Provided photos from Orleans/Niagara BOCES: Missy Outten and Sophia Gerhardt of Barker get ready for the cosmetology clinic at Orleans/Niagara BOCES in Medina.
Press Release, Orleans/Niagara BOCES
Kyra Monnier of Albion is one of the cosmetology students at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES.
MEDINA – The cosmetology students at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center are excited about starting their clinic Oct. 2.
The clinic is open to the public at 4232 Shelby Basin Rd. in Medina on Thursdays and Fridays (8:30 to 10:30 a.m.) when school is in session. Customers will be walking away with new looks or just a smile after having some pampering with our talented students.
What a great way for our students to get their hours towards their cosmetology license and helping community members feel and look great!
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 September 2025 at 10:28 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Volunteers and employees for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee get food ready to be dispersed on Monday morning during a food distribution in the Albion municipal parking lot at 165 Platt St.
Community Action has been leading these food distributions in Albion since April 2020.
The distributions through Foodlink will continue to at least through the end of this year in the Rochester region.
“As long as we can keep doing it, we will do it,” said Ryan Lasal, director of Community & Family Program Innovation for Community Action. “Right now Foodlink has no plans to stop.”
Tonya Ferris, an M&T Bank employee, helps with Monday’s distribution. Two other M&T staff assisted with the distribution. Ferris, a Kendall resident, has been part of the distributions for over a year.
The schedule in Orleans County for the remainder of the year includes:
Albion at 165 South Platt Street – managed by Community Action
Monday, Oct. 27 at 9 a.m.
Monday, Nov. 10 at 9 a.m.
Monday, Dec. 8 at 9 a.m.
Lyndonville Presbyterian Church at 107 North Main St., Lyndonville
Friday, Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m.
Friday, Oct. 17 at 9:30 a.m.
Friday, Nov. 7 at 9:30 a.m.
Friday, Dec. 5 at 9:30 a.m.
Orleans Cornell Cooperative Extension, 12690 State Route 31, Albion
Monday, Oct. 6 at 10 a.m.
Monday, Nov. 3 at 10 a.m.
Monday, Dec. 1 at 10 a.m.
Pre-registration strongly suggested. Those who pre-register will be assigned timeslots for pickup (12-12:30, 12:30-1, 1-1:30. 1:30-2). Pre-register at 585-798-4265. Walk-ins may start at 2 p.m.
Nick Luft and four other Albion High School students in the Interact Club assisted with the distribution for Community Action. Adam Burgio, another high schooler, is in back ready to hand off a big bag of produce.
LYNDONVILLE – Beginning on Sept. 23, the Village of Lyndonville will be conducting leakage testing on the sanitary sewer system located within the village.
It is anticipated that this testing will take three days and end on Sept. 25. This test is being conducted as part of a study to locate and identify areas of ground and surface water entering the sanitary sewer system.
It is important to find and identify these sources because they may seriously affect the efficiency of our Wastewater Treatment Facility and increase operating expenses.
During the test, a non-toxic smoke will be blown into the sanitary sewer system to reveal leaks where storm water and surface waters may be entering the sewer. The smoke that is utilized for this testing is manufactured specifically for this purpose, and it leaves no residual odor or stains, and has no adverse effect on plants or animals.
It does have a distinctive, but not unpleasant, temporary odor. The visible smoke and odor only last a few minutes, where ventilation is adequate.
To conduct the test, smoke will be introduced at specific sanitary sewer manholes located on the streets. During the test, personnel will conduct a visual observation along streets and around individual homes, for smoke exiting storm sewers, roof gutters, and other areas which may be connected to the sanitary sewer system.
Smoke should not enter your home unless the plumbing is defective or if your home contains drains which are infrequently used. Several days prior to Sept. 23, please pour or run water down all drains in your home or building to assure that drain traps are filled and in working order.
Please feel free to contact the Superintendent of Public Works Devan Freeman at 585-765-9312 if you have any questions regarding this notification.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 September 2025 at 8:48 am
Photos from Hoag Library
ALBION – A new free art library was been set up outside Hoag Library in a project spearheaded by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!).
Local residents are encouraged to take an art book or art kit, or leave an art book or art kit and spread creativity.
The art library was architecturally designed by Jeff Pasnik, built and designed by Carpenters Local Union 276, and painted by Jaylah Sherman.
This kit includes yard and other supplies to create a fairy wand.
GO Art! established the art library to make art supplies and resources more accessible to the community, fostering creativity and engagement in the arts. The library includes art kits, coloring books and art books that are freely available for anyone to take and enjoy.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 September 2025 at 10:05 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Seated from left, Chris Crane and Tammy Fearby chat with Joey Molisani while waiting for the start of the Fuller 155 benefit by the Watts/Fuller families to support suicide prevention causes. For a donation of any amount, people could write their loved ones name on a heart, which will be placed on a banner and carried in the Out of the Darkness walk on Saturday in Buffalo.
SHELBY – The Fuller 155 Suicide Prevention Basket Raffle/Walk Committee is extending a heartfelt thanks to the community for tremendous support of their annual fundraiser Sunday at Shelby Fire Hall.
Committee chair Ike Watts was overwhelmed with the generosity with which people throughout the area supported their efforts.
“Your support plays a meaningful role in helping us raise awareness, offer hope and provide essential resources to those affected by suicide and mental health struggles,” Watts said. “I am particularly grateful for my work family at Medina Central School. I received tremendous support from my co-workers.”
“Your kindness and generosity help us build a stronger, more compassionate community,” Watts said.
Walkers start out on the walk held for the first time this year during the annual suicide prevention fundraiser at Shelby Fire Hall.
A walk added for the first time this year brought 47 adult walkers and a crowd of children.
Jennifer Bansbach of Lyndonville signed up to walk in memory of three very dear people who succumbed to suicide, she said.
“This is to support them, and besides it’s a beautiful day for a walk.”
The basket raffle had the most donations in the three years of the benefit – 242.
Early birds check out the more than 200 baskets donated for the Fuller 155 basket raffle/walk to benefit suicide prevention Saturday at Shelby Fire Hall.
An added attraction was a trolley which Doug Bracey brought and gave rides to those unable to walk the route or pick up anyone who couldn’t finish.
“Everyone I spoke to said what a wonderful event this was and how happy they were to have come,” Watts said. “It was for a very meaningful cause.”
Another feature was a table where, for any donation, Chris Crane and Tammy Fearby sold hearts on which a loved one’s name or a message could be written. The circles were then glued on a banner which the Watts will carry in the Out of the Darkness Walk on Saturday in Buffalo.
Chris and Anita Hughes, right, register Jennifer Bansbach of Lyndonville for the first walk held in conjunction with a suicide prevention benefit Sunday at Shelby Fire Hall.
HOLLEY – Holley Central School District will host a series of events commemorating our alumni during the weekend of Sept. 26-27.
The Alumni Soccer Game will be held on Friday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. at Sander Soccer Field at The Woodlands, featuring 35 alumni who graduated in 1965-2021.
The Alumni Flag Football Game will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 4 p.m. at Hawk Stadium, featuring 19 graduates from 1998-2019.
There will be an Athletic Hall of Fame Induction in between the 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Varsity games will be at the Woodlands honoring 2025 inductees.
A voluntary $3 donation will be collected at the entrance from spectators for all alumni games. Alumni game proceeds will benefit Interact Club, the 8th Grade Washington D.C. Trip Scholarship Fund and Holley Sports Boosters. Cash-only concessions will be available.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 September 2025 at 3:42 pm
Medina family went to Disney World in January through Make-A-Wish
Photos courtesy of Meakin family: Koleson Meakin, now age 4, went to Disney World in January for a week with his family. Koleson is diagnosed with TPK1 Thiamine Deficient Leigh syndrome, a rare genetic metabolic disease. His parents, Brady and Dominique Meakin, navigate his complex needs, which require a special ketogenic diet and frequent medical care.
MEDINA – Firefighters from the western battalion in Orleans County will be out this Sunday filling the boot for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Firefighters have been doing this for several years. This tike has special significance because a local boy and his family were able to go to Disney World through Make-A-Wish.
Koleson is shown at Disney World in January with his parents, Brady and Dominique, and younger sister, Jovie.
Koleson Meakin turned 4 on Aug. 31. He has a rare condition, TPK1 Thiamine Deficient Leigh syndrome. It is a gene-linked brain malformation characterized by the absence of normal folds in the cerebral cortex and an abnormally small head.
His parents, Brady and Dominique Meakin, navigate his complex needs, which require a special ketogenic diet and frequent medical care. Koleson has been hospitalized four times since May.
His mother said the family is grateful for the community’s support through fundraisers and prayers.
“We’re making him comfortable and trying to make as many memories as possible,” she said by phone this morning.
Koleson has a strong and committed care team.
Make-A-Wish gave him an expedited wish about a year ago. He loves lights and music, and Make-A-Wish suggested Disney World. His parents drove Koleson and his little sister Jovie down last January and they were able to stay for a week in a village on site for Make-A-Wish families..
“Our family was treated like royalty at Disney village,” Mrs. Meakin said. “That was the best week of our lives. It is a core memory we will never forget.”
The boot drive will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday at on Route 63 with Shelby and East Shelby firefighters, Maple Ridge Road and the downtown intersection with Medina firefighters, and South Lyndonville Road and Route 104 with Lyndonville and Ridgeway firefighters. The local drive usually raises about $8,000.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, alongside Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Mark Warner (D-VA), introduced the Small Business RELIEF Act to exempt small businesses from global baseline and reciprocal tariffs and to provide refunds to the small businesses that were forced to pay them.
The senators introduced the legislation as U.S. consumers experience the highest overall tariff rate since 1934, and a recent survey found that 30% of small business owners plan to increase their prices.
On August 29, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that President Donald Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs were illegal, setting the stage for small businesses to receive relief from the crushing “Liberation Day” tariffs. The Supreme Court agreed to consider whether these tariffs are legal and will hear the case in November. However, the tariffs will remain in place until the Supreme Court makes a decision.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, but they are especially vulnerable to President Trump’s tariff policies that are suffocating our economy,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Millions of small businesses are already struggling to keep up with rising costs. That’s why I will keep fighting to push back against these reckless tariffs, so every small business has the resources and stability it needs to thrive.”
In April, Senator Gillibrand announced her support for the bipartisan Trade Review Act, which would require congressional oversight of the president’s implementation of tariffs. At the time, she also signed a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick demanding that he immediately work to repeal Trump’s tariffs, which will cost the average New York household approximately $2,400 this year alone.
“Small businesses are feeling the brunt of the Trump administration’s economic carnage,” said Senator Schumer. “Tariffs are raising costs, pushing away tourists, slowing down manufacturing, and forcing many businesses to close their doors altogether. Trump’s disastrous economic policy must be stopped, and Congress must pass the Small Business RELIEF Act to protect our economy and small businesses across the country.”
Press Release, Independent Living of the Genesee Region
BATAVIA – The Independent Living of the Genesee Region, in partnership with the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, is pleased to announce an upcoming focus group dedicated to the families and caregivers of Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN).
This important event will take place on two separate dates at accessible community venues to help shape future programs and services.
The meeting on Sept. 22 will be in Batavia at the Independent Living’s office at 319 West Main St., while the Sept. 24 session will be at the Hoag Library in Albion, 134 South Main St.
The focus group offers a welcoming space for parents, guardians, and advocates from Genesee and Orleans counties to share their experiences, challenges and suggestions regarding services for children with special health care needs. Input from participants will directly inform initiatives and resources designed to improve care and support for CYSHCN and their families.
All attendees will have an opportunity to have their voices heard in a supportive environment. Feedback collected will help guide future planning and advocacy efforts at the local and state level. A $50 Visa gift card will be provided as a stipend to the first 15 participants at each location.
For more information or to register, please contact April Fearby at (585) 815-8501, Ext. 401 or visit: http://forms.office.com/r/ai0daB9xfZ.
About Independent Living of the Genesee Region:
Independent Living of the Genesee Region, part of the WNY Independent Living Inc., Family of Agencies, is a catalyst for systems and individual change, enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities, while respecting diversity and promoting choices and alternatives for independent living.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 September 2025 at 7:59 am
Mary Mattingly did similar project in New York City with 350,000 visitors
Photos by Tom Rivers: Mary Mattingly is shown on a canal barge that she has begun turning into a floating garden that should bear fruit next summer as part of the inaugural Medina Triennial.
MEDINA – The next six weeks a rusty and out-of-serve canal barge will be given new life as a very unlikely base for a floating garden.
Mary Mattingly is turning he 27-by-80-foot barge into a showcase for plants and nature. She led a similar initiative in New York City, and that repurposed barge drew 350,000 visitors and more than 900 guided tours.
Mattingly is in town locally as one of 12 featured artists in the Medina Triennial. She is the first of the artists to be working in residence on her project. Five of the artists are expected to be doing their work in residence as part of the Triennial that will feature about 50 artistic works at 10 to 12 indoor and outdoor sites next year from June 6 to Sept. 7. Triennial organizers expect the major art initiative will draw 50,000 people to Medina over the three months next year.
The Triennial is spearheaded by the NYS Canal Corp. and New York Power Authority with input from the major art galleries in the Rochester and Buffalo region.
Mattingly is renown as an ecological art pioneer and her participation is a big honor for the Triennial, said Kari Conte, co-artistic director for the Triennial.
“This is an incredibly big project by Mary Mattingly,” Conte said Saturday during an discussion at the Triennial’s headquarters in a kick off teaser to next year. “She’s taking a chance on a startup.”
Mary Mattingly shares about the project during a discussion on Saturday at the Medina Triennial “Hub” at 345 Main St., a building that for many years was used by NAPA Auto Parts. It will be the base for the Triennial and arts program through 2026.
Mattingly has been working on the barge the past two weeks, getting it ready for eight different areas that will be growing plants. She has been talking with local residents about what they want to see on the barge when the plants are blooming and producing next year.
She held a workshop Sunday at the Triennial “Hub” to get more input. The group convinced her to have one of the eight spots be for butterflies. Mattingly said the garden will be designed so the eight sections compliment and don’t compete with each other.
People shared personal stories about why they feel connected to certain plants, and Mattingly said she wants to display those anecdotes as part of the floating garden.
Mattingly has a lot of work to do in the next six weeks, bringing in soil and creating a healthy growing medium for the plants. The barge will winter away from Medina and will return at the start of next year’s canal season. By the time the Triennial starts on June 6, the barge should be a vibrant ecosystem.
She thanked local residents for their input and kindness while she has been working on the project in Medina.
“I feel very at home,” she told about 75 people during the opening session on Saturday. “I’m learning a lot.”
Don Cook, a photographer for The Journal-Register in Medina, captured this image of the demolition of the Hojack bridge on Sept. 11, 1995.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 5, No. 32
CARLTON – Our recent column on the history of the Hojack Railroad evoked many memories, particularly of teenage hair-raising exploits on the landmark trestle bridge at Waterport.
Built to convey the trains of the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg Railroad trains across the Oak Orchard River gorge, the actual dimensions of this impressive structure are unclear. According to one source, it was 500 feet long, 10 feet wide and 200 feet above the river, while another site describes it as having been 800 feet from bank to bank and 90 feet high.
This photograph gives a sense of the scale of the bridge.
At any rate, the railroad line was discontinued in 1978, and the infrastructure soon fell into disrepair. In November 1993, citing missing railroad ties and concerns for the safety of the public as well as of emergency personnel presented by the condition of the bridge, the Town of Carlton went on record to request action from Penn Central.
As it transpired, the title to the bridge was owned by Charles Pelleschi, an avid angler from Summerhill, Pa. He had purchased some vacant railroad property adjacent to Park Avenue, in the Town of Carlton from Penn-Central, with the intention of building a second home there. Much to his surprise, the deed to the land included the bridge.
Mr. Pelleschi decided to have the bridge removed on account of its deteriorating condition. It was dismantled in the fall of 1995 by Jack Weakland of Hastings, Pa. The steel from the bridge was sold to a New York City company and the landmark was no more.
However, it lingers in the memories of many and was captured in this pen and ink drawing by Arthur Barnes.
This artwork of the Trestle in Waterport was done by Arthur Barnes.
Photos and information courtesy of Medina Mustang Band
WEST SENECA – The Medina Mustang Marching Band traveled to West Seneca on Saturday for their first competition of the season. A total of seven schools participated including Iroquois from Pennsylvania and six others from Western NY.
Medina was the only SS1 competitor and scored 70.40. In SS3 there were 3 competitors – Iroquois, Pioneer and Falconer-Frewsburg with FF taking 1st place with 64.85.
Thee LS2 class included Lancaster, West Seneca and Orchard Park with Lancaster earning 1st place with 73.05.
It was a beautiful evening in terms of weather and the crowd was enthused to be back in the loop of marching band participation.
Medina hosts their Fall Festival in Veterans Memorial Park this Saturday with gates opening at 4:30 and show starting 5:30. Ten bands will perform in competition.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 September 2025 at 7:59 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: A boat is pictured on Saturday evening on Glenwood Lake in Medina with changing fall foliage in the background.
The leaves are starting to change colors around Orleans County although much of the tree canopy remains green.
The fall foliage season has begun in New York state with some spectacular seasonal colors starting to appear. The state’s tourism division, I LOVE NY, updates the changing colors with a weekly fall foliage reports.
Locations in NYS with the most significant change so far include Wilmington, Saranac Lake and Old Forge (Adirondacks); Windham, Delhi and Liberty (Catskills); Corning (Finger Lakes); and Salamanca (Chautauqua-Allegheny).
Orleans is starting to see about a 5 percent change with average to bright orange and red leaves, according to the report (click here).
This map from I LOVE NY shows the fall foliage progress around the state.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 13 September 2025 at 3:07 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Looking much younger than her 100 years, Florence Sanmarco stands by a birthday bouquet in her kitchen. Family friend Grace Kent of Albion made her the birthday crown on the counter.
MEDINA – Florence Sanmarco had one wish for her 100th birthday on Friday.
“I wanted to be home and hear from all my friends, and I got just the birthday I wanted,” she said.
Sanmarco counts her blessings to be celebrating her 100th birthday and enjoy excellent health.
Born in Medina Sept. 12, 1925, Sanmarco grew up in Middleport, daughter of parents who immigrated from Italy. The oldest of six, three siblings still survive.
She graduated from Middleport High School in 1943 and spent the next few years working at various jobs, including several years at Niagara Chemical Company (FMC).
“I left to get married, then went back in 1951,” she said.
Her first husband died after four years of marriage, and a second marriage to Danny Sanmarco lasted until his death in 2004.
(Left) Longtime family friend Karen Mannella, left, and Florence Sanmarco share a toast to Sanmarco’s 100th birthday on Friday. (Right) Florence Sanmarco and friend Sheila Doty hold a “100 and Fabulous” blanket Doty gave Sanmarco for her 100th birthday on Friday.
Sanmarco moved into Lakewood Village in 1985, where she continues to live on her own, doing her own cooking and cleaning, managing her own finances and occasionally driving her car short distances.
Her career included many years as a beautician.
“I’m very thankful for today – I don’t have an ache or a pain,” she said.
Her hearing is wonderful. She takes care of her flower gardens and loves to shop.
She often asks herself, “Why am I still here?”
Her only answer is she thinks she is meant to be an incentive to others, who may look at her and think, “I can do what Florence is doing.”
Sanmarco has seen many changes in 100 years, but she thinks the most amazing thing is probably the internet, although she doesn’t have a computer.
Friday, family friend Karen Mannella spent the day with her. They met when Mannella’s aunt and Sanmarco’s sister roomed together in the nursing home and they’ve been friends ever since. Mannella recently took Sanmarco shopping at Kohl’s and “she wore me out,” Mannella said.
When asked what she thought contributed to her longevity and good health, Sanmarco replied, “My faith. I pray a lot.”
Her Italian heritage and eating garlic might have helped, also, she added.
BATAVIA – The Independent Living of the Genesee Region, in partnership with the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments, is pleased to announce an upcoming focus group dedicated to the families and caregivers of Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN).
