By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 September 2025 at 1:14 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Village of Albion has a new 750,000-gallon water tank on Route 98, part of the Village of Albion water distribution system primarily in central Orleans County. The new glass-fused steel tank was built for $1,369,000 by Aquastore.
ALBION – The Albion Village Board expects to raise the water rates significantly, about 50 percent over the next three years.
The increases are needed to pay for upgrades to the water plant and aging infrastructure.
Village Board members will present the rates during a public hearing today at 6 p.m. at the Village Office. The new rates would take effect on Jan. 1.
Water users would face a 25 percent increase in the rates in the first year, then a 20 percent increase in year two, and then a 5 percent increase in the third year. The village would also raise an administrative charge by 55 percent the first year, then 40 percent and 5 percent.
The changes would raise rates for village of Albion residents and property owners by $3.90 per $1,000 gallons to $4.88 next year, $5.85 in year two and $6.14 in year three.
The average village water customer currently pays $92.10 every quarter. That would change to $125.21 next year, then $160.66 in year two, and then $168.70 in the third year, according to village.
The village also supplies water to several towns in Orleans County. They would see their rates go from $3.57 to $4.46 next year, and then $5.36 and $5.62.
The two correctional facilities would be increased from the current $4.65 per 1,000 gallons to $5.81 next year, and then $6.98 and $7.32.
Village Trustee Joyce Riley said the increases are necessary, but she worries some of the towns could switch to the Monroe County Water Authority, which would take away needed revenue for the water system.
The board during a Sept. 10 meeting considered making a 50 percent increase in the first year, but decided to do a staggered approach over three years.
The village is embarking a major capital project at the water plant on Wilson Road in Carlton. The village also replaced a water storage tank on Route 98 and needs to replace many of its transmission lines.
The Albion water fund has estimated expenses of $2,639,864 in the current fiscal year, but the current rates only will generate $2,195,250, forcing the village to use $444,614 in its fund balance. That will leave the fund balance at about $700,000.
The new rates and administrative charges would bring the revenues to $2,680,546 in 2026-27, while the expenses are at $3,021,857. (The expenses increase because the village needs to begin paying back a bond at about $400,000 a year.)
The second year, the revenue is up to $3,328,013 with expenses at $3,172,950. The third year, the revenue totals $3,494,414 with expenses at $3,331,597.
Village Board members said they will be working to develop a capital plan for the water plant and water distribution system.
Wendel, an engineering firm, presented a proposal on Sept. 10 for replacing some of the water lines on the east side of the village, a project that could top $13 million.
That project would include East State Street, from Platt Street to the village line (including Goodrich Street), Moore Steet (from the Butts/Caroline intersection to the village line, Brown Street and Knapp Street.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 September 2025 at 12:28 pm
ALBION – A Ridgeway man appeared in Orleans County Court this morning facing first-degree manslaughter charges for allegedly killing his mother after hitting her in the head with a hammer.
Curtis Schroth, 51, allegedly hit his mother with a hammer on Oct. 15, 2024 at her home on Rutherford Road in Ridgeway. Dolores Schroth died from those injuries at age 78 on Oct. 27, 2024.
Her son was living with her at the time of the crime, District Attorney Susan Howard said.
After seriously injuring his mother, Schroth went to the Albion Police Department on Oct. 15, and confessed to the crime, Howard said.
The case has been at a standstill because Schroth was deemed to be mentally incompetent. He has been in a psychiatric facility for several months but was brought to Orleans County this morning to appear in court after being found competent.
He was arraigned on first-degree manslaughter in County Court on Jan. 8, 2025. Public defender Joanne Best requested a mental competency exam on March 12.
Schroth was held in the county jail for several months before being transferred to a psychiatric facility. He is now back in the county jail. County Court Judge Sanford Church is continuing bail at $100,000 cash, $500,000 bond and $750,000 partially secured bond.
The charge of first-degree manslaughter carries a maximum of 25 years in prison. Howard presented an offer to Schroth today to plead guilty to first-degree manslaughter and face no more than 20 years in prison. Howard said she made the offer after consulting with Dolores Schroth’s other children.
Best, who is representing Curtis Schroth, has until Oct. 22 to file motions in the case with the motions to be argued in court on Nov. 5.
Best in court today said Schroth has an option of a plea of not criminally responsible, where a mental disorder or defect at the time of the crime makes defendants unable to understand the wrongfulness of their actions.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 September 2025 at 7:59 am
Photo from State Sen. Rob Ortt: Rob Ortt, the State Senate minority leader, speaks during a press conference on Main Street in Brockport on Tuesday, where businesses say they have suffered from reduced traffic due to the Main Street lift bridge being closed for more than two years.
BROCKPORT – Two local state legislators are rallying behind Brockport businesses who say they are suffering from a prolonged closure of their Main Street lift bridge.
Brockport, like Albion, has witnessed a major rehabilitation of its lift bridge go way past the 18 months the bridges were expected to be closed. Albion’s bridge reopened last Friday. It closed in November 2022, nearly three years ago.
Borckport bridge is expected to reopen in November – 2 ½ years after it was closed in May 2023.
State Sen. Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley have joined the businesses and village officials in seeking a relief fund, with the funds coming from fines to the contractor for going past the deadline for completing the bridge.
Ortt said businesses already are fighting to survive due to costly mandates and regulations in New York state that drive up their operating expenses.
“Here in Brockport, local businesses have faced even greater hardship because the Main Street Bridge has been out of commission for more than two years,” Ortt said. “It’s clear that there has been absolutely no sense of urgency here, and it’s past time for the Department of Transportation to cut through bureaucratic muck, safely complete this bridge restoration, and deliver real relief to the small businesses that have suffered from these inefficiencies.”
Many of the business owners say they have seen their revenue drop by up to 50 percent with the bridge closure, which has resulted in far less foot traffic to their stores. Some have closed and others are relying on on-line sales to try to survive.
Photo from Assemblyman Hawley’s office: Assemblyman Steve Hawley is asking Gov. Kathy Hochul to establish a relief fund for the Brockport businesses, which the money coming from fines assessed to the contractor each day the bridge is closed past the deadline.
Hawley has joined Ortt, Monroe County Legislator Jackie Smith and Mayor Ben Reed in a letter asking Hochul to establish a relief fund for the struggling businesses. Hawley would like to see Albion businesses also receive relief funds.
Hawley, in a Facebook post on Tuesday, highlighted the press conference in Brockport.
“We were stressing the need for Governor Kathy Hochul to assist the local Main Street businesses in both Albion and Brockport with remuneration for the lost business revenue caused by the unconscionable delay of opening the lift bridges in both communities,” he said.
The state has $254 billion budget. “Surely she can find $$ to assist our Main Street businesses who have been harmed by these delays by contractors hired by NYS,” Hawley said. “It’s time to walk the talk and support our communities’ local businesses.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 September 2025 at 3:36 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Mayor Marguerite Sherman, center, leads a group in downtown Medina this morning after they saw the inside of the Bent’s Opera House, which has been dramatically transformed into a restaurant, hotel and event venue.
There were about 85 people in medina today as part of the World Canals Conference in Buffalo. The conference split up into four different field trips today.
Medina and Lockport were one stop with a focus on how history, preservation and the arts can lead to economic revitalization.
Sherman during her remarks to the group said many in Medina contribute to the community’s success. She said Medina is fortunate to have many committed downtown business owners, and civic groups that plan events and help beautify the business district.
This group visited the First Baptist Church of Medina, which was built from 1870 to 1873 and is one of 43 sites in the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame.
The canal enthusiasts took a look inside the historic Baptist Church. While in Medina, the group of 85 split into four different groups.
The Medina Triennial was a stop on the tour. The Triennial will bring a major art initiative into the community in 2026. The Triennial building will serve as the “Hub” for cultural programming.
In the downtown, the group also toured the Shirt Factory building which has a café, boutique hotel and law offices.
Photo courtesy of Isabella Zasa: The tour included a stop at one of the marvels of the canal system, the Canal Culvert in Ridgeway. This is the only place where vehicles can drive under the canal.
The Orleans/Niagara BOCES recently named its Employees of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year.
Employees are nominated by their peers and a committee selects an awardee in each of these categories: Administrator, Clerical, Continuing Education, Custodial/Maintenance, Staff Specialist, Substitute, Teacher Aide and Teacher.
Rachel Ross is the Administrator of the Year. Rachel has worked for Orleans/Niagara BOCES for one year and is the principal of the Godfrey Learning Center and the Orleans Learning Center.
“My favorite part of the job is the people,” she said. “I feel so lucky to work with such great students and staff every day.”
Ross said she was shocked when her name was announced at the opening day celebration. “It hit me emotionally. I think it is clear indication that I am on the right path and doing the right things. There is no better feedback to guide and affirm your practice than this. I am grateful for the feedback.”
Penny Aikin is the Clerical Person of the Year. Aikin has spent 39 years in Continuing Education, five years as a Keyboard Specialist and the last 34 as a Secretary. She is also a certified TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) Test Administrator which allows her to test adult students part-time in the evenings at our Lockport Literacy Zone located at 50 Main Street. Penny loves working with adult students.
“Our Literacy Program offers adults in the community assistance whether it is someone who needs their GED, someone needing to learn English or students seeking to obtain their citizenship,” she said. “The work that I do as a Data Manager has helped to insure we are the number one literacy program in New York State. I love my job as it enables me to work directly with an awesome literacy staff and to interact frequently with students all having different goals and needs.”
Aikin said it is an honor to be recognized for the work she does each and every day.
Erica Kopp is the Continuing Education Employee of the Year. She has worked at Orleans/Niagara BOCES for 19 years and says her favorite part of her job is teaching and helping people move forward in their lives.
“Many of our students come in carrying regret or embarrassment about not finishing high school,” she said. “It takes so much courage and determination to complete the program. Supporting them through that journey is incredibly meaningful. I was truly surprised and very appreciative of my colleagues choosing me! We have so many dedicated teachers and I honestly could not believe I was selected.”
Donald Duncanson is the Custodian/Maintenance Person of the Year. He has been working at BOCES for 4 1/2 years.
“My favorite part of my job is meeting new people every day and solving and fixing problems,” he said. “I feel very honored to have been chosen. I work with great people and it makes my job easy and enjoyable.”
Laird Burkett is the Staff Specialist of the Year. Laird has worked at BOCES as a Computer Technician for eight years. He said his favorite part of his job is helping people do their best work.
“I listen to teachers and staff, simplifying the technology behind the scenes, and support our team so solutions last,” Burkett said. “When a classroom runs smoother because we planned together, that’s the most rewarding part.”
He said winning this honor was very humbling. “Any success I’ve had comes from bringing people to the table, hearing their needs, and doing the follow-through together.”
Jennifer Jourdain is the Teacher of the Year. Jennifer works at the Niagara Academy and is on her 21st year at ONBOCES.
“What I love about my job is that the students I work with have typically had nothing but negative school experiences at their home district,” she said. “When they enter our alternative program, I love seeing these students gain confidence in their ability and find success for themselves in school.”
She said she felt honored when announced as the teacher of the year. “It was great to receive this award following a year of feeling respected and valued by the organization I work for. I look forward to being part of the BOCES culture moving forward.”
Teresa Armstrong is the Teacher Aide of the Year. “I was shocked!” she said about the recognition. “It was a wonderful surprise to be recognized by my peers.”
Armstrong has been at Orleans/Niagara BOCES for 22 years and is at the Niagara Academy. “My favorite part of my job is making connections with not only the students, but also my colleagues as we strive to make a difference in our students’ lives.”
Ron Jackson was named the Substitute of the Year. Ron worked as a welding teacher at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center until his retirement in 2024. He filled in as a teacher in the welding program for part of the school year.
“I started on my birthday, February 18th in 2019,” he said. “I had to laugh, I’ve worked in power plants for 32 years and let’s just say, we didn’t get any snow days there! My first day teaching was a snow day. I hadn’t had a snow day since 1979!”
When asked what his favorite part of his job was, his answer was, “That’s hard to answer. It really wasn’t a job to me. It was the most rewarding opportunity I have ever had the pleasure of doing. So, I guess I would say it would be having the opportunity to pass on my life’s lessons to anyone who would listen.
“My passion has always been in welding, but my goal was to teach kids to be employable first and welding second. I do miss being part of something bigger than myself. It is the best job I have ever had. I am very honored to have received this and all I can say is from the heart, thank you for this wonderful opportunity to work with some of the most caring and dedicated people I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 September 2025 at 9:58 am
Photo by Aidin Bharti/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul – Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks on Monday during the opening of the World Canals Conference in Buffalo, which is during the Erie Canal’s Bicentennial year.
MEDINA – The World Canals Conference is in Buffalo this week, and today a group of about 85 people will be in Medina as one of four field visits with the conference.
In Medina, the group will visit the Medina Triennial headquarters, the Bent’s Opera House, Canal Culvert in Ridgeway, the First Baptist Church, Shirt Factory and downtown. The group will be on two buses and will head over to visit Lockport around noon.
The Medina-Lockport field trip has a focus on how art and history have helped spur downtown revitalization.
Other field trips include North Tonawanda and Lockport with a focus on waterfront revitalization and economic development; Niagara Falls and the Welland Canal with a focus on the Underground Railroad and freedom seekers who crossed the Niagara River to live in Canada.
A field session in Brockport and Fairport shows how those canal communities use the historic waterway for recreation, access, and accessibility.
The Seneca Chief, a replica of the Erie Canal boat that carried Gov. DeWitt Clinton across the canal for its maiden voyage in 1825, will depart Buffalo on Wednesday morning to recreate the governor’s famous trip from 200 years ago.
The Seneca Chief will embark on a 33-day journey that will end in New York City on Oct. 26, the official anniversary of the completion of the Erie Canal. The boat will reach Medina on Thursday and stay overnight before continuing east on Friday to Brockport.
During remarks on Monday, Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted 2025 as the Erie Canal’s Bicentennial year. About 500 people are in Buffalo for the conference.
“The Erie Canal is more than a waterway; it is a symbol of perseverance and progress,” Hochul said. “Two hundred years ago, it stood as a marvel for innovation and determination fueling America’s growth and opening pathways of opportunity. Today, as we celebrate its bicentennial, I am honored to welcome the world to Buffalo, my hometown, for the 2025 World Canals Conference. Together, we will carry forward the Erie Canal’s legacy as a global symbol of connection, commerce, and possibility for the next century and beyond.”
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Seneca Chief is shown in Medina on Aug. 12, 2024. The boat is a reproduction of the original 73-foot-long Seneca Chief boat that opened the Erie Canal in 1825. It was the first boat to travel the canal from Buffalo to New York City. It will be back in medina on Thursday before heading east on Friday to Brockport.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 23 September 2025 at 8:45 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: A group walks down East Shelby Road on Oct. 7, 2023 for the 35th annual walk/run for the Knights-Kaderli Fund. The Knights and Kaderli families estimate that more than $1 million has been used from the fund since it was established, helping cover some of the utilities, co-pays and other bills for people fighting cancer in Orleans County.
MEDINA – For the past 37 years, the community has gathered for a walk/run to support patients living with cancer in Orleans County.
The Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run began when two families – those of Richard Knights and Sue Kaderli – decided to join their fundraising efforts in memory of their loved ones into one event.
“This year we are happy to celebrate our 37th annual Knights-Kaderli Walk on Oct 4,” said Stacey Knights Pellicano, Knights-Kaderli board member and daughter of Richard Knights. “This is our favorite time of year. We look forward to being with all of our supporters. If you have ever participated in our event, you understand the energy of that day. It gives us hope and unites participants.”
The walk/run will begin at 11 a.m. Oct. 4 at East Shelby Volunteer Fire Hall. Registration fee is $20 and participants are encouraged to ask their friends and neighbors for small sponsorship donations. Every dollar helps, Pellicano said. There is also a large basket raffle for the Knights-Kaderli Fund that morning at the East Shelby Firehall.
The 5K will continue as an untimed walk/run, so registrants can participate in a leisurely walk with family and friends, or set their watches for a 5K run. As always, participants and the community are encouraged to participate in their basket raffle. Lunch will be served immediately after the race and guests may eat outside under the pavilion. Everyone is urged to photograph their experience and tag Knights-Kaderli on Facebook and Instagram at #KnightsKaderli5K for some fun prizes.
Richard Knights and Sue Kaderli were both lifelong residents of Orleans County. Knights died from cancer at age 38 in 1984. Kaderli passed away from the disease at age 52 in 1989.
“They were both known for their spirit of community and we are honored to remember them in this way,” Pellicano said.
Funds are raised through annual events and various contributions made by individuals, organizations and memorials.
For more information or financial assistance, contact Mary Zelazny at (585) 746-8455, Melissa Knights Bertrand at (716) 983-7932 or Pellicano at (716) 998-0977.
Participants may register for the walk/run online (click here). Those unable to participate are asked to consider a direct donation through Venmo@knightskaderli.
Photos courtesy of Friends of Boxwood: The Burroughs family plot is shown at left. Shawna Baldwin recites Edgar Allan Poe (right).
Press Release, Friends of Boxwood Cemetery
MEDINA – The Friends of Boxwood Cemetery, in Medina, are excited to announce the fourth annual, “Boxwood at Night: See the Cemetery in a New Light.”
This year’s event will be on October 4. Tickets cost $20 and there will be two time slots: 7 to 8 p.m. and 8 to 9 p.m. The time slots are when you can enter. Once you are checked in, you are welcome to stay until the event ends at 9:30 p.m.
Tickets are limited to the first 300 people so you will want to get your tickets before they sell out.
“Guests will take a leisurely walk through the cemetery at their own pace in a relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere,” said event co-chair, Nicole Bensley. “I’m especially excited by the new entertainment and the partnership with Paradise Fest NY to provide even more dramatic lighting to the cemetery.”
This is the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery’s biggest fundraiser of the year and the funds will go to completing the Potter’s Field memorial.
Tickets are available during business hours at the English Rose Tea Shoppe and Thistle Ridge – both places are on Main Street in Medina. Tickets will also be available at the Canal Village Farmers Market in Medina on Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. As an added convenience, you may also purchase tickets using a credit card by going online.
Raffle tickets will also be available to purchase at the Farmers Market booth and again at the event.
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO Art!
“We are proud to partner once again with GO Art! to make this a special event for the community,” said Robbie Klino, president of the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery. “It is through their generous support, and the support of businesses and individuals throughout the community that will allow us to put on a spectacular night of entertainment featuring several local artists.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 September 2025 at 4:25 pm
Provided photo: Those who attend the class will receive a free disaster preparedness kit.
KNOWLESVILLE – There is still time to register for citizens preparedness class set for this 6 p.m. on Thursday at the Trolley Building of the Cornell Cooperative Extension on Route 31.
September is National Preparedness Month, and the Emergency Management Office in Orleans County is working to educate the community on how to prepare.
The class on Thursday is free, but registration is required – simply to ensure that National Guard can bring enough emergency kits to distribute to those who attend.
The mission of these training classes is to give residents the tools and resources to prepare for any type of disaster, respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible. The course provides an introduction to responding to natural or man-made disasters.
Participants are advised on how to properly develop family emergency plans and stock up on emergency supplies. Those who attend a class will be given a free NYS Disaster Preparedness Kit (one per family) containing key items to assist in the aftermath of a disaster.
“For our community, these classes are extremely beneficial in helping the everyday resident to prepare for the different weather events that impact us,” said Justin Niederhofer, the county’s emergency management director. “The classes are taught by the Army National Guard and offer a quick synopsis of various events experienced regionally, the impact they had and how individuals and families can take steps to minimize the impacts of similar events in the future.”
To register for the event, visit www.prepare.ny.gov and click on the training calendar to find the event you would like to attend.
Image courtesy of Kendall Central School: The new elementary school playground at Kendall is designed to be accessible to people with disabilities. The playground includes ground-level entry points, durable turf surfacing, and equipment designed to accommodate children with limited mobility.
Press Release, Kendall Central School
KENDALL – Kendall Central School invites the public to the official ribbon cutting ceremony for its new elementary school playground on Wednesday, Oct. 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Kendall Elementary School, 1932 Kendall Rd.
The celebration will mark the opening of Kendall’s first community-accessible playground, which is a one-of-a-kind facility in the Northeast that will serve both students and families for years to come.
“I am beyond excited to finally share the finished product with our school and larger community,” said Superintendent Nick Picardo. “Our early vision was to ensure that our students and residents had a space to come and spend time with family and friends right in our community. I believe this playground will become a central place for families to gather, play, and enjoy the outdoors right here in Kendall.”
The playground was made possible through the district’s 2023 Capital Project Vote and features cutting-edge structures including the Volo Aire, a multi-level climbing tower with covered slides that is the first of its kind on the East Coast. Other highlights include a zipline, We-Go-Round, We-Saws, swings, climbing mounds, chill spinners, and shaded seating areas.
Designed with accessibility at its core, the playground includes ground-level entry points, durable turf surfacing, and equipment designed to accommodate children with limited mobility. Dedicated areas for both younger and older elementary students ensure that children of all ages can play safely and comfortably.
This new addition is a major milestone not just for the district, but for the region: a protected design radius has been placed around Kendall, ensuring that no other nearby playgrounds will feature the same exclusive components.
“In early January 2025, with a completed design in hand, the superintendent received a frantic call from me thanks to a brand-new, never-before-seen structure having just been released to the market,” said Andy Walsh, Genesee Regional Manager of Parkitects. “Under Nick Picardo’s leadership and with the support of the Kendall team, the decision was made to pivot and include the first Volo Aire in New York State. That bold move brought one of the most inclusive and accessible tower structures ever built to the Kendall community.”
Planning for the playground began with a unique focus on student voice and research. A student-led committee worked alongside staff and design experts to test playgrounds across Western New York and cast votes on preferred features—including the curly slide, which won by a landslide during Kendall’s own “Voting Day.”
“This vibrant new space is more than just a place to play, it’s a reflection of our community’s creativity, collaboration, and commitment to joyful learning,” said Elementary Principal Kevin Watson. “From the first sketch to the final bolt, this playground was designed with our students in mind. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built together. We invite you to come explore, play, and celebrate with us. This playground is a gift to our students, families, and neighbors, and we can’t wait to see it filled with laughter and joy!”
The community is encouraged to attend the ribbon cutting on Oct. 1 to explore the new playground and celebrate this exciting milestone. For more information about the new playground, visit http://www.kendallschools.org/playground or follow @kendallcsd on Facebook.
Church will dedicate refurbished pipe organ, celebrate people featured on quilt from 1987
Photo courtesy of Lyndonville Presbyterian Church: This quilt was made in 1987 by a Sunday School class at Lyndonville Presbyterian Church.
Press Release, The Rev. Martha Mitchell, pastor of Lyndonville Presbyterian Church
LYNDONVILLE – Eight years ago, when I first came to Lyndonville Presbyterian Church, a parishioner rescued a quilt from storage in the church basement.
We hung it in our dining hall. Since then it has fascinated people who wander in. Some head right over saying, “My name is on this quilt!”
The Sunday School class made it in 1987 when the church was the United Presbyterian Church. Ever since we placed it for public display, we have dreamed of hosting a homecoming.
We are hoping that many of the people on the quilt will materialize in person. They are now parents or even grandparents. Some of the leaders are deceased. We thought it would be fun for people to reunite who once knew LPC and contributed to its history.
Saturday, October 11th, we invite anyone who ever had any connection with Lyndonville Presbyterian Church to come on over and mingle at 107 North Main St.
11a.m. to 3 p.m. family activities like ring toss, cornhole, a fishpond, chalk drawing (so you can fill up our parking lot with chalk art), pumpkin decorating and more.
Beef on Weck lunch at noon, free will offering.
Photo Booth so that we can get as many photos as possible to correspond to the names on the quilt for an updated picture quilt.
Sunday, October 12th, we are dedicating our refurbished pipe organ during our special musical worship service at 10:30 a.m. Once again, all are invited to join us.
A coffee hour follows worship, so come peek in and see where you once spent time. Or just come join us for two days of wonderful celebrations whether you’re an old friend or a brand-new curiosity seeker.
Bring your whole family and head over. We look forward to seeing you on October 11th or 12th or both!
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 September 2025 at 12:03 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – The Medina Mustang Band was among 10 marching bands that performed on Saturday during Medina’s home show, the Fall Festival of Bands.
The top photo shows Raelynn Baker, a member of the Color Guard.
Medina has about 80 students in the band. They compete in the Small School, Division 1. Medina scored 72.450 points for first place in that division.
Medina’s program is entitled, “Fragile World – The Way We Were.” The program includes selections from “Raging Machines” by Brian Balmages, “The Way We Were” by Barbra Streisand, and “Winds of Change” by Randall Standridge.
The band enters the field at Vets Park for its performance. There are about 80 students in the band that is directed by Matt Jaeger.
Carmen Stalker serves as drum major of this year’s band. She is shown leading the group on Saturday.
The front end ensemble follows the drum major’s lead.
Mackenzie Poynter is a senior member of the Color Guard.
The trumpeters brought a big sound to the show. River Jones, left, was one of the featured performers on Saturday.
Natalie Herbert, left, and Ella Crooks show their skills tossing the wooden rifles as part of Medina’s Color Guard.
Lyla Page serves as the backfield conductor for the Mustangs.
Kylee McMullen smiles after a segment in Medina’s show.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 September 2025 at 10:33 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – The Webster Marching Band closes out Saturday’s Fall Festival of Bands in Medina, which featured 10 marching bands from Western New York and the Rochester area.
About 1,000 people attended the event. The bands compete in the New York State Field Band Conference which culminates on Oct. 26 with the championships in Syracuse at the JMA Wireless Dome.
Jayliana Wilson, drum major for the Greece Marching Band, signals to judges that the marching band is ready to perform during the Fall Festival of Bands. Greece performs in the Large School, Division 2 category.
The scores for the bands on Saturday include:
• Small School 3 – 1. Marcus Whitman, 68.000; 2. Pioneer, 66.400; and 3. Falconer-Frewsburg, 66.150
• Large School 3 – 1. Hilton, 68.800
• Large School 2 – 1. Lancaster, 76.500; 2. Greece, 76.150; 3. West Seneca, 73.300; and 4. Orchard Park, 73.050.
• Small School 1 – 1. Medina, 72.450
• National – 1. Webster, 79.450
The Medina Marching Band features about 80 students. The theme of this year’s show is “Fragile World.” “It starts out dark and mysterious, with voiceovers about a fragile and frail society. Near the end the mood turns joyous.
Braedan Signorino, drum major for the Falconer and Frewsburg marching band, leads the group in performing “Through the Storm.” This is the ninth year the two schools have worked together for a field band program.
Pioneer presented a show, “Pure Imagination,” which featured music from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman.
Marcus Whitman performed “I’m Mortal” featuring music by Ludwig van Beethoven.
The Hilton Crimson Cadets Marching Band presented “Sweet Dreams.”
The Marching Legends of Lancaster performed “Vacancy on 13,” a show focused on superstition and bad luck where many hotels do not have a 13th floor.
Orchard Park performed “Color and Light” which combined classic musical theater and contemporary classical music.
Greece performed “Into the Storm” – a journey through Mother Nature’s unpredictability of mayhem and beauty that lies ahead.
West Seneca’s marching band presented “Inspiration.”
Webster brings out some of the props for its show, “In times of …” which explores human experience in innocence, struggle, loss and reflection.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 September 2025 at 8:51 am
Photo courtesy of Carl Tuohey
MEDINA – Medina Theatre was open on Sunday afternoon for people to watch the Charlie Kirk memorial service.
About 80 people were in the theater on Main Street, and they came from Kent, Lyndonville, Medina, Middleport and Rochester.
Kirk, a conservative leader, was shot and killed on Sept. 10 at an event in Utah for his “The American Comeback Tour.” Kirk visited students on college campuses to debate on hot-button issues.
His service was held at State Farm Stadium in Arizona. Some of the speakers included President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Kirk’s wife Erika
On several occasions the speakers of the service brought a full round of applause from the local attendees during the peaceful event, said Carl Tuohey, one of the attendees
While the memorial service lasted five hours, well beyond the expected two hours, the Medina viewing ended at 4 p.m. with a speech by local minister Vincent Iorio. The event was hosted by Bob Sanderson.
