Photos by Tom Rivers: Thomas the Train Engine departs for a 25-minute train ride in May 2018. The Medina Railroad Museum is hosting Thomas this weekend and also next weekend. About 8,000 people typically ride the train during its stay in Medina.

MEDINA – Thomas the Tank Engine will be back in Medina the next two weekends for Day Out with Thomas. The popular attraction was last in Medina in May 2023. Thomas is hosted by the Medina Railroad Museum.

The famed storybook train will arrive in Medina for rides and special activities for two weekends, Sept. 20 and 21, and Sept. 27 and 28.

Rides with Thomas will depart the station each day, beginning at 9:15 a.m. until 4:25 p.m. each weekend day.

Tickets are $26 and include the ride with Thomas, admission to Medina Railroad Museum, a meeting with Sir Topham Hat and a wide variety of children’s activities in Celebration Station. Also featured will be a gift tent with hundreds of Thomas-themed toys, souvenirs and gifts.

Thomas first came to Medina Railroad Museum in 2005, and for more than 15 years attracted several thousand visitors annually.

Food trucks from Greenlief and Nona’s Kitchen will be on site to provide food for attendees.

Also entertaining on the grounds will be Marty the Magician.

Ticket information is available on the museum’s website at www.medinarailroadmuseum.org.

Conductors and passengers wave as the train departs and heads west in May 2018.

Photos courtesy of Marsha Rivers: This mosaic compass was created by artist Kim Martillotta Muscarella in her Albion studio.

POINT BREEZE – The Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum this evening celebrated a new addition to the grounds at Point Breeze by the Oak Orchard Harbor: a mosaic compass.

Kim Martillotta Muscarella created the mosaic piece in a project funded through a Ripple grant from the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

GO Art! also directed another $5,000 grant to the lighthouse for a light show each day for a half hour after sunset. The light show mimics the northern lights. That project and the mosaic compass enhance the grounds, trying to bring more people to see the lighthouse and Point Breeze area.

Kim Martillotta Muscarella stands by the mosaic compass she made for the Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum.

“The creation of a compass rose to complement the lighthouse was part of the original scope of the proposed lighthouse work, but was delayed due to cost,” said Chris Manaseri, the museum president. “The GO Art! grant was a means by which the Lighthouse Board might accomplish competing its original proposal at a lower and indirect cost.”

Manaseri, who is also an artist, approached Muscarella last winter. She is the owner of the Marti’s on Main art gallery. She created the mosaic at her studio at the gallery.

Lighthouse Museum President Chris Manaseri thanks Kim Martillotta Muscarella for her work creating the compass rose mosaic that has been installed in the lighthouse garden.

Photo by Isabella Zasa: Kim Martillotta Muscarella shows Orly the Ox the mosaic when it was in the early stages back on Aug. 1. Orly is the Orleans County mascot for its bicentennial celebration this year.

Allie and Tux have been adopted through PAWS Animal Shelter

Photos courtesy of Albion Correctional Facility: Allie and Tux are celebrated at their graduation for complete a canine obedience program. They are joined by incarcerated individuals, Albion Correctional officials, PAWS Animal Shelter director Patty Coffee, and Dawn Spencer, owner of Eye of Oden K9 Training.

ALBION – In collaboration with PAWS Animal Shelter, Albion Correctional Facility has graduated another team of dogs, Allie and Tux.

These dogs were under the supervision of staff and two teams of incarcerated individuals. Allie and Tux were cared and guided for approximately 14 weeks.

Dawn Spencer, the community volunteer trainer, trained the handlers and supervised the program. Spencer is also the owner of Eye of Oden K9 Training in Kent and has over 25 years of experience in dog training.

Allie, left, and Tux completed training and have been adopted.

While both dogs have been adopted, Albion Correctional Facility has welcomed our next set of dogs into the program: Aaron and Adrian.

They will be working throughout the program on obedience training and the basics of good manners.

For more information about animals available for adoption at PAWS, visit paws14411.com.

Aaron, left, and Adrian will go through a 14-week obedience training program.

Thomas X. Grasso, named for canal advocate, going to Buffalo for World Canals Conference

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A new tugboat, Thomas X. Grasso, heads west on the Erie Canal this morning, approaching the Gaines Basin Road bridge.

The tugboat is headed to Buffalo for the 2025 World Canals Conference.

The new tugboat is 64.5 feet long. It is a welcome sight on the Erie Canal, especially after some of the old tugboats have been taken out of service in recent years.

The boat is named for Grasso, a long-time advocate for the canal who served as president of the Canal Society of New York State. Mr. Grasso of Pittsford died at age 82 on June 6, 2022. He spoke several times in Medina about the canal as part of the Cycling the Erie Canal journey for hundreds of cyclists in July.

The new tugboat was built in 2025 by Blount Boats of Warren, Rhode Island for the New York Power Authority of White Plains, New York.

The tug is ice-strengthened and equipped with a heavy ice knife at the stem, gradual rake to the keel, and significantly reinforced structure using ABS Grade D plating in the ice belt. The tug will be able to assist with ice breaking operations on the Canal System as needed, the Canal Corp. states on its website.

The Grasso is a twin screw tug, rated at 750 horsepower. It has capacities for 4,140 gallons of fuel and 350 gallons of water.

The tugboat heads towards a bend in the canal near the northernmost point of the historic waterway.

The tugboat is shown this morning in Albion with the Orleans County Courthouse dome and the First Presbyterian Church spire in back. The tug spent the night in Albion next to the Canal Corp. maintenance facility.

Photo courtesy of Orleans County Crime Victim’s Office: Pictured in photo include Holli Nenni, commissioner of DSS; Terra McGaffick, DSS; Judianne Gearing, DSS, Alex Eaton, District Attorney’s Office; Don Draper, undersheriff; James DeFilipps, OCSD chief deputy; Cyndi Stumer, deputy commissioner of DSS; Susan Howard, district attorney; Dan Punch, first assistant DA; Michelle Werth, Crime Victim coordinator.

Press Release, Orleans County Crime Victim’s Office

ALBION – The Orleans County District Attorney’s Office, Department of Social Services and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department on Monday gathered outside of the Public Safety Building to take part in the National Red Sand Project to help bring awareness to human trafficking and exploitation.

Today, 50 million people worldwide are being trafficked.  Overlooked populations, most at risk of being trafficked, need support to not fall through the metaphoric cracks.  The Red Sand Project fills sidewalk cracks to encourage people to question, connect, and take action against vulnerabilities that lead to human trafficking and exploitation.

To learn more, visit www.redsandproject.org.

Heminway won primary for town supervisor but term doesn’t start until Jan. 1

Jim Heminway

SHELBY – Jim Heminway is getting a head start as the Shelby town supervisor.

Heminway won a Republican primary in June for town supervisor and appears to be a lock to win the general election as an unopposed candidate.

His one-year term will start on Jan. 1. However, this evening he was appointed as acting town supervisor until Dec. 31 by three members of the Town Board: John Misiti, Linda Limina and Ed Zelazny.

The Town Board needs either an acting town supervisor or town supervisor in order to file the town budget by Nov. 20.

The board has been without a town supervisor for about two months since Scott Wengewicz resigned in mid-July. Heminway beat Wengewicz in the Republican primary on June 24,  283 to 118.

Board members Jeff Schiffer and Stephen Seitz Sr. also resigned in mid-July. Seitz also was the deputy town supervisor.

The board was left with only two out of five members and couldn’t meet or conduct town business because it didn’t have a quorum until last week. That’s when Misiti joined the board following an appointment by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Misiti, Limina and Zelazny were unanimous in appointing Heminway as the acting town supervisor. He starts in the midst of the Town Board and department heads working to put together Shelby’s budget for 2026.

Misiti, during this evening’s meeting, said none of the three existing board members could be appointed acting town supervisor without resigning their seat. None wanted to do that and Misiti said the appointment could appear biased if they appointed one of the current members.

Heminway brings more than 40 years of experience in working in local industry with 20 years at Sigma (now Baxter) in Medina and then 21 years at Monroe Electronics (now Digital Alert Systems) in Lyndonville.

MEDINA – The Medina Theater will be open from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday during the funeral of Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative political leader who was slain on Sept. 10 while speaking at a college event in Utah.

The Medina Theater will show the funeral live on its big screen and also on smaller televisions. The Rev. Vince Iorio will share a prayer and others are welcome to come together and share in their grief and mourning for Kirk, who was an influential leader especially among younger adults.

President Donald Trump said he will attend the funeral at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

“Anyone who would like to come is invited,” said Dawn Meland, who is helping with the event at the theater, 603 Main St. in Medina. “We welcome all to join us in prayer. They can watch the funeral and have a conversation.”

The event, Meland said, has been put together by “a group of citizens that want to honor the memory of Charlie Kirk. It’s not  partisan.”

Photos courtesy of Hands 4 Hope: The Hands 4 Hope ministry is shown last winte at Lyndun Drive in Albion.

Press Release, Hands 4 Hope

Last year the community was generous giving winter clothing to Hands 4 Hope. This is shown inside the Arnold Gregory Office Complex where Hands 4 Hope is based.

ALBION – Once again the months of Brrr are upon us, Septembrrr, Octobrrr and Novembrrr!

And so is Hands 4 Hopes winter coat events, the “Red Jacket Rally.”

This Thursday marks their first of three consecutive monthly events, the community is welcome to donate or receive winter jackets, hats, gloves and boots during the event.

This Thursday find them at Ace Hardware on E. Center Street in Medina from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Last year this event helped get over 600 winter coats out into the community to those in need.

Donating is easy: just drop winter items off during the events on the third Thursday each month.

Starting in Medina, then off to Holley on Oct. 16 and wrapping up in Albion the Hoag Library on Nov. 13.

For more information, on supporting this cause or Hands 4 Hope in general please visit the website at www.hands4hopeorleans.org.

We appreciate your support as we offer Hope to our local community.

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!

Teachers Sue Lindke (slindke@onboces.org) and Anne Carnahan (acarnahan@onboces.org) can be contacted to set up appointments or get more information.

Price list is located on the Orleans/Niagara Career and Technical Education Centers page on Facebook.

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.

Press Release, Village of Lyndonville

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.

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.

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.

Photos by Peggy Barringer

CARLTON – These photos of the northern lights were taken Sunday night by Peggy Barringer at Lakeside State Park between 9:15 and 10:30 p.m.

Barringer of Albion said the display was “truly jaw-dropping!”

Courtney DePaula sent in this photo of the northern lights in Kent last night.

Press Release, Holley Central School

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.