get busing to and from our school if they live within 15 miles of the school. They currently have students registered from Royalton/Hartland, Albion, Holley, Oakfield, Lyndonville and Batavia. Several students are driven in by their parents, he said.
The school is also able to offer students participation in BOCES, and busing is provided, Dawn Zaidel said.
The school plans to use the brick building on the north for the classrooms. The church building is planned to become into a dual-purpose gymnasium and community center. The cafeteria will be housed in a low wood building which connects the church and brick building.
Kreutz said they are looking at additional opportunities for students at the school.
“The kids want to start a Club America,” Dawn said.
“It is student-run and encourages kids to develop different service projects in the community,” Kreutz said.
Dawn said when she was asked to fill in as administrator, the first thing she did was brainstorm on how they could get more students enrolled.
“We have gone from eight to 20 students,” she said. “Our capacity is 37. I am a firm believer if we can get a child from the beginning, he will stay. Our parents are overjoyed we are able to now accept preschoolers.”
The Orleans County Christian School depends heavily upon donations, and anyone wishing to donate to the school may make a one-time donation of any amount or pledge a monthly gift by logging on to www.orleanscountychristianschool.com; or mailing a check to OCCS, P.O. Box 349, Medina, 14103. Donations can also be made through Venmo:@occsschool.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 December 2025 at 8:37 am
Families, businesses and organizations decorate trees at Veterans Park
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – The Village of Lyndonville turned on the lights Saturday for 82 Christmas trees decorated at Veterans Park. Many of the trees are decorated in memory of loves, while businesses and organizations also puts lights and ornaments on the trees.
Lyndonville started the tradition in 2013 with 26 trees. It has continues to have a strong response from the community.
This tree with angel at top was decorated by the family of Derwood and Dorothy James.
One of the trees is decorated by the Bradley family for family members including Wes Bradley, who was a founding member of Christmas in Lyndonville Committee. For the first 12 years of the celebration, Bradley served as the emcee when Santa arrived by carriage and led the countdown to Santa flipping the switch to light up the trees.
Bradley, a beloved teacher and coach in Lyndonville, passed away on Sept. 27. He also was chairman of Lyndonville’s fireworks effort for many years.
Carla Woodworth, left of Santa, served as emcee on Saturday and helped guide Santa to the “North Pole” electric switch so he could turn on the power for all the trees.
The Hardner-Smith family decorated the tree in lower right in memory of Dr. Elizabeth Lucyszyn. It includes a chicken ornament on top.
This tree is decorated in honor of Mark Hughes, a Lyndonville teacher and coach who passed away on June 4. Hughes was known to many as “Mr. Lyndonville.” He was a very active part of the school district for 52 years.
The patriotic tree with flags was decorated by Lyndonville Lions Club.
Veterans Park is the site for Lyndonville’s display of trees. The trees stay lighted up until just after New Year’s Day.
Jennifer Trupo, a music teacher at Lyndonville, and her chorus students sang “Silent Night” and other Christmas songs outside the Yates Community Library before Santa arrived and the trees were lighted up.
There were nearly 20 activities throughout the day on Saturday for Christmas in Lyndonville beginning with a community breakfast/basket raffle from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church. The day concluded with a Christmas LaLaPalooza at the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church.
Amelia McDonald, 3, of Lyndonville was among about 100 kids who were able to meet Santa inside the Village Hall.
The lighting of the trees brought many people to Veterans Park on Saturday evening.
The trees are all decorated in a different way by families, businesses and organizations.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 December 2025 at 10:43 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Albion FFA President Kaitlynn Basinait, left, and Loralei Gailie moves a pallet of onions that were donated for the Albion FFA food drive. The FFA delivered 37,000 pounds of food to Community Action this morning which was distributed to food pantries in the community.
ALBION – The Albion FFA completed its annual food drive today and the farming community once again stepped up in a big way by giving 37,000 pounds of produce and canned food.
The farmers gave of their harvest in a tough growing year caused by a drought that diminished yields.
The farmers still set aside some of their crop for the annual food drive which the Albion FFA has spearheaded since 2010.
“Everybody still showed their support,” said Albion FFA President Kaitlynn Basinait.
The FFA calls farmers to line up the donations. Basinait said many of the local growers had much smaller crops this year due to the lack of rain in the summer. Last year’s drive totaled 45,000 pounds.
The Albion FFA members and supporters pose for a group photo outside the ag shop at the school before taking the food to Community Action of Orleans & Genesee. The FFA is led by advisor Scott Oldenburg.
The FFA started the food drive in 2010 with 3,000 pounds in the first effort. The food drive record is 53,000 pounds in 2020.
Volunteers carry boxes of hams, turkeys and eggs to a cooler at Community Action. The agency will use that food for families during the upcoming holiday season. Community Action has 337 families receiving food and gifts.
The group of FFA students and volunteers and staff for Community Action pose before unloading trucks of produce. Panek Farms loaned the tractor trailer to transport the food from the school to Community Action.
The following farms donated to the food drive:
Nesbitt farm with apples, Poverty Hill Farms (Neal family) with butter, Charlie Swan with butter, Panek’s, Partyka’s with potatoes, East Farms with canned goods, Kirby’s farm Market with apples, Root Brothers with cabbage, Rush’s with potatoes, Preston’s with apples, Orchard Dale (Brown family) with apples, Kludt’s with squash, My-T Acres with potatoes and canned goods, Brightly’s with apples an assortment of squash, Triple G with onions and potatoes, CY Farms with onions, Stymus Farms with potatoes, Circle R with apples, Lynn-Ette and Sons with cabbage, Hurd Orchards with apples, Martin Farms with winter squash, Save-A-Lot in Albion with hams and turkeys, Heberle Farms with apples, Sungrow (formerly Intergrow) with tomatoes, Kreher’s with eggs.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 December 2025 at 7:55 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
CLARENDON – Santa waves to people along Route 237 in Clarendon during a lighted parade on Friday night. He was able to ride on Clarendon’s ladder truck.
The fifth annual parade started at the fire hall on Route 31A, then went through the town’s main intersection and took a right turn onto Route 237, and then a left on Church Street to the Historical Society.
Santa was able to ride up high on the fire truck, waving to people who braved the cold temperatures for the parade.
Megan Rombaut drives this tractor from Rombaut Repair and Landscape.
The Holley Interact Club at the school district brought a contingent of kids for the parade.
Apollo Wilmot, 7, shares a Christmas wish list with Santa in the Clarendon Historical Society museum.
Town Historian Melissa Ierlan holds her granddaughter Rylie next to an ox statue that Ierlan covered with photos from Clarendon as part of the Orleans County Bicentennial celebration this year.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office led off the parade with a contingent of vehicles.
The Boy Scouts carried the colors – American flag and one for the Boy Scouts.
Girl Scouts had a float in the parade and they promoted an upcoming cookie sale.
The Grinch was back in the parade and handed out onions to people along the route.
The Murray Joint Fire District participated in the parade and put some Christmas lights on a fire truck.
ALBION – December is national HIV/AIDS Awareness Month, and GLOW Out! Is hosting a free event in Albion to share information and resources with the community.
On Friday, December 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Hoag Library in Albion, GLOW Out! will partner with Trillium Health to share information about HIV prevention, as well as honor the history of HIV/AIDS Awareness Month.
There will be presentations on the history of the AIDS epidemic in the United Sattes, as well as current updates and options for local testing and treatment for HIV. Trillium Health will provide information and resources, as well as free rapid onsite HIV testing at the event for those interested.
Early detection of HIV is vital for effective treatment, and with more knowledge, HIV can be and is manageable for many people who live with HIV+ status in America. Prevention options exist for those whose partners are HIV+ as well. Open communication with partners is another important tool in prevention and management of HIV.
Residents can seek more information and testing for HIV (and other infections) at their primary care provider or: the Batavia location of Rochester Regional Urgent Care on Oak Orchard Road; at the Batavia Health Center location of Planned Parenthood of Central & Western New York on West Main Street; or at either the Albion or Medina locations of Orleans Community Health.
Attendees at the event will be welcome to participate in coloring crafts or make a red ribbon pin, the symbol of HIV/AIDS awareness. Other local human service providers will also be present with information and resources.
Free HIV awareness stickers will be available, as well as a chance to win a raffle prize. Light refreshments are also included.
GLOW Out! connects the LGBTQ+ population in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans & Wyoming counties, through advocacy and education, creating a beacon for those in need of a safe and supportive community when we need it most. More information is available at glowout.org.
MEDINA – Lee-Whedon Memorial Library is thrilled to announce its upcoming Fundraising Gala and Auction, marking the grand conclusion of the library’s fundraising campaign.
All proceeds from the event will directly support construction costs, ensuring the community’s library continues to grow and thrive.
The gala on Feb. 6 will feature a live auction of library furniture, a silent auction, and a basket raffle, offering guests a wide variety of exciting items. Tickets are available at the library or online through Eventbrite (click here). General admission tickets are $30, while VIP tickets are $50 and include early admission and a swag bag. The event will include music, cash bar, and hors d’oeuvres.
Guests can look forward to fun and unique auction items such as winery tickets, autographed sports memorabilia, signed books by popular authors, and original artwork including children’s book illustrations and pottery. For sneak peeks of available items, attendees are encouraged to follow Lee-Whedon Memorial Library on Facebook and Instagram. Tickets are limited, so early purchase is recommended.
“We are deeply grateful for the incredible support this community has shown throughout our expansion project,” said Library Director Kristine Mostyn. “The generosity of volunteers, both in time and contributions, has been invaluable.”
If you are interested in donating to the gala, please contact Kristine at 585.798.3430.
Construction on the expansion is well underway. Foundation walls, underground electricity, and underground plumbing have been installed, with the exterior of the building expected to be completed by year’s end. Two naming opportunities remain available for donors wishing to make a lasting impact on the library’s future.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 5 December 2025 at 10:35 am
Provided photo: This wine barrel Christmas tree is part of the holiday decorations at The Walsh on West Avenue, where the business will give free toys to children from 10 a.m. until noon on Sunday, as long as supplies last.
MEDINA – The Walsh Hotel is showing its holiday spirit this Christmas season by giving back to the community which has supported them.
From 10 a.m. until noon on Sunday, The Walsh will give out at least 200 toys for children, said owner Rollin Hellner.
“We thought this would be something positive for the community,” Hellner said.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be at The Walsh and available for pictures.
In addition to free toys for the kids, the event will have food and drinks available, including the classic Tom & Jerry. The cocktail dates back to the 1820s, when it was created by British writer Pierce Egan to promote his novel “Tom and Jerry,” Hellner explained.
It became a huge holiday tradition in the United States, especially in the Midwest and Northeast. Unlike eggnog, it is served hot and made with a fluffy batter of eggs, sugar, spices, rum and brandy. Although less common today, the drink remains a beloved December favorite in Upstate New York, Hellner said.
Hellner purchased The Walsh in the spring of 2022 and has been working on more renovations, including eight apartments and 10 hotel rooms.
“We are roughly half way through our multi-million dollar investment,” Hellner said.
The Walsh has also added a country courtyard, which is currently decorated with a wine barrel Christmas tree.
Hellner said he also has plans to rebuild the original porch. A lot of work has already been completed, including a new roof, replacement of rotted wood siding/trim and fresh exterior paint.
Provided photo: Kevin Bittner accepts the James Quinn Award during the annual meeting of New York Farm Bureau.
VERONA – A Niagara County fruit grower who has served several years in leadership roles with Farm Bureau has been recognized by the organization.
Kevin Bittner on Wednesday was presented with the James Quinn Award during NY Farm Bureau’s annual meeting at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona. This is the second highest award in the organization and goes to someone who has gone above and beyond in supporting Farm Bureau and NY Agriculture during the past year.
Bittner is the orchard manager for Bittner Singer Farms based in Appleton. His father Jim is managing partner and brother David is field manager for the farm.
Kevin Bittner just completed his term as Niagara County President. In addition to helping plan the March Ag Forum, he served as emcee. As Farm Bureau president, he served on a number of other county committees. Bittner was a resource person for local farmers and members of the media. He also promoted agriculture through presentations to various organizations including Lions Clubs.
On a state level, Bittner serve on the Resolutions Committee for Farm Bureau. As a grassroots organization, their priorities are set by the members. The Resolutions Committee coordinates each county’s items into a coordinated format. He also serves on the advisory board for the Cornell University Geneva Experimental Station.
When accepting the award, Kevin expressed appreciation for those who helped him throughout the year. As part of Bittner Singer Orchards, he appreciated his father and brother for keeping the farm functioning when he was gone. Bittner appreciated the Niagara County Farm Bureau Board for their help with the numerous projects throughout the year. Finally, he acknowledged the input and friendship from members across the state.
New York Farm Bureau provides the resources that support and enrich the rural way of life. Through the efforts of our organization, farmers have learned to work together to promote more efficient production, better marketing, fair legislation, and a safe food supply and work environment. Membership is open to all involved in agriculture, whether in production or consumption.
