‘We really wanted to give Medina a special Christmas’

Photo by Tom Rivers: Two 12-foot-high nutcrackers stand in front of the lighted arch entrance to the Harvest Restaurant at Bent’s Opera House.

MEDINA – Bent’s Opera House has added a new element to the building’s transformation. The site reopened in June 2021 following a major renovation over three years that earned Bent’s the top preservation award in New York State.

Roger and Heather Hungerford, the owners of Bent’s, wanted to add to Medina’s holiday charm and this season decorated the historic building from 1865 with lights, wreaths, garland, a giant red bow, a vintage Santa and angel, two 12-foot-nutctackers and a large ornament where people can sit for photos.

Photo by Everett Pelkey: Roger and Heather Hungerford and their daughter Isabella are shown with the big Christmas ornament next to Bent’s Opera House on West Center Street.

Most of the decorations were out in time for Medina’s Parade of Lights. But the Hungerfords and their staff and friends have kept adding to the display in December. Mrs. Hungerford is the site’s general manager.

The goal is to make the downtown area even more magical during the holiday season for local residents and to bring in more visitors, said Justin Bruce, the assistant general manager at Bent’s.

“Finding both vintage and new holiday decor that would only enhance the beauty of an already stunning piece of historic restoration,” Bruce said. “The goal of this project has always been to bring outsiders to Medina. And we really wanted to give Medina a special Christmas as well.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: A crowd mingles near the intersection of Center and Main streets with Bent’s Opera House in the background just before the Parade of Lights on Nov. 30.

Kathy Blackburn, a long-time Medina business leader, helped with some of the interior lighting and a display of poinsettias. She said the decked out Bent’s has been a marvel this holiday season, with many stopping by the ornament for photos.

“It has made an impact and is continuing to make an impact,” she said.

Bent’s just announced a contest for people to get photos of their pets in the ornament.

The display will stay out for as long as the village keeps up the Main Street decorations.

Justin Bruce, assistant general manager at Bent’s, stands in a courtyard with an archway of lights and a vintage Santa.

Many of the employees at Bent’s and Talis Historic Restoration worked to decorate the three stories of windows with lights. Travis Farnsworth from Talis and Mark Hungerford, the facilities manager, put the wreath and garland at top of the building.

Photo by Everett Pelkey: Bent’s was a popular gathering spot on Main Street before Medina’s big parade on Nov. 30.

File photo: Here is how the Bent’s looked at the start of the ambitious renovation project.

Gas prices are down slightly locally, including 2 cents in the past week in Batavia, AAA reported today.

The average price nationally, however, is up 3 cents to $3.06 for a gallon of regular unleaded while the average price in New York is $3.12, the same as a week ago.

In Orleans County, the average price is down 1.4 cents in the past two weeks, from $3.250 on Dec. 23 to $3.236 today.

AAA released this statement this morning: “Unfortunately, gas prices did not fall below the $3 mark in 2024, but 2025 could have better luck as it is typical to see fuel prices drop in January after the holiday travel period ends.

“Gas demand has declined with fewer people fueling up after the peak of holiday road travel, and weak gas demand alongside stable crude oil prices has pushed pump prices slightly lower since last week. If gas demand remains low, drivers will likely continue to see pump prices trickle downward in the coming weeks.”

Here are the average prices for regular unleaded at counties around Western New York:

• Orleans, $3.236
• Genesee, $3.196
• Wyoming, $3.194
• Livingston, $3.283
• Monroe, $3.191
• Niagara, $3.099
• Erie, $3.117
• Chautauqua, $3.271
• Cattaraugus, $3.169
• Allegany, $3.245

The average price for diesel nationally is at $3.51 while it’s $3.84 in New York, according to AAA.

Photos by Tom Rivers

SHELBY – The Shelby Volunteer Fire Company installs its officers and executive board during a banquet on Saturday at the rec hall. Gary Watts leads the group in taking the oath of office.

The executive board includes Howard Watts, president; Gary Lamar, vice president; Kirk Myhill, treasurer; Michael Saladeen, assistant treasurer; Kali Sturtevant, secretary; Dale Watts, sergeant at arms; Karl Haist Jr., chaplain; Phil Keppler, assistant chaplain; and Andrea Benz, steward.

Trustees include Ron Smith for 3-year term, Bill Luckman for 2-year term, and Nick DiCureia for a one-year term.

The firematic officers include Dave Moden, fire chief; Zachary Petry, deputy chief; Crystal Luckman, assistant chief; Hunter Sturtevant, firematic captain; Rob Schaal, firematic lieutenant; Jenna Simmons, EMS captain; and Donnell Bennett, EMS lieutenant.

The Ladies Auxiliary executive board also was sworn in. The board includes Elaine Watts, president; Patricia Fuller, vice president; Robyn Watts, secretary; Lori Myhill, secretary; Marian Fry, chaplain; Sherry Wheatley, trustee for one-year term; and Mary Herbert, trustee for two-year term.

(Left) Kirk Myhill, left, received the president’s award from Howard Watts. (Right) Fire Chief Dave Moden, left, presented the Chief’s Award to firefighter Bill Luckman.

Moden said Luckman is in the top 10 of responders and helps in lots of ways around the firehall and with training.

“He is here for everything,” Moden said about Luckman. “He is a shining example of a volunteer firefighter.”

Watts said Myhill, the fire company treasurer, served on the committee for the rec hall remodeling. He works on many other projects, and has been successful securing grants for the fire company.

The fire company responded to 243 calls in 2024, and 53 percent were EMS related. Fire Chief Moden said there were 46 fire-related calls.

The top 10 responders by calls include:

• Howard Watts, 164
• Jason Watts, 90
• Bill Luckman, 89
• Zach Fike, 77
• Alex Benz, 76
• Andy Burtwell, 75
• Tom Falls, 75
• Gary Watts, 75
• Gary Lamar, 71
• John Rotoli, 71

Shelby Volunteer Fire Company officials presented a “Friend of the Fire Company” award Andy Marciniak for his work in remodeling the rec hall with new paint, dry wall, insulation and windows. From left include Andy Marciniak and the remodeling committee of Gary Lamar, Kirk Myhill and Howard Watts.

(Left) Elaine Watts, president of the Auxiliary, presents her Auxiliary award to Logan Quackenbush for all of his help at events and with cleanup, especially with doing the dishes. (Right) Justin Niederhofer, director of emergency management for Orleans County, served as emcee. He leads the group in the pledge of allegiance.

He is fourth Watts brother to reach 50-year milestone with Shelby

Photos by Tom Rivers: Dale Watts is shown with his family after he received this ceremonial clock in appreciation for his 50 years of service to the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. He was recognized during a banquet on Saturday that also included the installation of officers for the fire company and Ladies Auxiliary.

SHELBY – The Shelby Volunteer Fire Company honored Dale Watts on Saturday for 50 years of volunteer service to the company. Watts is a past fire chief and long-time officer for the fire company.

For many years he was among the top responders. He had the shortest drive to the fire hall. He worked next door for 37 years as owner of Radiators Plus, doing oil changes, inspections, tire changes, exhaust and other repairs.

Dale is the fourth son of the late Sidney Watts to reach 50 years of service with the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. Sidney was a charter member of the fire company in 1947. Gary, Howard and Sidney “Buster” Watts all reached 50 years. Another son, Mark, has 48 years in with the milestone anniversary not far away.

Dale Watts, center, is presented a proclamation for his 50 years of service to the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. It was presented by his brother Howard Watts, left, who is president of the fire company and Dave Moden, right, who is fire chief.

Dale has been a past chief, assistant chief, deputy fire coordinator for the county, first chairman of the pull tabs, advisor of the Explorer Post in the 1980s, assistant chaplain for 15 years, winner of the Chief’s Award for five different years, and Christmas Party chairman for 10 years.

“It became part of my life,” Dale said during an interview at Saturday’s banquet at the Shelby fire hall. “I love the camaraderie and service to the community. I love my firefighting family.”

He appreciates the backing of the other firefighters over the years when he served in leadership positions. He said his customers also were understanding when he left the garage to respond to a call.

Watts received citations and proclamations from the Shelby Town Board, State Sen. Robert Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

Stephanie Thomas speaks during Saturday’s Shelby Volunteer Fire Company banquet, praising her father Dale Watts for his many years of dedication to the fire company in numerous roles.

Watts’ daughter Stephanie Thomas spoke on behalf of his family, including his other daughter Melissa.

“Fifty years of service as a volunteer firefighter,” Thomas said. “Fifty years. That’s not just a number – it’s a half century and my dad has answered the call whenever it came. Whether it was in the middle of the night, the heat of the summer, or freezing cold of winter, he was there – putting others’ needs before his own.”

Watts recently moved to Lyndonville and continues to drive to Shelby for the fire company.

“I can say without a doubt that his commitment to serving others that has shaped the man he is – always there when needed, unwavering and dependable,” his daughter said.

Shelby Town Supervisor Scott Wengewicz reads a proclamation commending Dale Watts for his 50 years as an active volunteer firefighter.

Pioneer residents contended with heavy forest, sickness, war and brutal winter cold

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 5, Number 1

The remarkable photograph above, taken on June 19th, 1869, shows the hardy pioneers who settled Orleans County.

The records of the Eleventh Annual Meeting of the Pioneer Association held at the Orleans County Courthouse in Albion on that date noted that Mr. George P. Hopkins, photograph artist of Albion, invited the members to have a group photo taken. The invitation was accepted, the meeting adjourned until 1:30 in the afternoon to afford time to take the picture and then get dinner.

On April 15, 2025, Orleans County will mark 200 years since its political formation.

As we have seen in previous columns, this area has been inhabited from time immemorial. Following a convoluted series of land transactions, by 1800 what we now refer to as Orleans County was owned by the Holland Land Company (the land west of Transit Road) and by the Pulteney Estate (the land east of Transit Road).

Attracted by the generous terms promised by the Holland Land Company for the purchase of fertile land, young men set forth with high hopes. According to the Pioneer History of Orleans County, the first settlement of white men in Orleans County was made in 1803 in the Town of Carlton by William and James Walsworth who came from Canada. James settled by the mouth of the Oak Orchard Creek, while William settled by the mouth of Johnson’s Creek.

Conditions were vastly different in Orleans County two hundred years ago:

“A dense and heavy forest of hard, huge trees covered the land…Pestilential fevers racked the nerves and prostrated the vigor…War was declared in 1812…then came the memorable cold season of 1816.”

In the aforementioned Pioneer History of Orleans County (PHOC), we are fortunate to have an excellent record – mostly first-hand – of the experiences of the first settlers of this area. Conscious of their achievements and their place in history, these early pioneer settlers formed the Pioneer Association of Orleans County which had its first meeting at the courthouse in Albion on September 10, 1859.

Article VII of their Constitution specified that “It shall be the duty of each member of the association to furnish in a form suitable for preservation, such facts and incidents in his early pioneer life, and in relation to the first settlements of this country, as he may deem of sufficient interest to be preserved.” They wanted to have their stories recognized and indeed their stories are heartfelt, poignant and captivating.

These accounts formed the basis for the book Pioneer History of Orleans County by Arad Thomas, which was published in Albion in 1871, required reading for any person interested in local history, always available from your local library.

These photos show original Pioneer History record books and a title page from one volume.

The records of the Pioneer Association were meticulously maintained in three volumes. One volume contains the meeting Minutes from 1859-1905, the others contain transcriptions of the firsthand accounts submitted by the settlers. These unique volumes were in the possession of the University of Rochester for many years but were acquired by local history collector Tom Taber at a sale. The Orleans County Legislature approved the acquisition of the volumes by the Orleans County Dept. of History in 2021 with funding from the Orleans County Bicentennial Fund.

Much has changed in 200 years, yet 200 years is but a blink in time. Anniversaries cause us to pause and reflect on changes and accomplishments, and hopefully to draw on the experiences of the past to inform the future.

Provided photo: Leah Brenner, the new pediatric nurse practitioner at the Albion Walk-in Clinic, has been seeing patients since November.

ALBION – Orleans Community Health continues to increase the services it offers the public, with the announcement of a new staff member at its Albion Walk-in Clinic.

Leah Brenner, a pediatric nurse practitioner, has been seeing patients there since November.

Brenner grew up in Rochester, where she realized at the age of 7 she wanted to be a nurse.

“My sister fell off her bike and lacerated her liver, and when I saw the good care given to her by the nurses, I knew that was what I wanted to do,” Brenner said.

She received her bachelor of science in nursing at Brockport State College, and her master of science as a pediatric nurse practitioner at the University of Rochester. After graduating in 2009 she became a bedside nurse at Strong, until landing her first nurse practitioner job at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. in 2013.

In 2017 she moved back to Rochester to be with her family, and worked at Rochester General for five years. She spent one year in urgent care in Rochester.

She had been thinking of looking for a new job, and she and her husband had talked about moving to Albion to be near her sister, who lives here.

“I found this job was available and interviewed for it,” Brenner said. “I love it. With me, there are only two pediatric providers in Orleans County.”

Scott Robinson, director of Marketing at Orleans Community Health, said Orleans County is number two in the state for the greatest shortage of doctors. The ratio is 13,500 people to one doctor, he said.

Brenner said there is a huge need for psychiatric nurse practitioners nationwide, and she is going back to school to get certification as a psychiatric nurse practitioner.

Brenner sees patients from birth until their 22nd birthday. She is available at the walk-in clinic from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and she is accepting new patients.

If she had one piece of advice for parents, it would be to be sure to bring their children for their “well child” visits.

“That way, if a child has developmental issues, we can address them early,” she said.

Her second piece of advice is for parents to be aware of their child’s mental health. It is important for parents to talk to their kids and be able to have an open dialogue. If there are concerns about mental health, she encourages parents to discuss it with their primary care doctor.

Brenner and her husband Matthew have three children, ages 14, 9 and 7, and hope to make the move to Albion at the end of this school year.

Community support through online voting can help secure the funding

Two organizations in Orleans County are seeking grants to improve the local food system. Community support through online voting, from Jan. 4-10, can help the Cornell Cooperative Extension and Praising Kids Child Care Center secure grants from Flourishing in Community, which is part of the EPA’s Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program.

The Cooperative Extension seeks a $75,000 grant to create a Master Composters program and a program coordinator position.

“The program would work to improve the lives of county residents by increasing food security and decreasing food waste,” said Robert Batt, CCE executive director.

Praising Kids is seeking a $15,250 grant for raised beds for a garden, a greenhouse, and take-home gardening kits.

To vote online, click here and then register to vote. The Cooperative Extension project number is ID: 226 and Praising Kids is ID: 428.

The Cooperative Extension would use its grant to train Master Composter volunteers who would offer composting workshops to the community.

Participants would receive classroom instruction on proper composting methods and complete community-based projects to meet needs in the local food system. Those projects might include things like food waste collection, gleaning, and building pallet composters for home use, Batt said.

Once a classroom session and a service project are completed, participants would receive a home composting set-up worth over $200.  Orleans CCE expects to reach about 120 households through the workshops, he said.

“Through composting, the program would decrease food waste and direct it towards a productive purpose and empower those growing their own food at home to improve their yields through healthier soil with minimal cost and environmental impact,” Batt said.

Praising Kids in its application says it wants to offer a year-round gardening and nutrition program for the youth enrolled in the child care program. This will include 1-2 hours of weekly instruction provided by the Cornell Cooperative Extension on gardening and age-appropriate nutrition information.

“This learning will be reinforced with additional garden time supervised by Praising Kids staff,” Praising states in the application. “This time will be less structed and allow children to experience the positive psychological benefits of time spent in greenspace, develop motor coordination, and develop comfort in the environment.”

Families also will receive take home gardening kits with seeds for plants that they can grow at home.

District to receive $500K grant for turnout gear, air packs

MURRAY – The Murray Joint Fire District swore in its commissioners and officers on Thursday during an organizational meeting.

The Board of Commissioners will be led by Frank Balys, Jr. as chairman and Scott Harrington as vice chairman.

Balys’s term as commissioner runs to Dec. 31, 2027, while Harrington’s term goes to Dec. 31, 2025. Other commissioners sworn in include David Knapp with 5-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2029; Chris Middleton, term expiring Dec. 31, 2028; and Robert Beisang, term expiring Dec. 31, 2026.

The district officers include Richard Cary – Fire Chief; Peter Hendrickson, Jr. – Deputy Chief; Kevin Dann – Assistant Chief; Jeffrey Elsenheimer – Captain; Christopher Chilson – Captain; Christopher Middleton – Lieutenant; Allan Smith – Lieutenant; and Mark Porter – EMS Lieutenant.

Fire Police officers will be sworn in later and include John Morriss as captain and Jerry Wagner as lieutenant.

The fire district was awarded a $500,000 grant on Oct. 25 in an announcement by Gov. Kathy Hochul. Murray was one of 88 entities across the state to receive funding for equipment.

Murray will work to obtain the equipment this year which includes new turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus air packs.

Press Release, Master Gardeners of Orleans County

Photos courtesy of Master Gardeners: The Orleans Community Seed Share Library is located in the hallway of the “Buzz Hill” Education Center in the Orleans CCE office.  The building is open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the public is welcome to select seeds anytime the building is open.

KNOWLESVILLE – On Jan. 18, a new seed library called the Orleans Community Seed Share (OCSS) will open at the Cornell Cooperative Extension offices on Route 31 at the fairgrounds.

Seed libraries collect and store seeds to share for free with the community, and the OCSS will offer a wide range of seeds for flowers, herbs, vegetables, and native plants.

“The OCSS isn’t just about growing plants. It’s about growing confidence, community, and connection,” says Julia Bender, the Master Gardener leading the seed library effort.

A program of the Orleans County Master Gardeners, the OCSS will be open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the CCE Education Center, 12690 State Route 31, Albion. It will also offer monthly classes for both new and experienced gardeners.

The series of monthly classes, called Seeds to Splendor, will be held at 10 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month. The first class, on Jan. 18, will focus on garden planning and design. It will be followed by a Community Hour where Master Gardeners will welcome questions and help visitors interested in choosing seeds.

Seeds available in the OCSS library include those collected from home gardens by Master Gardener Volunteers and community members as well as generous donations from companies such as Baker Creek, CW Native Plant Farm, High Mowing Seeds, and Seed Savers Exchange.

The Seed Share will also host a Spring Seed Swap on March 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. In addition to sharing seeds, the event will include seed starting demonstrations and more.

“We understand that starting can feel overwhelming,” Bender says. “That’s why we’ve created a supportive ecosystem to nurture every type of gardening dream. Our program embraces the full spectrum of growing — from the tiniest herb garden on a sunny windowsill to expansive native plant landscapes.”

An example of one of the drawers in the OCSS library shelf with seed packets available for pickup.

Bender created the Seed Share in memory of her mother, Sally Bender, an avid gardener who inspired her own  love of nature and gardening.

“Every magnificent garden starts with a single seed and a heart full of hope,” Bender says.

To learn more about the Orleans Community Seed Share, visit https://orleans.cce.cornell.edu/gardening/orleans-community-seed-share-1, or contact Katie Oakes, Horticulture Educator, Master Gardener & Master Food Preserver Program Coordinator,  at klo54@cornell.edu or 585-798-4265, ext 125.

Sorting and repackaging seeds has been a team effort with many Master Gardener volunteers involved in organizing and dividing donated seeds.

Orleans was split but now fully in NY-24

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today was sworn in as a Member of the United States House of Representatives by the Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be elected to serve the constituents of the newly formed New York District 24,” Tenney said. “I will continue to be a transparent and aggressive advocate on behalf of all of my constituents.

“Our team is deeply committed to delivering outstanding results for NY-24, by implementing innovative and common-sense solutions to the issues facing our communities. Our team will continue to provide top-tier constituent services.

“House Republicans are eager to begin implementing President Trump’s agenda by making America secure and prosperous again. We are eager to hear from you and ensure that your views are represented in Washington. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. I am committed to upholding our Constitutional principles and delivering meaningful results for our nation and especially New York.”

Redistricting in 2024 has eliminated parts of Cayuga and Ontario Counties and added parts of Steuben and Schuyler Counties to NY-24. As a result, Rep. Tenney’s district office in Victor is no longer within NY-24. To better serve the Finger Lakes Region, Rep. Tenney is opening a new district office in Ontario County.

Editor’s Note: Orleans County was divided in two districts, with the northern half in the 25^th District that included Monroe County with Rep. Joe Morelle, and then Tenney’s district. But redistricting has put Orleans fully in the 24^th District.

Press Release, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

ALBANY – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today updated drought conditions across the state, returning all 62 New York counties to “normal” status.

In cooperation with the State’s Drought Management Task Force, DEC updated drought status from “Drought Watch” to “Normal” statewide, including New York City, after assessing recent precipitation and elevated levels of ground and surface water.

While statewide and regional hydrological conditions have notably improved, localized dry conditions may persist and despite encouraging hydrological conditions, New Yorkers are urged to continue reducing unnecessary water use and waste, fixing leaks, and choosing efficient water fixtures.

“Recent precipitation and the vigilance of New Yorkers who heeded calls to conserve water resources have alleviated dry conditions across the state,” said DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar. “DEC experts will continue to monitor conditions and work with New York City officials and localities across the state to identify any necessary steps and actions needed to help prevent additional shortages while New York State moves from a Drought Watch to Normal conditions.”

There are new owners of the Orleans Hub and Lake Country Pennysaver following the retirement of Karen Sawicz.

The Pennysaver has been in her family since 1960. Her parents, Vincent and Gwen St. John, were the owners until Sawicz took over in 1989. She has worked at the business for more than 60 years.

The Pennysaver will now be owned and run by Featured Media and Genesee Valley Publications, which owns about a dozen weekly pennysavers. The Lake Country Pennysaver will be delivered by mail beginning with this weekend’s edition.

Sawicz also has been owner and publisher of the Orleans Hub. The online news site is focused on Orleans County and started in April 2013.

“The community has been my life,” Sawicz said today. “That has been my focus.”

She has strived to serve the community through the businesses and her civic efforts. She is past president of the Albion Chamber of Commerce and was the first president of the merged Orleans County Chamber of Commerce. She also was a long-time member of the Albion Rotary Club.

Sawicz pushed to start the Orleans Hub to give the community “hyperlocal” news coverage that was focused on Orleans County. She resisted charging subscriptions or having paywalls to access the news.

“The Orleans Hub is something the community needed,” she said today.

The Orleans Hub is now owned by Brad London, who has been with the site selling advertising since it launched on April 1, 2013.

London began working for the Pennysaver in January 2010 after running Wiggly & Jiggly’s, an English pub in Albion. He also has owned Brad London Productions, a DJ business, for more than 30 years and runs the karaoke contest at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.

In recent years he has been the sales manager and general manager for the Pennysaver and Lake Country Media, which includes the Orleans Hub and a printing division based at the Pennysaver building, 170 North Main St. in Albion.

The Pennysaver site will continue to offer printing services for the community and serve as the office for the Orleans Hub.

“The Orleans Hub is a great product and it’s important to our community and I want to see it continue,” London said. “We have great relationships with our advertisers.”

Many of the advertisers have been with the Hub since it started. The news site last year topped more than 7 million pageviews.