Aaron Grabowski will be featured performer at Faith United Methodist Church

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Organist Aaron Grabowski of Medina plays a few selections on the organ at Faith United Methodist Church in Barker, where he will perform a free concert for the community on Saturday. The church’s pastor is the Rev. Tom Gardner of Knowlesville.

BARKER – An organ concert for the community will be a first for Faith United Methodist Church.

The concert, featuring Medina organist Aaron Grabowski, is scheduled at 7 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 13) at the church, 1449 Quaker Rd.

Sunday afternoon, the Rev. Tom Gardner of Knowlesville met with Grabowski; Jim Hoffman, a member of the board since 1970; Jim Trinder, church organist who joined Faith United Methodist Church when they merged with Somerset in 1970; and the Rev. Allyn Foster, the church’s original pastor.

The Rev. Gardner said the concert is a gift to the community and celebrates the fact some much needed repairs have been done to their historic organ to keep it in good maintenance and reliable.

A gifted organist and builder of organs for Parsons Organ Company of Canandaigua, Grabowski said he was humbled when the Rev. Gardner asked him to perform. Grabowski had only officially resumed his performance career at a concert in 2024 at his home parish of St. Mary’s in Medina. An accomplished musician and organ restorer, Grabowski also did a soft start to his career in July 2024 at Old Fort Niagara during their annual French and Indian War Encampment.

Grabowski’s program on Saturday will be relatively eclectic – everything from German Baroque to French Romantic, he said.

“It will show off the organ and demonstrate its tonal color,” he said. “I’m used to playing on a large instrument and having a lot of tonal colors at my disposal. Here, I wind up being very careful to pick the appropriate tonal colors. Every piece I play will feature some aspect of the organ here.”

Grabowski said in spite of the organ’s size, it has good tonal selection and is perfect for church worship.

Faith United Methodist Church’s organ was originally purchased from the David Marr Organ Company of Warsaw for the Somerset Union Methodist Church. The organ was used at the Somerset church until the last service there in the summer of 1969. Then it was rebuilt and installed at Faith United Methodist Church, a complicated and costly task, according to church records.

The Rev. Foster had written a very informative letter illustrating his involvement in the design and construction of the organ. He is, himself, an organist and his expert input helped to create this outstanding organ.

Gathered to discuss an upcoming community organ concert on Saturday at Faith United Methodist Church in Barker are from left, the Rev. Allyn Foster, also an organist and first pastor of the church; Jim Hoffman, an original board member; the Rev. Tom Gardner of Knowlesville; Jim Trinder, current church organist; and guest organist Aaron Grabowski. Standing is Trinder’s wife Pat.

In recent years, repairs have been made and with completion of significant jobs, the focus is on careful and detailed tunings. A complete tuning is scheduled the day before Grabowski’s concert.

The Rev. Foster, who was involved in the designing of Faith United Methodist Church, said part of the construction was to make sure there was space for the organ to “speak.”

The Rev. Gardner said when he came in the summer of 2024, he heard this church had a strong musical history, with a choir, bell choir and organ.

Grabowski’s performance will include selections by Bach/Vivaldi, Leon Boellmann, Louis-Nicolas Cierambault, Gaspard Conette, Jean-Adam Guillain, Charles-Marie Widor and Claude Balbastre.

Admission is free, however, a free-will offering will be received.

Press Release and photos, Friends of Boxwood Cemetery

MEDINA – In conjunction with the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal, the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery will be hosting a tour of the cemetery led by Village Historian Todd Bensley.

The tour will be Saturday, Sept. 13, at 6 p.m. It will start at the S. Mainville Burroughs Memorial Chapel, at the south entrance to the cemetery. The tour is expected to take 60-90 minutes.

The title of the tour is, “The Erie Canal – Beginnings and Endings.” According to Bensley, “It will focus on the triumphs and tragedies of people buried in Boxwood who have a connection to the Erie Canal.”

The tour is free and open to the public. Donations are always gratefully accepted.

Those in attendance can also purchase entry and raffle tickets for Boxwood at Night, which will be on Saturday, Oct. 4.

Rail line was popular leading to post offices, hamlets and businesses

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 5, No. 31

Photo from Orleans County Department of History: A Hojack goods train crosses the Trestle Bridge over the Oak Orchard Creek in Carlton.

KENDALL – “Without looking out a window, you could generally tell what the weather was or what it was going to be simply by the sounds of the Hojack’s whistles. On clear days, they’d be sharp and abrupt. But on rainy days, they’d give out long, mournful cries, especially at night.”  (Doris Behnke Crego, Requiem for a Railroad)

In the 1980s, William Aeberli of Rochester, interviewed older Kendall area residents about their recollections of the Hojack and compiled them in a series of articles entitled “Requiem for a Railroad.”

“The Hojack” was the name used to refer to the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg Railroad (R.W. & O. R.) which ran from Oswego to Niagara Falls from 1876 to 1978.

It served the northern third of Orleans County where industrious farmers of English, German and Norwegian descent harvested high yields from soil that was particularly suited to fruit cultivation. Prior to the advent of the Hojack, the Erie Canal and later the New York Central Railroad shipped produce from the farms north of the Ridge.

The Hojack served eight station points in Orleans County: Morton (East Kendall), Kendall, West Kendall, Brice Station (Kent), Carlton Station, Ashwood (Carlyon), Lyndonville and Millers.

Hamlets soon evolved at these stations. Storage and processing facilities for fruit and vegetables were built adjacent to the stops: Kendall Cold Storage; Morton Canning Company; A.S. Hice in Ashwood; W.G. Dailey in Kent; Bahrenburg & Beckwith in Carlton Station and Kendall. General stores and churches soon followed. Since the Hojack carried mail, post offices were established: Carlyon in 1876, Carlton in 1877, Kent in 1899, Millers in 1882 and Morton in 1894.

In 1888, eight passenger trains ran daily. By 1908, this was reduced to four daily passenger trains, and in 1933, passenger and mail service was discontinued. Automobiles and truck transportation superseded the railroads. But apart from the convenience of passenger service, the primary benefit of the Hojack was the transportation of goods – fruit and produce to market, deliveries of coal and ice to supply the cold storage facilities.

The Kendall Station was active. The following establishments were located on either side of the railroad: Bahrenburg and Beckwith’s was a cooperage and a storage facility; the Greece Lumber Company which also dealt in grain; the three-story structure at W.V. Newcomb’s which had bins to hold grain, beans, or peas; Robert Burke’s which sold chemicals and fertilizers as well as coal; Carr, Eggleston & Ritz, an evaporated fruit and cider business.

Seasonal laborers and transient workers camped in Crandall’s Woods just across the railroad tracks. The location was referred to as “Hobo Alley.”  An old boxcar was moved there to provide shelter.

Doris Behnke Creg, who grew up in Kendall in the 1920s, observed:

“We figured the Hojack was simply a natural part of the neighborhood, we took the railroad for granted. Who might have thought that someday the railroad would disappear?”

The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce is shining a light on food/beverage businesses in Orleans County with a “Taste of Orleans” promotion at 20 locations.

“We are encouraging people to support local food and beverage establishments here in Orleans County,” said Darlene Hartway, the Chamber director. “We are hoping this social media event will showcase the multitude of wonderful restaurants, bars, farm markets and ice cream shops we have here in Orleans County.”

Taste of Orleans started on Aug. 24 and continues through Sept. 14. The Chamber and co-sponsor Orleans County Tourism encourage people to visit many of the local food/beverage businesses and post pictures of what they are eating and drinking, using the hash tag #tasteoforleans.

The Chamber will draw winners after Sept. 14 for participants to win gift cards from the participating businesses.

The businesses in the promotion include the Black North at Point Breeze, Coffee Pot Cafe in Medina, Dubby’s Tailgate in Albion, Confection Connection in Albion, Gilligan’s Galley in Kent, Mariachi De Oro on Medina, Mark’s Pizzeria and Tapped on Main in Medina, Mark’s Pizzeria in Albion, Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, Partyka Farms in Kendall, Red, White & Moo in Holley, Roadies Pizzeria in Carlton, Serenity Spa in Albion, Shirt Factory/Newell Lounge in Medina, Sourced Market & Eatery in Medina, Tavern on the Ridge in Albion, Village House in Albion, Webber Cafe in Lyndonville, White Birch in Lyndonville, and Zambistro in Medina.

In the future, Hartway said she would like to see an event where people could taste food from many of the local businesses at one location at a festival. But, for now, she said the social media campaign highlights many of the food and beverage businesses around the county.

Photos courtesy of Medina Memorial Hospital: This picture shows one of the construction projects Medina Memorial Hospital has undertaken during its 100 years.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has spent much of 2025 celebrating the 100th anniversary of Medina Memorial Hospital. While the year is winding down, there are still a few celebrations coming up.

First, Medina Memorial Hospital continues to recognize the many employees and volunteers who have or have had relatives follow their footsteps.

This is Medina Memorial Hospital today, as it celebrates its 100th birthday.

Medina Memorial Hospital opened its doors to the public on Sept. 30, 1925, according to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach, and great-great-grandson of the hospital’s founder, George Bowen.

“As we know, the challenges to rural healthcare in our area have been apparent in recent years,” Robinson said. “It’s why this event is even more momentous for our community and our team.”

On Sept. 20, the community is being invited to a family fun event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the hospital. Location and parking will be on the green space south of the hospital. This will be a family-friendly event, with several activities for children. In addition, there will be food, drinks, health and wellness resources, games and kid-friendly activities. There is no need to register, Robinson said. Just come and enjoy.

Then, from 11 a.m. to noon Sept. 30, the birthday celebration for invited guests only will begin with a short event in front of Medina Memorial Hospital, followed by tours for anyone interested.

The birthday celebration will feature a rededication ceremony, hospital update, proclamations and birthday cake.

When Medina Memorial Hospital opened its doors in 1925, it had a goal of serving the community, Robinson said. One hundred years later, they continue to strive to fulfill that original mission, he said.

Invited guests should RSVP to Robinson at Srobinson@medinamemorial.org by Sept. 26.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Rotary Park in Medina has a memorial for the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorists attacks in the United States that killed nearly 3,000 people.

ALBION – Orleans County will have a memorial service at 6 p.m. on Thursday for the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorists attacks. The service on the 24th anniversary of the attacks will again be held at Courthouse Square.

On September 11, 2001, terrorists killed nearly 3,000 people and injured more than 6,000 others when four airplanes were hijacked and crashed – with two into the World Trade Center towers in New York City, one into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and the other into a field in rural Shanksville, Pa.

Scheduled speakers for the Thursday service include County Legislator John Fitzak, jail chaplain Don Snyder, Orleans County Emergency Management Director Justin Niederhofer, and Chief Coroner Scott Schmidt.

Schmidt will be keynote speaker at the observance. Schmidt spent three weeks with a federal team – U.S. Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT) – and assisted in collecting and identifying remains, and interviewing family members searching for loved ones.

He left for New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. He was there for 20 days, including a week at Ground Zero.

Doug Egling and Trellis Pore will sing “America The Beautiful” and military honors will be presented by the Honor Guard from the American Legion and VFW.

Orleans County Retired Teachers’ Association is actively seeking new members to join their organization.

Organization president Georgia Thomas said it is crucial to keep this organization going and explained its benefits.

“We work to protect retired school employees’ benefits, especially their retirement,” Thomas said.

OCRTA’ annual meeting is scheduled Sept. 25 at Abundant Harvest (formerly Milleville United Methodist Church) on Maple Ridge Road in Millville. The meeting will begin at 11 a.m., followed by lunch, and all new retirees who attend will receive a free lunch.

OCRTA is open to anyone who ever worked in a school system, including teachers,  teachers’ aides, bus drivers or office workers.

“This is a perfect chance to learn about us and how we work to protect their retirements, by reaching out to lawmakers,” Thomas said. “We need new members and all old members to step up. When we add our numbers to the state numbers, we have more influence.”

The Retired Teachers’ Association also gives a number of awards to help an educator with his education. A top award is the Barry Fleigel Award.

Thomas explained each county’s retired teachers’ group has a service project which they support within their county. ORCRTA’s project is Camp Rainbow.

There are currently about 100 members in the ORCRTA.

Reservations for lunch can be made by contacting (585) 590-0046. More information is available on their website at www.retirededucatorsny.org.

Team Fuller 155 organizing event for third year, with new option for 3.5 -mile walk

Provided photo: Ike Watts takes time from organizing basket donations for a benefit Sept. 14 to support suicide prevention to hold 3-month-old granddaughter, Emma. The raffle is scheduled at Shelby Fire Hall.

SHELBY – A local family whose lives were forever changed by the suicide of a loved one are again planning an annual fundraiser to support suicide prevention.

It all started for Jason and Ike Watts when cousin Erin Fuller, an Orleans County sheriff’s deputy, died by suicide at age 45 on Sept. 12, 2015.

“It left the family lost and heartbroken,” Watts previously told the Hub.

Shortly after when they saw an advertisement for Out of the Darkness Walk in Buffalo to benefit suicide prevention, they knew they had found a way get involved. They formed a team, Fuller 155 (Erin’s badge number), and have walked there every year. In 2023 they came up with the idea to have their own basket raffle here at home. This year on Sept. 14 at Shelby Fire Hall, Team Fuller 155 has put together the third annual fundraiser to support suicide prevention.

This year, yet another feature has been added – a 3.5-mile community walk, starting and ending at the Shelby Fire Hall.

Their motto is “We support the fighters, admire the survivors, honor the taken and never give up hope,” said Watts.

“We encourage the community to take steps – literally and figuratively – toward mental health awareness and community healing,” Watts said.  “A walk interests different people and adds a new component of fundraising. People feel good when they’re outside in the fresh air. It clears your mind. Those who are struggling will have an hour to enjoy nature and clear their mind. The walk will pass by Shelby Falls and the creek. There’s something about being in the country that brings peace.”

Local resident Doug Bracey has a small trolley-like vehicle on which he will drive those who are unable to walk the distance. Shelby firefighters will also be riding the route with their emergency SUV to pick up anyone having trouble walking.

Registration is just $10 and will begin at 8 am., with the walk stepping off promptly at 9 a.m.

The basket raffle will begin at 10 a.m., featuring a wide array of themed baskets donated by local businesses, families and community members. Her goal is to have 155 baskets and they are already at almost 100. For the first time, Watts has solicited donations from local businesses. She sent out 157 letters requesting donations and two were returned “undeliverable,” bringing the total to the 155 – Erin Fuller’s badge number.

“I took that as a positive sign,” Watts said.

“In appreciation to the businesses who have donated baskets, I have gone back and purchased merchandise from them to make up another basket,” Watts said. “I want to make sure I support the businesses who support us by repaying their generosity.”

Some incredible baskets have already been received – items from a company called “Comfrt,” which makes clothing and items to comfort people with mental health, a toy ladder truck, items from a company called “Thirty One,” which sold totes and bags, a signed Josh Allen jersey, numerous gift cards and a collection of books for a year.

Donations of baskets is greatly appreciated and may be arranged by calling Watts at (585) 590-0291. Cash donations are always welcome and may be made by making a check payable to Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition.

Breakfast sandwiches will be served early in the day, giving attendees a warm welcome and the energy to participate in the morning’s activities, Watts said.

 Fuller 155’s Suicide Prevention Committee said the event is not just about honoring their cousin Erin.

“It’s about anyone who has been affected by suicide,” Watts said. “We’ve lost friends, teachers and a lot of others to suicide. Erin’s name is the foundation for our efforts, but we do it for all.”

“This event has grown into something incredibly special over the past three years, and we’re especially excited to include the community walk this year,” Watts added. “It’s another step in bringing people together to support one another and promote mental wellness.”

All funds raised from the event will support local suicide prevention programs and mental health outreach initiatives in Orleans County and surrounding areas.

Watts and her committee of Tammy Fearby, Rebecca Lacy and Christine Crane encourage the community to “come, walk, win and raise awareness.”

“Together we can make a difference,” they said.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: This truck from Modern Disposal lies on its side on South Gravel Road, Medina, just a few hundred feet south of Full Gospel Fellowship, after losing control about 1:30 p.m.

MEDINA – A Modern Disposal truck lost control and rolled over on South Gravel Road about 1:30 this afternoon.

Trooper Stirk with the New York State Police said the driver evidently caught the shoulder of the road and couldn’t recover. He said two occupants were taken to Medina hospital to be checked out, but didn’t appear to be seriously injured.

The incident closed South Gravel Road from Oak Orchard Road to Fletcher Chapel for nearly two hours. The road opened at about 5 p.m.

Volunteers from Shelby Fire Department were on the scene, assisting with traffic control.