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.

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee faces $912,000 federal reduction for Head Start, 50 fewer Head Start slots for young children

File photo by Tom Rivers: Renee Hungerford, chief executive officer of the Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, stands outside the Head Start center on East State Street in Albion.

Press Release, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer

After a new federal proposal was released earlier this summer that threatens Head Start programs in New York and across the country, U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer today rallied against the proposed rule with the support of providers from across Upstate New York.

Schumer explained the proposed rule would dismantle Head Start by gutting quality standards that ensure that America’s most vulnerable children and families have access to educational programs, medical and dental exams, developmental screenings, and nutrition services.

In New York, it is estimated that the proposed rule could lead to 2,854 jobs lost, result in a $12.68 million decline in funding for health services for children and families, and force families to pay $862 more per child for additional childcare.

“Roughly 40,000 children in New York benefit from access to Head Start and the early childhood education and comprehensive services it provides families,” Schumer said. “The proposed changes by the administration threaten the quality of these programs and put essential services at risk.

“From eliminating math and literacy requirements, to rolling back health services and developmental screenings, and reducing the allowable cap on administrative costs, the gutting of Head Start will hurt hundreds of thousands of children across the country,” Schumer said. “From DOGE to healthcare, the tendency to cut and gut, rather than to boost and build is sadly reflective of this administration’s misguided approach to governing in general. We must protect Head Start and invest in New York families.”

Earlier this summer, the Trump administration released a new proposal that would gut federal performance standards for Head Start. The proposed rule would eliminate federal requirements that ensure low-income families have access to school readiness resources for children from birth to age five, including, but not limited to:

• Eliminating staff-to-child ratios. The proposed rule eliminates federal group size and staff-to-child ratios, meaning that Head Start staff may be expected to care for up to 32% more children.
• Significantly reducing program hours. The proposed rule reduces the number of hours that Head Start programs are required to operate, meaning that families will be forced to find care elsewhere and spend $862 more annually per child on care.
• Removing requirements to provide comprehensive health care services and developmental screenings. The proposed rule removes requirements around connecting children and families with health, mental health, dental, visions, screenings, and other related support services, forcing families to find these services elsewhere and pay higher prices.
• Lowering the allowable cap on administrative costs from 15% to 5%. The proposed rule lowers the allowable cap that programs can spend on administrative costs from 15% to 5%, meaning that programs will be forced to bring their administrative costs (staff salary and benefits, auditing, accounting, human resources, etc.) down to 5% of their grant amount. Many programs will be forced to institute layoffs and pay cuts, and some programs may no longer find it finally viable to operate, especially small and rural programs.

Head Start experts say the proposed changes would weaken the quality of Head Starts services and undermine early childhood education. Currently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which runs Head Start programs, is holding a 60-day comment period for its proposed rule.

An initial analysis based on HHS data estimate that nationally, the proposed rule means that nearly 40,000 Head Start jobs could be cut, Head Start staff could experience a 6-9% pay cut even while being expected to care for up to 32% more children, and healthcare services for children and families could be reduced by up to $167 million annually.

The senator announced he will continue to lead Senate Democrats in the fight to stand up against the proposed changes to Head Start, programs that serve approximately 40,000 children in New York and over 685,000 children nationally every year. The senator said maintaining high-quality standards for Head Start programs is essential for the success of kids in New York and across the country. Schumer’s leadership has garnered the support of providers serving children across Upstate New York.

“Head Start is far more than a preschool program,” said Renee M. Hungerford, executive director/CEO, Community Action of Orleans & Genesee. “It provides children and families with comprehensive services that support school readiness, health, nutrition, developmental screenings, and family stability.

“At Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, we see every day how these services change lives and strengthen communities. While there is significant discussion about increasing Head Start enrollment, policymakers must recognize the realities facing families in states like New York.

“A parent working full-time at New York’s minimum wage can earn above the federal poverty guidelines used to determine Head Start eligibility, even while struggling to afford housing, childcare, transportation, and basic necessities. If the goal is to serve more children, eligibility standards must better reflect the true cost of living families face today.

“At the same time, proposals that weaken quality standards and drastically reduce allowable administrative costs would undermine the very elements that make Head Start effective. Our agency is already grappling with a federally imposed $912,000 Head Start funding reduction that has forced painful cuts, including the loss of valued employees.  It also reduced our available Head Start slots from 244 to 194.

“Further weakening the program through the proposed rule would jeopardize services for vulnerable children and families across rural communities like ours. We are grateful to Senator Schumer for his continued leadership in protecting Head Start and advocating for policies that strengthen, rather than diminish, opportunities for children and families.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

SHELBY – The fourth annual Fuller 155 Suicide Awareness Basket Raffle saw its biggest turnout yet on Sunday with people supporting suicide awareness and prevention in memory of the late Erin Fuller.

A former deputy with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, Fuller was 45 when he died by suicide on Sept. 12, 2015.

His family, friends and many others in the community put on the benefit which included 239 baskets, gift cards and other items up for raffle at the Shelby Fire Company Rec Hall.

The event also included a 5K walk/run for the first time.

Some of the volunteers who worked on the fundraiser include, front row, from left: Anita Hughes, Pam Canham, Joette Oberther, Savanna Watts and Nancy Bracey.

Back row: Jason Watts, Ike Watts, Debbie Fuller, Sydney Watts, Tammy Fearby, Sheriff Chris Bourke and Chief Deputy Jim DeFilipps.

Ike Watts is Erin Fuller’s cousin. She has taken the lead in the organizing the local event the past four years. Before that she led a team in an “Out of the Darkness” walk in Buffalo about suicide prevention and awareness.

She wanted a local event to bring the community together about the issue, which afflicts many families.

Watts said she appreciates the strong turnout from the community, and the numerous donations from people and businesses in Orleans, Genesee, Niagara, Erie and Monroe counties.

“I know there is so much support in the community,” Watts said.

Proceeds from the previous two benefits, $15,600 total, were given to the Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition. That group is planning an “Out of the Darkness” walk at 11 a.m. on Oct. 10 at Bullard Park in Albion. Registration starts at 10 a.m.

The group also is part of a Men’s Day Out Pre-Tailgate Party from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 25 at the Orleans County YMCA in Medina.

Ike Watts said the proceeds from Sunday’s event may instead go to a non-profit organization thought he Shelby Volunteer Fire Company with the proceeds focusing on first responders. The money could fund Critical Incident Stress Management training, covering debriefings for first responders after difficult response calls. The money could cover mental health counseling as well.

She is grateful the benefit will provide funded to help people receive care if needed. The event also raised awareness of the mental health toll on first responders, who see many critical incidents.

Representatives from OpOverwatch in Lockport also attended the Fuller 155 event. Jake Reeves, an Orleans County Sheriff’s deputy, chats with Wade Boyer from the organization that seeks to help law enforcement officers and other first responders with post-traumatic stress.

OpOverwatch is a ministry that serves law enforcement officers, correction officers, dispatchers, military personnel, firefighters and EMS personnel.

“We help first responders with the trauma you see on a daily basis,” Boyer said. “First responders are exposed to hundreds to thousands of incidents.”

Provided photo: The event for the first time included a 5K walk/run. The 5K was organized by Debbie Fuller.

This photo from April 2024 from Whitney McDowell of Lyndonville shows two swans and their newly-hatched babies behind the Yates Community Library in Lyndonville. The father swan recently died of natural causes.

LYNDONVILLE – There will be a walk on Sunday at 2 p.m. for people to show their respect and appreciation for the male swan at Lyndonville that died in June.

That swan was an iconic part of Lyndonville for many years. It passed away not long after four baby swans hatched. The mother swan has helped those new swans grow. Their wings are starting to turn white and they seem ready to try flying, said Chris Schilling, who has organized the walk on Sunday.

Schilling has been a Lyndonville resident for the summers since 2008. She feels blessed that the swans are part of the community, and she is sad that the father swan has died.

“I’ve loved the swans ever since I’ve lived here,” she said this morning. “I really believe these swans are beautiful.”

On Sunday, the walk will start at 2 p.m. from the parking lot of the United Methodist Church. People will then walk to the dam and behind the library where the swans can often be seen.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Children of all ages sit at a play table filled with building blocks during the second annual Building Blocks Event sponsored by Medina Tourism Committee.

MEDINA – The second annual Building Blocks event sponsored by Medina Tourism Committee attracted a crowd of adults and children, some who came to look, others who came to enter their creations and those who came to build or play while they were there.

The event, with a United States’ 250^th anniversary theme, was moved to Lee-Whedon Memorial Library when the Sacred Heart Club was booked by another group.

D.J. Tucker, 10, describes his pirate ship he made out of building blocks. It took him three days to build, he said.

“The library turned out to be perfect place for our event,” said Kathy Blackburn, who co-chaired the event with Barb Gorham. “It was a great success.”

Blackburn shared they even had an entry from Philadelphia. The family was visiting the area for another family get-together, when they learned of the Building Blocks event and brought their child to the library.

Kathy Blackburn, co-chair with Barb Gorham of the Building Blocks event Saturday at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, helps some young builders with their creation.

One feature attraction was a giant display by the Rochester Lego Users Club. Building blocks are not just for kids, according to ROCLUG members Scott Lawrece, Jeremy Tolski and Jerry Santelli. The men have been members for 7 to 15 years and say their club regularly has 50 to 75 members in attendance at their monthly meetings at Gates Town Hall.

“Building Blocks of all sizes were a hit with all the kids,” Blackburn said. “Especially the giant blocks the children were using to build, with one child inside.”

Winners were chosen in several categories. In K-2, Ryder Russell was first with Jack Mufford and Rowan White tying for second.

In grades 3-7, Byron Hill was first, Hollis Green and Ian Mufford tied for second, and D.J. Tucker and Maggie McManus tied for third.

Three members of the Rochester Lego Users Group stand by their display at the Building Blocks event Saturday. From left are Scott Lawrence, Jeremy Tolski and Jerry Santelli. The club meets monthly at Gates Town Hall, where 50 to 75 members attend regularly.

In the adult category, Aaron Gould was first and Samantha Gould was second.

An added feature this year was a hot dog stand by Boy Scout Troop 28. The Troop is led by Scoutmaster Todd Draper and Assistant Scoutmaster Aaron Thomas.

“This is a little fundraiser for us,” Thomas said.

Michael Hooker volunteered to wear a hot dog costume at the food stand run by Scout Troop 28 during the Building Blocks event Saturday at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library. Seated at right is assistant Scoutmaster Aaron Thomas.

This elaborate display by the Rochester Lego Users Club features an operating passenger train.

Provided photos: Julie Woodworth, center, is shown with Gail Tylec, SUNY Niagara trustee, and Lloyd Holmes, president of SUNY Niagara, after she was presented with the New York Community College Trustees’ Distinguished Alumni Award for Professional Contribution Sept. 18 at the Saratoga Casino Hotel Ballroom.

A Lyndonville resident, Orleans County coroner and employee of Medina Memorial Hospital has been recognized with the prestigious New York Community College Trustees’ Distinguished Alumni Award for Professional Contribution.

Honoree Dr. Julie Woodworth, a former nursing professor at SUNY Niagara, explained the award is presented to someone who has reached the pinnacle of one’s professional career or has achieved great success in one’s field of study.

Her write-up in the awards program stated “Her career is a testament to the life-changing impact of community college education. A SUNY Niagara Alumna, Woodworth began her academic journey by earning an associate’s degree in nursing before advancing through bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate studies to become a nationally recognized nurse educator and leader.

“Throughout more than two decades of teaching, mentorship and service, Woodworth has helped countless students achieve their educational and professional goals, while strengthening the nursing workforce and improving healthcare in the community. Her dedication to student success, lifelong learning and community engagement reflects the very best of the community college mission – creating opportunities, transforming lives and serving the public good.”

Woodworth’s nomination by Niagara Board trustee Gail Tylec was supported by the entire board. Letters of recommendation were received from the ACEN senior director, who spoke of Woodworth’s expertise provided when she was an accreditor for other nursing programs.

Another was from Professor Bridget Beilein, who talks about a recent trip to France, where Woodworth did CPR on a stranger.

Yet another was from Professor Laura Scaletta, who spoke of Woodworth’s diverse talents and contributions to her community.

“I am honored to get this prestigious award,” Woodworth said. “I have spent my career as an expert nurse, teaching the next generation of nurses, and now as the county coroner.”

She also continues to work part-time at Medina Memorial Hospital and teach at Daemen University.

In 2017, Woodworth became the first and only SUNY Niagara faculty to earn a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Award.

Brett Boring says he is responding well to chemo for multiple myeloma

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Brett Boring greets his sister, the Rev. Susan Boring, during a benefit today in his honor at the Albion Elks Lodge.

Brett, 54, was diagnosed on May 10 with multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer. He said he has been responding well to chemo and is hopeful to have a stem cell transplant.

Christine Robinson looks over some of the baskets up for raffle. There were about 100 items in the basket auction, as well as a 50/50 raffle.

Elks members Mike Jenks, right, and John Spinks, left, were among the volunteers serving up 300 pulled pork dinners at the Elks Lodge. Boring has been a long-time member of the Elks and a current trustee.

“Brett is the kind of person who will do anything and everything to help someone out,” Jenks said.

Brett Boring was happy to see many friends, co-workers and family members, including his former father-in-law, Bill Staub.

Boring works as an electrician at the Albion Correctional Facility. He said he appreciated so many people coming out and contributing to the benefit today. He said he has helped with many of the benefit events over the years that have been hosted by the Elks.

“I’ve done hundreds of these for people,” Boring said. “You don’t realize what it does for people until you are the one that receives the benefit.”

Proceeds from the benefit will help Boring with his medical expenses and long-term treatments.

Chris Wilson sang for about three hours during the benefit today.

Ted Narburgh checks out some of the baskets and gift cards at the auction.

Photographs courtesy of the Holley Depot Museum – Scene of the Holley train crash, Sept. 24, 1926.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 26

HOLLEY – On a Friday afternoon, September 24, 1926, a fast moving east-bound freight train crashed head-on into a switch-engine on the Falls branch of the New York Central Railroad a short distance east of Holley.

The train was coming from a stone quarry, some two miles east. The local switch engine traveled daily from Rochester to deliver freight to the local office.

The engineers of both trains took evasive action to avoid the crash, but it was too late.

F.J. Maloney, of Suspension Bridge, a fireman on the freight train was scalded to death in the impact. The engineers of both trains jumped to safety.

As the engine crashed, the train buckled and several cars derailed. One car crashed into the baggage room of the station and tore a corner off the building. Another car struck the freight house with such force that the entire building was moved from its foundation. Freight agents had a narrow escape.

Spectators quickly flocked to the scene of the Holley train crash.

Following an inquest immediately following the accident, Coroner Ogden of Holley concluded that “misinterpreted signals” caused the accident. Both the train and the switch engine were traveling on main westbound track. The engineer of the fast freight train testified that the automatic signal had shown a green light and that he did not see any flagman from the switch engine, while others testified that they had seen the flagman unfurl his flag.

The October 14, 1926 issue of the Holley-Standard followed up with a report stating that the evidence indicated that the switch engine must have entered the block after the fast train had passed the automatic signal and that there was no criminal neglect on behalf of the railroad employees

A later inquest conducted by the Interstate Commerce Commission concluded that the brakeman on the express train failed to protect his train properly.

The most severe railroad accident in Orleans County occurred on July 27, 1883. Seventeen people were killed in the Carlyon/Ashwood accident when a passenger train collided with a loose freight car that had drifted onto the track.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Mary Mattingly’s “Floating Garden” will be leaving Medina’s canal basin and traveling the Erie Canal to New York City, where it will become a permanent display, indicating it is “Medina’s Gift to New York City.”

MEDINA – Medina’s first-of-its-kind Triennial has ended a three-month visit, but its effects will linger far and beyond Medina for a very long time.

Exciting news is that the barge transformed by artist Mary Mattingly into a floating garden in the canal basin will be taken to New York City, where it will become a permanent exhibit.

“The barge will have a sign indicating it was made in Medina, and another which reads ‘Medina’s Gift to New York City’,” said Kari Conte, executive director and co-curator of the Medina Triennial. “Some of Medina’s dirt will forever be in New York City. How cool is that?”

Conte added it will take weeks to dismantle everything from the Triennial.

“Very little will go in the trash,” she said. “We sell or repurpose everything. After all, the Triennial’s motto was ‘All That Sustains Us’.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: Mary Mattingly is shown about a year ago on Sept. 17, 2025 when she was removing sludge from a barge that months later be teeming with vegetation.

The Floating Garden will stop at canal villages along the way to share Medina’s story, Conte said.

Conte has also shared news about at least two exhibits which will remain in Medina. One is “I traveled 66 million years to be with you and then you came,” Berlin-based artist Anne DukHee Jordan’s creation, which will remain in State Street Park. It is located between the pavilion and the canal.

 Photo by Tom Rivers: “I traveled 66 million years to be with you and then you came” is artist Anne DukHee Jordan’s creation, which will remain in State Street Park until the next Triennial. It features barnacles sculpted by the artist, and set atop a large rock with fossils and several slate boulders sourced from Western New York. This photo was taken during the Aug. 6 concert at State Street Park, where 900 people turned out to see the band Grosh.

This piece features Roman concrete mixed with biochar, locally sourced slate stones and fossils. It was first commissioned by UP PROJECTS in London. Like real barnacles, the sculpture’s parts filter rainwater through the natural properties of biochar, collecting it for local birds and insects to drink.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Artist Evelyne Leblanc-Roberge created this exhibit at Medina Memorial Hospital titled “All the hours” for the first Medina Triennial. It is one of several exhibits which will remain until the next Triennial in three years.

The final news is that of artist Evelyne Leblanc-Roberge’s creation at Medina Memorial Hospital. It is titled “All the hours” and is installed on both sides of glass panels around the building near the main entrance.

More exciting news is the Triennial has made a donation to have a permanent space in Lee-Whedon Memorial Library dedicated to the Triennial. It will feature books and Triennial memorabilia. A full story will appear when the space is dedicated.

160 people attended workshops on repairing windows, roofs, plaster and other parts of older buildings

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Sadie Rose leads a workshop today on “The Art of Stencil.” It was among several workshops today in the former Medina High School.

There were 160 people in Medina for the three-day International Preservation Trades Workshop, with sessions from Thursday through today.

Rose works in the Detroit area as a preservation craftsperson specializing in decorative painting, mural conservation and wood restoration.

The Preservation Trades Network picked Medina for the conference partly because it’s the base for Talis Historic Restoration, which employs 20 people and utilizes 30,000 square feet of the old high school.

A banner welcomes attendees to the International Preservation Trades Workshop held the past three days at the former Medina High School.

The conference has recently been in Savannah, Ga., and Frederick, Maryland. In Medina, the attendees could see a remarkable concentration of historic cobblestone buildings that reflect extraordinary craftsmanship and durability, the Preservation Trades Network said.

“Just as important is Medina’s connection to the Erie Canal—one of the most transformative infrastructure projects in American history,” the group said in promoting the conference. “The canal turned small towns like Medina into hubs of trade and movement, fueling the growth of local industry and shaping the built environment you see today. Medina sandstone, quarried locally and shipped via the canal, became a defining material in buildings across the region and beyond.”

Terry Wullenweber, a master plasterer from Milan, Indiana, leads a workshop about plastering today entitled, “Look Up! Don’t miss the ornaments above.” Wullenweber received an award at the conference for his decades of work and expertise.

The Preservation Trades Network seeks to share knowledge on the importance of preservation, and how to repair and restore windows, stained-glass, plaster, finishes/paint, masonry. metals and roofing.

Dan Totten, a commercial estimator and project technician for Talis Historic Restoration, is on the board for the Preservation Trades Network. Totten went to art school and he said that he, like many in historic trades, came to the profession after working in other careers.

He enjoys the challenge of working on older buildings, many were built extremely well but have seen decades of deferred maintenance.

He said there is need for workers in historic trades. Talis in Medina has 20 employees and Totten said the company is actively hiring.

Talis started eight years ago in a business led by Roger Hungerford. Talis works across upstate New York and in the Northeast. Some notable window restoration projects by Talis include the Thompson A.M.E. Zion Church (Harriet Tubman’s church) in Auburn, NY; nearly 300 windows at the old Medina High School in Medina; Cobblestone Museum in Albion; William J. Brennan Courthouse in Jersey City, New Jersey; Morgan Manning House in Brockport; Sojourner Truth house in Kingston, NY; and other prominent historic sites in Effingham, New Hampshire; Buffalo, NY; Sackets Harbor, NY; Ithaca, NY; Canandaigua, NY; and Rochester, NY.

Travis Farnsworth is president and CEO of Talis Historic Restoration. He has been with Talis since it started eight years ago. The company led several workshops in glazing windows during the historic trades conference.

Totten said Talis Historic Restoration was pleased to be a part of hosting the convention and welcoming people with a passion for the historic trades.

“At Talis we’re very collaborative,” he said. “We like to bring people together.”

John Moore leads a workshop today in the former Medina High School. Moore is a preservation carpenter, educator, and former residential builder. He taught carpentry and construction technology at West Kentucky Community & Technical College, where he helped develop a historic preservation curriculum.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – It was a full capacity crowd for this afternoon’s concert at Hoag Library featuring internationally acclaimed guitarist Muriel Anderson.

About 100 people filled the meeting rooms of the library for the concert, which included a special guest, renowned guitarist Kinloch Nelson.

The free concert was made possible through a state grant administered by GO Art!

Anderson is an award-winning guitarist, harp guitarist, composer, and performer known for her innovative musicianship and engaging live performances. She has performed around the world and is recognized for her ability to blend a variety of musical styles.

First art auction for non-profit set for Sept. 26

Photos by Tom Rivers: Kim Martillotta Muscarella greets people at Friday’s art show at the Marti’s on Main Art gallery. Muscarella has been leading art shows in Albion for nearly 20 years, including the past five years at 20 South Main St., a historic building in Albion that previously was home to the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County.

ALBION – Marti’s on Main welcomed an energetic crowd on Friday evening to the art gallery at 20 South Main St. The show features works by Jill Gussow, Jennifer Hecker and Rosanne Muscari.

This is the sixth of eight monthly art shows at the gallery. There is an opening reception on the third Fridays each month.

Gussow and Hecker were both art professors for Kim Martillotta Muscarella, the director of Marti’s on main, when she was a student at SUNY Brockport. Mascari and Muscarella connected through the Brockport Artists’ Guild.

Jill Gussow shows one of her paintings which include a fabric collage. This one shows a bird in mourning. Gussow has 18 art pieces in the show.

She is now retired as an art professor from SUNY Brockport and the University of Rochester. She taught photo and design classes to Muscarella when she was a student at Brockport.

Gussow appreciates the variety of art displayed at the Marti’s gallery.

“Usually art galleries are sterile, but this is anything but that,” Gussow said. “Kim’s network of artists has really grown.”

Jennifer Hecker is shown with one of her flame-warped glass sculptures. Her works have water themes. She is beginning her 38^th year as a professor at Brockport.

She welcomed the chance to show 12 of her works at Marti’s.

“This gallery definitely has Kim’s flair,” Hecker said. “The energy is just great.”

Rosanne Mascari of Brockport has 18 pieces in the show at Marti’s. Mascari paints abstracts in acrylic.

She has been featured before at Marti’s. She thanked Muscarella for the outlet for artists to display their work.

“This gallery is great because Kim is so great,” Mascari said. “She breathes life into her fellow artists.”

People check out the artwork in this month’s show at the Marti’s gallery.

The art auction on Sept. 26 will have a preview starting at 5:30 p.m. with the auction beginning at 6:30.

The auction features pieces donated by 35 artists. Todd Jantzi of Bontrager Real Estate & Auction Service will be the auctioneer.

The proceeds will help with the operational costs of the gallery as well as programming. Marti’s is now a non-profit organization. For more information on the auction, click here.

Photo courtesy of Orleans Community Connects: Kids in the summer camp at the YMCA were able to be on field at a Buffalo Bisons game with their names announced on the public address system.

Press Release, Orleans Community Connects

MEDINA – Orleans Community Connects is proud to announce its recent funding support for the Orleans County YMCA Summer Camp Program, helping provide a memorable and enriching experience for local youth.

The Orleans County YMCA operates an eight-week, full-day summer camp program that offers a safe and engaging environment for children throughout the summer. Camp participants take part in a variety of activities, including STEM projects, gym activities, walking field trips, and swimming lessons.

Funding provided by Orleans Community Connects enabled camp participants to attend a Buffalo Bisons baseball game as part of the Dream Team Package, creating a unique opportunity many children may not otherwise have experienced.

“Our Summer Camp is a full-day, child drop-off, eight-week program. Each day they have activities ranging from STEM to gym activities. They also go outside of our location for things such as walking field trips and swimming lessons,” said Andrew Houseman, executive director of the Orleans County YMCA. “With funding from Orleans Community Connects, we were able to send our camp kids to a Buffalo Bisons baseball game through the Dream Team Package. They had an absolute blast. The funds were used to cover tickets which included an on-field experience with their names announced, food and drink, a baseball, as well as third-party transportation. This summer we had 16 kids attend.”

Orleans Community Connects is dedicated to strengthening Orleans County by supporting nonprofit organizations and programs that improve the quality of life for residents. By investing in youth programs such as the YMCA Summer Camp, the organization helps create meaningful experiences that foster learning, personal growth, and community connection.

“We are pleased to support the Orleans County YMCA and the outstanding work they do for local children and families,” said Nyla Gaylord, executive director of Orleans Community Connects. “Opportunities like this baseball outing create lasting memories while encouraging young people to explore new experiences, build friendships, and remain engaged in their community.”

Through partnerships with local nonprofits, Orleans Community Connects continues to invest in programs that make a positive and lasting impact throughout Orleans County.

Press Release, US Attorney Michael DiGiacomo of Western District of New York

BUFFALO – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Alexey Aleksandrovich Moskalyuk, 27, of Brooklyn with production and distribution of child pornography, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 30 years.

According to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, law enforcement was alerted on August 3, 2026, to a report involving a missing minor. Investigators examined electronic devices provided by the minor’s parent, which revealed communications between the minor and Moskalyuk on social media.

The minor was located the following day in Niagara Falls, NY, accompanied by Moskalyuk, who had traveled from Brooklyn. The investigation recovered evidence of sexually explicit communications and recordings involving the minor and Moskalyuk, as well as Moskalyuk’s participation in an online group that facilitated harmful interactions between adults and minors.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas. The indictment is the result of an investigation by the FBI Buffalo Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II and the Albion Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Mogle. Additional assistance was provided by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and the Honolulu FBI Office.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.