ALBION – A Rochester man who was found passed out in a car with drugs in his backpack was sentenced today to six months in the Orleans County Jail, plus five years on probation.

Malcolm Power, 21, pleaded guilty in Orleans County Court on June 17 to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree.

Today he was sentenced by County Court Judge Sanford Church. The judge declined to only sentence Power to Probation and instead gave Power the maximum sentence in a plea agreement.

In other cases:

• Tony Thompson, 59, of Albion was arraigned on eight counts of drug charges for allegedly selling crack cocaine in the Village of Albion. Thompson was arrested on May 12.

Today he was arraigned on four counts each of criminal possession and criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree.

He was released on his own recognizance because the crimes aren’t bailable offenses.

• An inmate at the Orleans Correctional Facility was offered a plea agreement where he could face four additional years in state prison for allegedly introducing dangerous contraband into the men’s prison in Albion.

James Kaiser, 51, allegedly had the precursors to make methamphetamine and also allegedly possessed 5.25 grams of meth.

He is charged with three counts of promoting prison contraband in the first degree and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree.

If he pleads guilty to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, he would face up to four more years in prison. He next appears in court on Oct. 14 to consider the plea offer.

Kaiser is currently serving a sentence of 3 years, 6 months for attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree.

Press Release, NYS Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA)

ALBANY – Today, the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) announced the results of a historic statewide membership endorsement process for Governor of New York, with an overwhelming majority of participating members voting to endorse Bruce Blakeman.

The vote was conducted directly among NYSCOPBA’s statewide membership, marking the first time in the organization’s history that its members have been given the opportunity to participate in a statewide gubernatorial endorsement vote. The final tally was 1,478 members voted and 95 percent of participants voted in favor of the endorsement, a resounding message.

“This is about more than an endorsement. This is about the members of NYSCOPBA having a voice and using it,” said NYSCOPBA President Chris Summers. “For the first time in our organization’s history, we took this decision directly to our statewide membership. We didn’t make this decision behind closed doors. We didn’t make it in a small room with a handful of people. We put it in the hands of the men and women who work inside New York’s correctional facilities every single day — and they spoke loud and clear.”

NYSCOPBA members understand the challenges facing New York’s correctional system because they experience those challenges firsthand. Staffing shortages, mandatory overtime, officer safety, compensation, benefits, and the future of the state’s correctional system directly affect correctional officers and their families.

“The people who work in our prisons know what is happening inside those facilities better than anyone,” Summers said. “They see the staffing shortages. They work the mandatory overtime. They deal with the safety issues. They walk into dangerous situations every day and are expected to keep order and protect both staff and incarcerated individuals. Their voices deserve to be heard when decisions are made about the future of corrections in New York.”

Based on the results of the statewide membership vote, NYSCOPBA is formally announcing its endorsement of Bruce Blakeman for Governor of New York.

The endorsement comes with a commitment from NYSCOPBA to continue pressing for action on the issues its members identified as priorities, including staffing levels, officer safety, mandatory overtime, compensation, benefits, and the long-term future of corrections in New York.

“Bruce Blakeman, this endorsement represents the voice of our membership,” Summers said. “We are ready to have the hard conversations about what it will take to rebuild a correctional system where officers are properly staffed, properly supported and able to do their jobs safely. We want to work with you on the issues that matter to correctional officers and their families.”

The union emphasized that the membership vote represents the beginning of its engagement with the gubernatorial campaign, not the conclusion of it.

“Today we are sending a very clear message: our members want a seat at the table, and they want their voices heard,” Summers said. “This endorsement is not the end of the conversation. It is the beginning. We will continue to fight for the men and women who protect New York’s correctional facilities every day, and we will hold every elected official accountable for how they address the challenges facing our profession and our correctional system.”

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

BERGEN – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) this afternoon will present Harris Wilcox Inc. with a New York State Historic Business Preservation registry certificate recognizing the business’s long-standing service and contributions to Genesee County and the region.

Harris Wilcox Inc. was founded by Harris Wilcox on May 24, 1943. He was a respected business leader and extremely active in the business community. Harris was asked to use his auctioneer skills for a neighbor needing help selling her mother’s estate and she knew Harris Wilcox was the man for the job; and what a job he did!

By the end of the following week, he had two more sales booked. While Holsteins and livestock were the original focus of the company, the real estate division soon followed in 1950.

Harris Wilcox could now proceed with the sale of estate property and contents and settle payouts. Harris’s son, Craig, joined the team in 1966 and eventually his sons Brett and James joined the family business as well.

Brett Wilcox’s son, Cash and his daughter, Madison are the 5th generation of auctioneers and Cash’s wife, Heather, is an active realtor.

While business has always been a priority, Harris and his team still found time to give back to the community that helped build them and still do today. Harris Wilcox Inc. has evolved over the past decade to become identified with successful real property and auctions across New York State and remains a prominent regional business and legacy in the Western NY community.

The award will be presented today at 2:30 p.m. at 59 South Lake Ave. in Bergen.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Central Hall building at 34 East Park St. will soon be listed for sale by Woodroe Realty at a price is to be determined. The building is now vacant after the county historian’s office was moved to a spot next to Subway.

ALBION – The county will soon be putting a historic building in Courthouse Square up for sale. The County Legislature on Tuesday authorized Woodroe Realty to the list Central Hall for sale.

Woodroe was among six real estate businesses to submit proposals to the county for selling the building. Woodroe is accepting the smallest seller’s concession fee at 2 percent of the sales price.

The Legislature on Dec. 3, 2025 announced the county historian’s office and the Department of History’s artifacts would be moving to 2,000 square feet of space on the side of a plaza next to Subway.

The county’s Buildings and Grounds staff through the Department of Public Works has completed the move and renovations to the spot next to Subway.

Now that Central hall has been entirely vacated, the County legislature has declared the building as surplus and authorized it to be put up for sale.

The building used to include the County Treasurer’s Office but the treasurer moved to the former Bank of America site at 156 South Main St. in 2024. That is next to Subway.

The historian was working out of the top floor of Central Hall. County officials said the change to the site by Subway is a cost-cutting move that could save $90,000 to $110,000 a year in maintenance and other expenses once the building is sold.

The change also will make the historian’s office more accessible to the public, county officials said. The space is on the first floor and people won’t need to climb stairs to access the building.

Central Hall, a solid red-brick building, was a school from 1882 to 1934, and then was used as the post for the American Legion until the site was bought by the county in 1980.

The county has owned Central Hall the past 46 years. It was used by the treasurer until September 2024 and also previously was the offices for the Probation Department.

The county doesn’t have to pay a lease for the space for the historian’s office. The county approved the five-year agreement where it pays for the cost of utilities and to renovate the site.

The county also will plow the parking lot in the winter. The county already was plowing out the treasurer’s office and some of the spots in the lot that are used for the treasurer’s office.

The Legislature approved the lease with Nomax Albion, LLC, which is owned by Noah Michaels. He reached out to the county about leasing the space in exchange for plowing the parking lot for the plaza.

ALBION – Orleans County and about 50 people in the Sheriff’s Employees Association have approved a new three-year contract with raises from 2027 to 2029.

The union represents employees in the Sheriff’s Office who are not deputies, including 32 corrections officers, about a dozen public safety dispatchers and four clerical staff.

The current contract with the OC Sheriff’s Employees Association was ratified in 2022 and expires in December. The County Legislature today approved the contract following a vote last week by the union membership.

This was the third and final contract settled with county unions this year, following successful negotiations with the Deputy Sheriff’s Association and CSEA.

“The Legislature is very happy to conclude our third contract negotiation this year and we commend OCSEA for working collaboratively to reach a deal that is good for their members and fair to taxpayers,” said Jack Welch, the county chief administrative officer.  “As with our previous contracts, both sides used a list of 13 comparable counties from across the state as a barometer for negotiations which helped move things along.”

When looking at those comparable numbers from the 13 similar-size counties, Orleans County was paying clerical staff, correction officers and dispatchers less than the median of the 13 counties, Welch said.

To address this, in 2027 the county compressed the 2026 salary schedule down to four steps. That move created approximately a 4 percent increase for the clerical staff, an 8 percent increase for the correctional officers and a 6 percent increase for the dispatchers in each step.

The county also agreed to 2.5 percent increase every six months beginning January 2028.

“The contract structure will bring Orleans County to the median wages of the comparable counties in a way that is manageable with our budget constraints,” Welch said.

MEDINA – GLOW YMCA has announced a weeklong celebration Oct. 5-9  across Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties to promote connection, wellness, education and healthy living at every stage of life.

Healthy Aging Week is a community-wide celebration designed to support and celebrate healthy aging at every stage of life, according to information from Erik Fix, president and CEO of the GLOW YMCA.

Throughout the week, branches in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties will offer educational presentations, wellness activities, community resources and opportunities for connection tailored to the needs of each local community.

In Medina, the YMCA will offer free coffee and snacks in the lobby on Monday.

On Tuesday, a group exercise pop-up class will introduce Tabata, an exercise which is done in intervals, said Andrew Houseman, director of the Medina YMCA.

A vendor fair on Wednesday will feature community resources, including a third-party membership information table, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee Weatherization, NYLife Insurance, a technology support booth, Medina Historical Society and hospital resources.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase our events,” Houseman said.

All activities are described on their Facebook page, he said.

Modeled after the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, but designed with adults in mind, Healthy Aging Week is more than a traditional senior event. It is an invitation for community members to experience the YMCA as a place where aging is celebrated, relationships are strengthened and healthy living is supported throughout every stage of life.

“Healthy aging is about more than fitness,” Fix said. “It’s about staying connected, informed and supported as we move through life. Healthy Aging Week gives each of our branches an opportunity to bring together local partners, resources and activities that respond to the needs of their community, while demonstrating that the Y is a place where people can grow stronger in spirit, mind and body at every age.”

Healthy Aging Week reflects the GLOW YMCA’s commitment to meeting people where they are and providing opportunities to remain active, informed and connected throughout their lives. By partnering with organizations in each county, the YMCA hopes to introduce community members to resources they may not otherwise know are available, while creating meaningful opportunities to build relationships.

Community members are encouraged to participate in activities at any GLOW YMCA branch throughout the week.

‘You don’t have to play through the pain’

Press Release, Roy-Hart Central School

Hannah Songy

MIDDLEPORT – Originally from Texas and a recent graduate of Texas A&M University, Hannah Songy, MS, LAT, ATC, is bringing her passion, knowledge, and experience in athletic training to the Rams this year.

Songy earned her master’s degree in Athletic Training from Texas A&M in May, and Roy-Hart is her first professional position following graduation.

During her undergraduate and graduate years, she completed clinical rotations with a variety of athletic programs. Her experience included working with Texas A&M’s football team, Dance Science Program, and track and field team, as well as local high school athletes.

Songy serves as Roy-Hart’s full-time athletic trainer through UBMD Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. She provides athletic training coverage for nearly every Roy-Hart sport, with the exception of football, which is partnered with Barker and has its own athletic training coverage.

But for Songy, athletic training is about more than simply treating injuries when they happen. As fall sports enter their preseason schedules, Songy is working with teams on exercises focused on areas where athletes can build strength and reduce their risk of injury. She also uses recovery methods such as taping and bracing to support athletes as they heal.

“When we can prevent injuries and strengthen the muscles to make the injury easier to recover from, that is always the goal.” Songy said. “I want to do everything I can to support athletes the best way possible.”

She is particularly looking forward to building relationships with Roy-Hart athletes and supporting them throughout their seasons, while being visible and available to both athletes and coaches.

“I am going around, checking in with coaches to see if there’s anything they are concerned about with their athletes,” Songy said. “I want to remind them that I am here. You don’t have to play through the pain. I can help you.”

Moving from a Division I university to a smaller high school district has given Songy the opportunity to experience athletic training from a different perspective. At Texas A&M, she worked with very large, specialized athletic programs. At Roy-Hart, she works with a variety of sports and takes on a wider role with athletes and coaches.

“I can use the different skills I’ve learned in sports performance and physical therapy to teach athletes. It is all encompassing,” she said.

Although Songy is new to Western New York, she said the Roy-Hart community has made the transition a welcoming one.

“Everyone has been super excited for me to be here, and it’s been really nice.”

File photos by Tom Rivers: At last year’s Ale in Autumn on Sept. 27, there were beer tastings at Modern Mercantile from Talking Cursive in Syracuse. They were served by Holly Lederhouse, left, and Bekah Osher.

MEDINA – The air is cooler; days are getting shorter; and Ale in Autumn is just around the corner. A sure sign of fall.

For 15 years, Ale in Autumn has heralded the season in Medina, originally started by the Medina Business Association, now known as Medina Area Partnership.

The event has regularly been a sellout, according to Ann Fisher-Bale, event coordinator for MAP, but tickets are still available for this week’s event, scheduled Saturday. Tickets may be purchased on MAP’s website, in person at A Lily and a Sparrow at 438 Main St. or at check-in.

Participants must check in beginning at 1 p.m. at the Senior Center at 615 West Ave. Start times are staggered at 1, 2 and 3 o’clock to minimize congestion. The event concludes at 6 p.m.

Check-in includes being ID’d, receiving a wrist band, getting a gift bag and commemorative beer glass, and the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes at each location. Someone will win the grand prize valued at $500.

Ale in Autumn is designed to encourage folks to shop, dine and/or stay in Medina, Fisher-Bale said. There will be 20 pourings in all.

Proceeds benefit Medina’s beautification efforts, scholarships to Leadership Orleans and Medina High School.

“This is a great way to experience Medina’s seasonal flavor with friends and visit participating businesses,” Fisher-Bale said.

A commemorative glass from the 2025 Ale in Autumn has a light beer, Oktoberfest, from Meier’s Creek Brewing Company in Cazenovia. This photo is inside the Medina Triennial Hub in the former NAPA building on Main Street.

Mediator will try to bring 2 sides together on 5-year agreement

Photo by Tom Rivers: This sign on West State Street shows support for Albion teachers for a new contract with the school district.

ALBION – The Albion Teachers’ Association and the school district are about $1.4 million apart as they try to reach agreement in a new five-year contract. That is less than $300,000 a year in what teachers are seeking and the district is proposing.

Both sides would like to reach a deal soon. The teachers have declared an impasse and an arbitrator will try to bring the teachers and district to agreement.

Albion teachers are seeking raises that reflect the cost-of-living increases and also the extra workload as the district demands more time each day for teachers to be in the classroom. (The first year of the contract would be an extra 10 minutes, and then 20 minutes from years 2 to 5.)

“As a union we would like to work this out with the district,” said Bruce Pritchett, a middle school social studies teacher and vice president of the union. “They are our colleagues. We don’t want strife. We want to get back to being 100 percent focused on kids.”

Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent, was an art teacher at Albion and a member of the Albion Teachers Association before going into school administration. Edwards said he values the teachers and wants them to be fairly paid.

The new contract needs to allow the district to stay within the state-imposed tax cap of about 2 percent annually. The new contract will set the floor for future contracts and the commitment from local taxpayers, Edwards said.

“My hope is we reach a conclusion that is fair and fiscally responsible for both parties and the community,” he said. “It’s about sustainability and being fair to the community.”

Albion hasn’t increased what it collects in property taxes in 18 of the last 20 years. The district has benefitted from steady increases in state aid, but Edwards said there is no guarantee that will continue in the future with the state.

“Every year you don’t know what’s coming out of the Governor’s Office,” he said.

The teachers have been without a contract for over a year. They still get their regular step increases and all other benefits while there isn’t a contract except teachers on the highest step of 24 because there isn’t a step increase for them. The district said the steps are an average of 3.8 percent (ranging from 2.6 to 10.6 percent).

The district is proposing in the new contract the regular pay hikes with step increases, plus additional raises of 6.9 percent in the first year, 3.3 percent in the second year, 3.5 percent the third year, 3.3 percent the fourth year and 3.4 percent in the fifth year. The total increase over the 5 years would be 22.1 percent or $2,742,032.

The ATA is seeking a contract that would be about $1.4 million over what the district is offering. The ATA is seeking the usual salary steps plus a 4.8 percent increase the first year, and then 10 percent the second year, 5.7 percent the third year, 4.7 percent the fourth year and 4.7 percent the fifth year.

The ATA negotiating team on Nov. 26 agreed to the district’s contract offer. The district and ATA’s negotiating team reached a tentative agreement on Nov. 26. But that agreement was rejected by a 3-to-1 ratio on Dec. 11 by teachers, who have since picked a new negotiating team.

The team met with district leaders and representatives three times in June but were unable to resolve differences. The ATA then declared an impasse.

The district wants teachers to work more instructional time because the district currently is close to the 990-hour minimum for the elementary school and 900-hour minimum for secondary levels, Edwards said. If there is a snow day or other emergency, Albion is cutting it very close to meet the minimum standard, Edwards said.

Longer school days for teachers

The district wants two extra days for teachers with the school year for conference days and also wants to add 10 more minutes of classroom instruction the first year of the agreement and then 20 minutes beginning the following four years. Edwards said it will be determined how the extra time will be added, perhaps with earlier start times of the school day and later end times.

Pritchett said that added time represents 4.7 percent more time in the classroom for teachers. The contract should reflect that additional workload, as well as the cost-of-living increases that he said are about 4 percent.

The district in recent years has underspent its budget on teacher salaries, which has helped the district amass about $52 million in reserves, Pritchett said. The past school year, the district underspent the total $45 million budget by about $9.5 million, he said. The State Comptroller’s Office has faulted the district for having too much money in reserves.

The teachers union wants to see the district spend what it budgets on teacher salaries and other needs in the district, Pritchett said.

“I don’t think we are being unreasonable,” he said. “If they just spend what they have earmarked for teachers.”

Impasse declared, next steps

On June 24, the district team and ATA met without resolving their issues. The ATA declared an impasse.

The district first wanted to address four matters previously identified: physician verification of sick leave, sick leave bank committee representation, nonresident children’s enrollment, and the extracurricular activities schedule.

Since the impasse was declared, the Public Employment Relations Board has appointed a mediator, Gregory Poland, to meet with both parties and narrow the issues in dispute.

If mediation does not resolve the impasse, a neutral fact-finder holds hearings, reviews each party’s position, and issues public, non-binding recommendations for settlement.

The parties may reach agreement at any stage – during mediation, after fact-finding, or through continued direct bargaining, the district was advised during last week’s Board of Education meeting by Karl Kristoff, a labor relations specialist for Orleans/Niagara BOCES.

Pritchett said the ATA would like to see the contract be settled without going into a drawn-out mediation process. A date hasn’t been set by the mediator for the two sides to meet. He has been told it could be three to six months before the mediator sets up a meeting.

“I would love to work this out before Thanksgiving,” Pritchett said. “It would be another thing to be thankful for. We are willing to sit down and discuss time and money, which are the two biggest issues, and then discuss the other things.”

Pictured from left include Marlene Hill, Joe Barchet and Sienna Garcia Mathewson

Press Release, Arc GLOW

BATAVIA — Arc GLOW will hold its fourth Annual Awards Dinner and Meeting on Oct. 14 at Batavia Downs, and the honorees include three from Orleans County.

Taking place 4:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at Batavia Downs, Rebecca LeClair, a former Rochester local news anchor, will be the emcee. Arc GLOW’s entertainment will be provided by some of the talented people supported. In August, Arc GLOW invited nominations of staff members, people supported and community members for a variety of different awards.

The 2026 award winners are the following:

• Volunteer of the Year – Marlene Hill, Arc GLOW’s board of director

Honors a volunteer who exemplifies Arc GLOW’s mission through dedicated service, compassion, and a commitment to helping individuals and communities thrive. This award recognizes a person whose contributions create positive and lasting impacts on those we serve.

• Self-Direction Person of the Year – Sienna Garcia Mathewson, Orleans County

Honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who demonstrates initiative, leadership and active community involvement.

• Outstanding Citizenship Award – Joe Barchet, Orleans County

Honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who demonstrates kindness, respect, responsibility, and a commitment to making a positive difference in their community through their actions, relationships and involvement.

• Self-Advocate of the Year – Casey Reynolds, Batavia

Recognizes an individual who uses their voice to advocate for themselves and others, promote inclusion and inspire positive change in their community.

• Supported Employment Person of the Year – Adam Wapniewski, Yancey’s Fancy, Genesee

Honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who has demonstrated a strong work ethic, dedication to their job, the ability to learn and apply new employment skills, and sustained success in community-based employment.

• Pre-Vocational Person of the Year – Tyler Heiman, Leicester

Honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who demonstrates a commitment to learning new job skills, producing quality work, maintaining attention to tasks, and preparing for success in future employment opportunities.

• Residential Person of the Year – Sabrina Lechander, Sanford IRA in Perry

Honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who lives in an Arc GLOW IRA and has shown growth in independence, developed important life skills, and made meaningful progress toward achieving personal goals and greater self-sufficiency.

• Day Habilitation Person of the Year – Adam Russell, Uptown Day Habilitation in Mt. Morris

Honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who demonstrates enthusiasm for learning, consistent effort in Day Habilitation activities, and a commitment to building skills and meaningful connections within their community.

• Community Services Person of the Year – Kimberly Wallace, Wyoming County

Honors a person supported by Arc GLOW who embrace new experiences, contribute positively to their communities, and promote inclusion through their actions and engagement.

• KidStart Employee of the Year – Stephanie Metz, vice president of Children’s Services

Honors a KidStart employee who demonstrates outstanding support for children and families, a commitment to early childhood education, and a dedication to nurturing growth, learning, and success in all areas of development.

• Direct Support Professional Person of the Year (DSP) – Dan Crofts, direct support professional at IGNITE program in SUNY Genesee Community College

Honors a Direct Support Professional who provides outstanding support to individuals with developmental disabilities through person-centered services, skill-building opportunities, community inclusion, and a commitment to helping people achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives.

• Employee of the Year – Ashely Coe, residential manager at Garibaldi IRA

To recognize an employee of Arc GLOW who is committed to the mission and vision. They demonstrate the values of diversity, respect, integrity, visionary, equality, empowerment and excellence.

• Exceptional Leadership Award – Cathy Sullivan, program quality assurance coordinator

Honors an employee who exemplifies exceptional leadership, professionalism, and commitment to Arc GLOW’s mission. This award recognizes a person who inspires others, promotes teamwork, and consistently demonstrates integrity, vision, and excellence in their work.

• Friend of the Year – Livingston County Office for the Aging

Honors a community friend and supporter who demonstrates a strong commitment to Arc GLOW’s mission and vision through advocacy, partnership, volunteerism, or philanthropic support that positively impacts those we serve.

• Business Partner of the Year – Bob Johnson Auto Group

Honors a business partner that supports Arc GLOW’s mission and vision through exemplary customer service, strong community partnership, and the creation of meaningful employment opportunities for the individuals we serve.

Reservations are open until Oct. 2. at ArcGLOW.org/Event/2026-Annual-Awards-Dinner-and-Meeting. For any questions, contact Tracey Jones at (585) 343-1123 ext. 1735 or TJones@ArcGLOW.org.

Tuesday marks the start of autumn

Photo by Marsha Rivers: These swans are out in Lake Ontario near the Oak Orchard Harbor at sunset on Sunday evening.

Today is the last full day of summer. On Tuesday, at precisely 8:04 p.m., fall will begin. It starts with the autumnal equinox on Sept. 22. This is the time when the sun shines directly above the Earth’s equator, creating nearly equal 12-hour lengths of day and night across the planet.

The weather for the rest of the week shows sunny days with highs in the mid- to upper-60s with overnight lows around 50 degrees.

There is a beach hazards statement in effect for Orleans and Niagara counties until Wednesday evening. The National Weather Service warns that there are strong currents and dangerous swimming conditions along the beaches in the two counties.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: The Rev. Mike Breunig, a retired elder in the United Methodist Church, reads some history of the Apple Grove Inn, while a picture of the famous Russet Room is shown on the screen. The shirt hanging on the podium is the original one worn by Bill Dunn when he was assistant chef at landmark restaurant.

MEDINA – The former Apple Grove Inn was celebrated Saturday night by 160 diners who attended a tribute to the iconic restaurant, sponsored by the Grove United Methodist Church.

The church, which occupies the site which was formerly the Apple Grove Inn, took its name from the highly acclaimed restaurant when it moved from West Center Street in 2013.

Earlier this summer, the idea was suggested to have an event to celebrate the Apple Grove Inn and its history throughout Western New York.

On Saturday night, 160 people attended the evening, which featured a buffet cooked by chef Nate Sanders using authentic recipes from the Apple Grove’s famous buffets.

Serving up a buffet with recipes from the former Apple Grove Inn are Linda Blanc, Ruth Cleveland, Gretchen Dunn and Kathy Vicknair. One-hundred and sixty people attended the event, which featured recipes from the Apple Grove Inn, prepared by chef Nate Sanders.

A highlight of the meal was the bread pudding and apple crisp for which the Apple Grove was famous.

“It was a wonderful time and I saw friends that I don’t often get to see,” said Pastor Barb Brewer. “Although I was stuck in the kitchen most of the night, I really enjoyed seeing our Fellowship Hall and Sanctuary full of people. I have fond memories of the Apple Grove Restaurant. Our family enjoyed the dinners and Sunday brunches, and I had my high school prom at the Apple Grove Restaurant. Being from Lockport, it was always an adventure coming to the Apple Grove.”

The pastor encourages everyone to “stay tuned,” as the church has future endeavors coming up, such as their turkey dinner.

“We will review our dinner night and if we can encourage younger families to join us, there will be no stopping us from doing more dinners like this,” Pastor Brewer said. “We just want people to know we live and love like Jesus.”

The boat shown on the screen is the Miss Apple Grove, a tourist boat operated on the canal by the Apple Grove Inn.

Saturday evening was special for many people, including Chris Busch of Medina.

“It was really nice to walk down memory lane vis-à-vis the Apple Grove,” Busch said. “All of those great memories came rushing back at the dinner, with a lot of familiar ‘Grove’ faces and friends. I had my first legal drink there in 1978. The place was legendary on so many levels – the incredible meals, specialties, the famous two-for-one Happy Hours, Flo Simpson’s unrivaled baked goods, free wings on Thursday nights – it had it all. I mean fish fry for $3.95, that came with English chips, slaw, soup, salad and rolls. That simply does not happen today.”

Of course, Busch continued, there was the Thursday Night Social Club.

“Back in the early 1980s, a few of us decided to go out on a Thursday night and start the weekend early,” he said. “That ended up happening every Thursday night for years. My wife and I actually met at the Apple Grove and had our wedding there – weddings at the Grove were spectacular.”

Diners waiting for dinner to be served Saturday night at the Grove United Methodist Church are, from left, Bea Young, Pam Turner, Delbert Young and Cora Goyette, all of Medina.

Busch added his kudos to Nate Sanders for coming up with the idea of recreating an Apple Grove meal and for the Grove UMC for hosting it.

“It was a great way to revisit some treasured memories of one of Medina’s most beloved establishments and a whole lot of cherished memories,” Busch said.

After enjoying the delicious buffet, guests moved into the Sanctuary where Mary Zangerle and the Rev. Mike Breunig gave a presentation on the history of the Apple Grove, along with a slide show. Guests marveled at the pictures of the Russet Room, the wishing well, the fireplace with copper hood, the staff and even the boat Miss Apple Grove on which the restaurant gave rides to guests on the Erie Canal.

Rob Robinson plays piano for the diners at a special evening at the Grove United Methodist Church paying tribute to the former Apple Grove Inn. Robinson’s mother was a long-time piano player at the historic restaurant.

The Rev. Breunig shared comments about what the Apple Grove meant to people, especially Ruth Carr Miller of Barre, whose mother was married to Apple Grove owner Walt Hilger.  He also said his first visit to the restaurant was in 1976 for Thanksgiving dinner. He was amazed how a hot dog stand could turn into a landmark restaurant. He also commented on the Russet Room, which could seat 700 people.

Of course there was the Greening Room, Baldwin Room and Johnny Appleseed Lounge.

A highlight of the evening Saturday was the piano played by Rob Robinson, whose mother Virginia Bishop played piano at the Apple Grove Inn for 30 years.

Jeff Gay, left, talks with Jeff Wagner, former owner of the Apple Grove Inn, at the conclusion of a tribute by the Grove United Methodist Church to the former Apple Grove Inn Saturday night.

One special guest with ties to the restaurant was Jeff Wagner, who lives in Medina and worked at the Apple Grove before purchasing it in 1985. He worked there in 1972, was promoted to running the bar and dining room in 1974 and learned how to cook before buying the restaurant.

“There are so many memories – all the people we worked with – many of whom keep in touch,” Wagner said. “The people really made the Apple Grove what it was. This evening is a great tribute to Walt, myself and Medina.”

As part of the tribute, the church encouraged people to send in their memories of the Apple Grove, which were typed into a booklet and sold at the dinner for a donation. Nearly 100 responses were received.

A table is set with authentic Apple Grove Inn china and the trademark chairs with an apple cutout. At the podium, Mary Zangerle shares some history of the former restaurant.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Diesel was nearing $7 a gallon at the TA Travel Center in Pembroke on Friday.

The average price for regular unleaded gas took another 16-cent jump in the past week to $4.47 a gallon, according to AAA. This is the second straight week regular unleaded week increased by 16 cents nationally. A year ago, the price was $3.18. The New York State average is $4.48, up 9 cents from last Monday.

Diesel is up an average of 28 cents nationally to $6.51, an all-time high. Diesel in the past month has now gone up from $5.67 in New York State to $6.49. A year ago the price was an average $3.91 a gallon.

“Pain at the pump continues as pump prices increase,” AAA said in a statement this morning. “Gas prices have returned to spring levels with the national average inching closer to this year’s record high of $4.56 set on May 21. The all-time high for the national average is $5.01 set on June 14, 2022.”

In Orleans County, the average price for regular unleaded went up less than a penny from $4.383 to $4.389.

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

• Orleans, $4.389
• Genesee, $4.426
• Monroe, $4.423
• Niagara, $4.388
• Erie, $4.432
• Wyoming, $4.414
• Livingston, $4.458
• Chautauqua, $4.440
• Cattaraugus, $4.373
• Allegany, $4.402

The highest price in the state is $4.845 in Hamilton County while the lowest price is an average of $4.350 in Cayuga County.