By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 October 2021 at 8:13 am
ALBION – Registered voters in Orleans County can go to the polls beginning today and through Oct. 31 for early voting.
This will be the third year of early voting with polls open at the Board of Elections at the County Office Building at 14016 State Route 31.
The early voting hours include:
October 23: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
October 24: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
October 25: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
October 26: noon to 8 p.m.
October 27: noon to 8 p.m.
October 28: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
October 29: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
October 30: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
October 31: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Early voting was popular last year when nearly 4,000 people cast ballots during the nine days. The 3,753 people who voted early was about 10 times the number of early voters in 2019 when early voting debuted and 374 people went to the polls early. There are about 24,000 registered voters in the county.
The polls for the upcoming election will also be open Nov. 2 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at sites in all 10 towns in the county.
Most of the candidates on the ballot will be unopposed. None of the candidates for county positions have opposition and only a few positions at the town level are contested.
Here is the slate of candidates:
Orleans County (all unopposed) – Kim DeFrank for country treasurer; Merle (Skip) Draper of Medina for county legislator, at-large west; Don Allport of Gaines for county legislator, at-large central; Ed Morgan of Murray for county legislator, at-large east; Bill Eick of Shelby for District 1; Lynne Johnson of Lyndonville for District 2; Fred Miller of Albion for District 3; John Fitzak of Carlton for District 4. All the county candidates are Republicans, except Fred Miller, who is a Democrat.
Albion — All of the candidates are unopposed, including Richard Remley for town supervisor; and Sandra Bensley and Arnold Allen Jr. for the Town Board.
Barre – Sean Pogue, a Republican, is being challenged for town supervisor by Gerald Solazzo, who is running under the independent “Voice of the Citizens.” George McKenna and David Waters are on the ballot for positions on the Town Board. They have the Republican line and also the independent “Voice of the Citizens.” However, Steve Harling and Tom Decker are mounting a write-in campaign against McKenna and Waters.
Carlton – Two are vying for town clerk with incumbent Karen Narburgh having the Republican and Conservative lines while Dori Goetze runs under the independent “Be the Change.” Other Carlton candidates are unopposed: Kevin Hurley for town justice, Jeff Gifaldi and Debbie Yokel for Town Board, and Kurt Van Wyke for highway superintendent.
Clarendon – Richard Moy is unopposed for another term as town supervisor, while three candidates seek two spots on the Town Board. Chris Caufield and Marc Major are backed by the Republican Party and William Fox is running as a Democrat.
Gaines – The Republicans are all unopposed including Tyler Allport for town supervisor, Susan Heard for town clerk, Charles Prentice for town justice, and James Kirby and Kenneth Rush for Town Board.
Kendall – The candidates, all running under the Republican Party line, are unopposed including Anthony Cammarata for town supervisor, Amy Richardson for town clerk, Debra Kluth and Robert Fagan for town justice, Wayne Martin and Paul Jennings for Town Board, and Warren Kruger for highway superintendent.
Murray – The candidates are all unopposed on the ballot, including Joe Sidonio for town supervisor, Cindy Oliver for town clerk, Gary Passarell for town justice, Michael Mele and Paul Hendel for Town Board, and Dirk Lammes Jr. for highway superintendent.
Ridgeway – There are races for town clerk and the Town Board. For town clerk, Hannah Hill is running under the Republican line and independent “Hannah Hill for a Better Ridgeway” against Laurie Kilburn, who is endorsed by the Conservative Party and also is running under the independent “Laurie Kilburn for the People of Ridgeway.” Three are seeking two spots on the Town Board including Jeff Toussaint and Cliff Barber, who are running as Republicans against David Stalker, who is backed by the Conservative Party. John Olinger is unopposed for highway superintendent.
Shelby – Jeff Smith is uncontested for town supervisor and Stephen Seitz Sr. and Edward Zelazny are unopposed for the Town Board.
Yates – There are seeking two spots as town councilmen with Harold Suhr and Terry Chaffee Jr. running as Republicans against Paul Lauricella Jr., who is backed by the Conservative Party and also is running under the independent “Lyndonville Taxpayers First Party.” Jim Simon is unopposed for town supervisor and Donald Grabowski is uncontested for town justice.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 October 2021 at 7:54 am
ALBION – Today is National Drug Take Back Day and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office will be accepting unused and expired medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Public Safety Building, 13925 State Rt. 31, Albion.
“This is a great opportunity for the public to surrender unwanted and/or expired medications and sharps for safe and proper disposal,” said Sheriff Chris Bourke. “Events such as these have dramatically reduced the risk of prescription drug diversion, abuse, as well as increasing awareness of this critical public health issue.”
This will be drive-up event due to Covid-19 concerns. All medications and sharps will be collected from participants at their vehicles.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 22 October 2021 at 11:19 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina quarterback Xander Payne breaks loose for a good gain during the Mustangs Homecoming win over rival Albion this evening at Vets Park. Pursuing for the Purple Eagles are Jacob Hughson (4) and Jr. Morales (2).
In a wild sea-saw battle which saw five lead changes, Medina outlasted rival Albion 30-28 this evening before an overflow Homecoming crowd at Vets Park.
Coming from behind three times, Medina finally regained the lead for good at 30-28 on 6 yard touchdown run by Iverson Poole with 9:58 to go in the fourth quarter. A big 38 yard run by quarterback Xander Payne set up the opportunity.
“We haven’t been challenged like that all season but our kids kept battling back and that is the kind of moxie we will need in the sectionals,” said Medina Coach Eric Valley.
Medina’s Iverson Poole hauls in a touchdown pass in the second quarter.
Albion though came battling back with a drive deep into Medina territory.
Quarterback Amari Jones completed passes of 9 yards to Jacob Hughson and 10 yards to Javon Jones moving the ball to the Medina 32. He then got loose for a big 17 yard run down to the Mustangs 15 but was injured on the play and was unable to return.
The drive then stalled out on downs at the 13 with 4:03 remaining and the Mustang offense was able to run out the remaining time to preserve the narrow two point win. Noah Skinner, Greg Thompson and Cayden Lilleby shared in carrying the ball during that key drive.
“It’s tough to replace a player like Amari but it has to be next man up,” said Albion Coach David Skrip of the key loss of his quarterback at a crucial spot in the game.
Albion got off to a quick start in the game grabbing leads of 6-0 and 12-8 in the first quarter on touchdown runs of 3 yards by Hughson and 63 yards by Javon Jones.
Albion’s Javon Jones breaks away from a tackle attempt by Cayden Lilleby.
In between Medina got on the scoreboard on an 8 yard touchdown run and two-point conversion carry by Poole. A key fourth down 13 yard pass completion from Payne to Greg Thompson kept the drive alive which was also highlighted by a 26 yard run by Poole.
Medina regained a 16-12 lead early in the second quarter on a 25 yard touchdown run by Poole a two-point conversion carry by Skinner. A long 43 yard Payne to Thompson pass completion keyed the rive.
The Mustangs then upped their lead to 24-12 at the half on a 15 yard touchdown pass from Payne to Poole with just 23 seconds left in the half. Skinner again added the two-point conversion carry.
Albion though came storming back in the third quarter to regain the lead at 28-24 on touchdown runs of 3 yards by Hughson and 1 yard by Amari Jones.
Amari Jones had a big 38 yard run and a 13 yard pass completion to Jahmeek Riley to highlight the first drive while a fumble recovery by Jabari Johnson at the Medina 29 set up the second score.
That set the stage for one more lead change early in the dramatic fourth quarter which saw Medina regain the lead for good at 30-28 on a short touchdown run by Poole early in the stanza. Albion then made the finish exciting by marching deep into Mustang territory late in the stanza only to have the drive stalled out when Amari Jones left with an injury.
The victory was Medina’s 50th in the nearly 125 year old rivalry. Albion holds a 68-50-5 lead in the series which dates back to 1898.
Medina closes out the regular season at 8-0 and Albion at 5-2 as both teams will begin sectional playoff action next weekend.
The evening was also highlighted by the induction of Medina’s 1980 sectional championship team to the John “Pinky” Loughlin Football Wall of Fame. (Click here to view a video of highlights from the game. Also check our Facebook page for additional pictures from the game)
Medina Coach Eric Valley and Mustang team captains Xander Payne, Joe Cecchini, Colvin Stalker, Hayden Woodroe, Iverson Poole and Jarin Rhim accept the Doc’s Rock Trophy from Judy Decker and Brett Decker. The trophy is given to the winning team each year in memory of Larry “Doc” Decker who coached at both schools.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 22 October 2021 at 6:10 pm
This case at DeSales Catholic School Nunzio T. Maiorana Art Center holds a painter’s box, top, which belonged to Maiorana in 1956. Medina artist Arthur Barnes bought it at a yard sale years later. When he realized DeSales was dedicating their new Art Center to the Medina educator, Barnes restored and donated it to Mairoana’s former high school.
A much-loved Medina educator and graduate of DeSales High School was honored last Saturday at DeSales Catholic School in Lockport by dedication of their new Art Center in his name.
A large crowd gathered in the school to pay tribute to Nunzio T. Maiorana, who was described by family and school personnel as a man who not only loved DeSales, but every human being. He had been a popular teacher and school administrator in Medina, as well as athletic director.
Kim Knuutila, director of Admissions and Marketing at DeSales described Maiorana as a highly respected leader in both education and athletics throughout Niagara and Orleans counties.
“In addition to his educational talents, he was also an accomplished self-taught artist who specialized in pen and ink drawings of historic lighthouses and buildings from across the world,” Knuutila said in a press release prior to the dedication. “Each of his drawings was hand-drawn using jeweler’s glasses and each art piece contained more than 500,000 lines and dots.”
Some of his works are on display in the Art Center, along with a display case with a painter’s box which belonged to Maiorana in 1956. The box had been purchased many years ago at a yard sale by Medina artist Arthur Barnes, who restored the box and donated it to DeSales. Maiorana’s name and the date are etched in the cover. When Barnes heard about the art center being dedicated to Nunzio, he knew that was where it belonged.
Nunzio T. Maiorana
The dedication began at 1 p.m. with a ribbon cutting by Nunzio’s widow Charlotte, his children David and Ann-Marie, the Rev. Walter Szczesny and Assemblyman Michael Norris.
David, a general contractor in New York City, said Harvey Mack and his men did the shell of the room, while David built the cabinets.
David said his dad loved DeSales, his teachers, his football coach and his teammates.
He described his father as a man who looked deeper into everyone, and didn’t write them off if they were struggling.
“I’ve heard so many times from someone who graduated, got a job or became a teacher because of my dad,” David said. “He knew families of his students, their parents and their lineage. That’s why people respected him.”
Nelda Toussaint of Medina looks at a display of pen and ink drawings by the late Nunzio T. Maiorana, a Medina educator and graduate of DeSales High School, for whom the new Art Center was dedicated on Saturday.
As an example, he related the story of a kid who was ready to expelled by the principal. Nunzio was superintendent at the time and called the kid into his office. According to David, his dad told the boy, “Here’s a pass. Go back to class.”
“And now, that man is a mechanic for Mercedes-Benz,” David said.
Ann-Marie thanked everyone who had anything to do with the event – from her family to friends and school personnel.
“Dad would be so proud,” she said. “Last Thursday night, Dad was inducted into DeSales Distinguished Hall of Fame, and we were here. Our father was a man of God’s own heart.”
She said her father, who died in January 2018, was born in Lockport and graduated from DeSales in 1958. She called him “kind, loving and giving of himself – a naturally talented artist and leader of his students.”
She continued, saying, “He was a block of granite on the (football) field, a rock for his family and a positive role model for all who knew him.”
He joined the faculty of Medina High School in the fall of 1963, where he taught pre-vocational studies, English and history and was assistant high school football coach. He was also superintendent of curriculum and finance.
The family of Nunzio T. Maiorana, a long-time Medina educator and graduate of DeSales High School, cut the ribbon to officially dedicate the Nunzio T. Maiorana Art Studio Saturday afternoon at DeSales Catholic School. From left are Maiorana’s daughter Ann-Marie Maiorana, widow Charlotte, the Rev. Walter Szczesny, Assemblyman Michael Norris and Maiorana’s son David.
Ann Marie said creation of an art center in honor of her dad was the idea of her mom’s friend of 71 years, Brenda Crow.
“She came to Mom and said,” We need to do something to honor Nunzio in some way.”
David said his mom asked him if he could make it happen. He commended everyone from the employee of his company who drew the plans to the men who built it to perfection.
Many people were instrumental in making it happen. David did a lot of the communication, made sure they had an architect and hired a contractor. Takeform in Medina provided signage. Family friends, Christiana and Joseph DeVoe of Lockport were the local contacts and arranged for the catering from Zambistro’s in Medina.
Remarks were also made by art teacher Kristen McCabe, who said this art center will impact students forever. She said DeSales opened as a high school in 1946, and now serves students in kindergarten through Pre-K.
“Projects like this art center will help us attract new students in the future,” she said.
David’s 40th class reunion at Medina High School is tonight and Saturday. He also plans to attend the Homecoming football game tonight in Medina.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 22 October 2021 at 5:56 pm
Program at Hoag sponsored by Community Coalition for Justice
ALBION – A renowned Eastman graduate and trumpeter with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra will perform and discuss racial injustice in the music world at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Hoag Library.
Herb Smith’s appearance is the latest in a series of programs dealing with racial injustice which are sponsored by the Community Coalition for Justice. The Coalition is made up of a local churches and four civic groups, which are addressing racism and prejudice – Social Justice Committee, People Embracing Diversity, Albion Betterment Committee, Pullman Universalist Church and Hoag Library.
Among the instrumental individuals who are involved are Bob and Margaret Golden, Kim Remley, Kay Wibert, Sister Dolores Dowd and Gary Kent. They are also joined by the Rev. Jim Renfrew.
Herb Smith’s appearance is one the committee hopes will bring out a full house. Smith has performed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra for 30 years. He believes in the power of music to heal and as a path to justice.
“Throughout history, music has been tied in with protest and been a motivator for change,” Smith said. “I’m excited to be able to do this in your community.”
During the last two years of protests over racial injustice, Smith has led members of the RPO to be involved and play at non-violent demonstrations, according to Golden. He has also conducted workshops throughout Western New York on classical, jazz and world music.
He has worked with children, including the Young Audiences of America, Aesthetic Education Institute and the Rochester School System.
In addition, Smith has performed with the Buffalo and Cincinnati Philharmonics, the Chautauqua Symphony and played in several jazz groups. He co-led the popular jazz group, Thornwood.
Smith has accompanied several music greats, such as Al Jarreau, Natalie Cole, Doc Severenson and the O’Jays, among others.
As a composer, he has written for Garth Fagan, films and local bands.
The press release provided by Golden continues to say the history of classical, jazz, blues, pop and swing is full of incidents and patterns of social and gender exploitation, plagiarism, denial of access and opportunity, denied pay and even assault and death. The patten of prejudice, although less overt, unfortunately continues today, the release stated.
Anyone with questions or wishing to volunteer may call Golden at (585) 682-4821 or contact him at goldenjazz59@gmail.com.
Donations for the program expenses can be made to People Embracing Diversity @ Disciples First, UMC, 4410 Holley-Byron Rd., Holley, 14470.
BATAVIA – Genesee Community College has officially opened enrollment into its newest offering- the Solar Electric Technician Certificate for the Spring 2022 semester.
Requiring a total of just 15 credit hours, this program is designed to be completed in as little as one semester. In addition, students can continue study as a concentration within an Associate in Applied Science degree in Individualized Studies.
Careers in renewable energy in the form of solar electric (photovoltaic) grid systems are expanding rapidly throughout New York State both residentially and commercially. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for solar technology workers is projected to increase 50% over the next ten years which translates into roughly 6,000 new workers.
“The Solar Electric Technician certificate and degree concentration give GCC students a pathway to rapidly growing career opportunities, and help our region by meeting changing workforce preparation needs,” said Dr. Kate Schiefen executive vice president for Academic Affairs.
Upon graduation, GCC students are positioned to enter high-demand and lucrative solar-related employment opportunities, including residential and commercial solar panel installer, solar sales, solar electric maintenance, and recreational vehicle solar package installer.
Photos courtesy of Arc GLOW: Staff and residents of Arc GLOW celebrate Sheila Taylor as one of four state-wide Thomas A. Maul Award winners on Thursday. The award recognizes a Direct Support Professional who consistently demonstrates excellence, creativity, and commitment to people who have intellectual and other developmental disabilities.
Press Release, Arc GLOW
Sheila Taylor, Direct Support Professional, has been selected to receive the Thomas A. Maul Direct Support Professional Excellence Award for the NYSARC, Inc, as a representative of Arc GLOW.
Sheila Taylor
Selected from thousands of nominations, only four in the state can win this prestigious award. The Thomas A. Maul Direct Support Professional Excellence Award is an annual award which recognizes a Direct Support Professional who consistently demonstrates excellence, creativity and commitment to providing supports to people who have intellectual and other developmental disabilities.
Taylor has been at the Turtle Rock IRA in Lakeville, Livingston County since it was built 13 years ago. This particular home houses aging individuals, and she is known for is known for going above and beyond in her position supporting aging people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
Residential Director, Deb Tuckerman, commends Sheila for setting the bar for other staff.
“She sets that bar very high because of her commitment and dedication to the people she supports,” Tuckerman said. “Staff and the people in the home often comment on how they look up to Sheila, and many refer to her as a mother figure. Sheila consistently role model’s kindness, a strong work ethic, person centeredness, and empathy. She is the ideal DSP, who reliably puts her heart into her work every day.”
Working with aging individuals, she is a crucial part in home life supporting their personal care, and helping them get through end of life situations. Tuckerman reflects back on a moment in particular earlier in the year.
“When Shelia found out a housemate passed away, she came directly to the IRA to talk with an individual who she knew would be especially sad,” Tuckerman said. “Sheila demonstrates that The Arc is not just a job for her – it’s an important part of her life.”
Arc GLOW, formerly The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming and Arc of Genesee Orleans, are family-founded agencies dedicated to helping people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities meet their full potential and find fulfillment in learning, personal relationships, employment, volunteerism, recreation, the arts, and more.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 October 2021 at 8:21 am
Recoveries outpacing new infections in 2 counties
The number of active Covid cases in Genesee and Orleans counties dropped by nearly 100 in the seven days from Oct. 14 to Oct. 21, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
There were 432 active cases on Oct. 14 with 237 in Orleans and 195 in Genesee. Those cases were down to 339 seven days later with the active cases at 155 in Orleans and 184 in Genesee.
The counties still are seeing Covid community transmission with 68 new cases reported in Orleans and 95 in Genesee from Monday through Thursday.
However, the recoveries – people who have completed their 10-day isolation and have been removed from mandatory isolation – included 70 in Orleans and 135 in Genesee during the three days.
There are currently two Orleans County residents hospitalized due to Covid and 12 in Genesee.
A person passed away from Orleans County due to Covid in the past week. The county has has 87 residents die from Covid since March 2020. Genesee County is reporting 132 deaths from Covid during the pandemic.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 October 2021 at 9:52 pm
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Roy-Hart’s Rem Albee works to keep the ball away from Alden’s Joshua Yoerg during the Rams double overtime sectional win over the visiting Bulldogs this evening.
It took 105 minutes to decide the outcome as No. 3 seed Roy-Hart outlasted visiting No. 6 Alden 1-0 in double overtime this evening in a Section VI Class B2 quarterfinal boys soccer playoff game.
Landen Guild scored the game winner for the Niagara-Orleans League champion Rams with five minutes to go in the second 15 minute overtime period off an assist from his brother Aiden Guild.
The goal came just three minutes after play resumed following a lightning delay.
Zach Walker made 10 saves to earn the shutout in goal for Roy-Hart which will next face No. 7 Cassadaga Valley/Falconer on Monday in the semifinals. Cassadaga Valley nipped No. 2 Bennett 2-1.
Class B1
No. 2 seed Lew-Port trimmed No. 7 Medina/Lyndonville 2-1 in a Class B1 quarterfinal.
Cole Seefeldt scored the lone goal for the Mustangs on a penalty kick with three minutes remaining after the Lancers had built up a 2-0 lead.
The game was scoreless at the half.
The Lancers scored with 24 and 11 minutes remaining in the second half o goals by Spencer Reisman.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 21 October 2021 at 1:11 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Hayden Woodroe, left, and Albion’s Javon Jones and their Mustang and Purple Eagle teammates will renew their century plus long football rivalry at 7 p.m. Friday at Vets Park.
Cancelled last fall due to Covid-19 restrictions, the nearly 125 year old Albion vs. Medina high school football rivalry will resume on Friday as the Mustangs host the Purple Eagles at 7 p.m. at Vets Park.
Interestingly, that cancellation ended a string of exactly 100 straight years in which the two schools had met on the gridiron. The last year they did not meet was 1919 which ironically was during the Spanish Flu Pandemic which ran from 1918-1920.
Overall, Albion holds a 68-49-5 lead in the series which dates back to 1898 making it one of the oldest in the state. The teams have split the last 10 meetings but the Purple Eagles have won the last three.
Both teams are enjoying excellent seasons as the Mustangs are 7-0 and the Purple Eagles 5-1.
Quarterback Amari Jones, who has passed for 650 yards and 7 touchdowns and rushed for 180 yards and 2 TDs, leads the Purple Eagles offense.
Javon Jones has hauled in 20 of those passes for 348 yards and 7 touchdowns and Jahmeek Riley 4 for 161 and 2 TDs.
On the ground, Sh’Kwe Riley has rushed for 327 yards and 6 touchdowns and Jacob Hughson 157 yards and 1 TD.
The Mustangs offense is likewise led by quarterback Xander Payne who has passed for 1,031 yards and a school record 19 touchdowns.
Five different receivers have hauled in those TD aerials including Jarin Rhim with 6, Greg Thompson 5, Joe Cecchini 4, Iverson Poole 3 and Cayden Lilleby 1. Rhim has 340 receiving yards, Thompson 262 and Cecchini 222.
The Mustangs ground attack is led by Poole with 452 yards and 5 touchdowns, Noah Skinner 377 yards and 5 TDs, Robert Arnold 235 yards and 4 TD and Lilleby with 117 yards and 1 TD.
On defense, the Purple Eagles leading tacklers include Brendan Lebaron with 26, Hughson and Bryce Froman 24, Jahmeek Riley 22, Javon Jones, Jr. Morales and Jabari Johnson 11. Javon Jones also has 5 pass interceptions and Tyler Gibson 4.
The leading tacklers for the Mustangs defensive unit include Hayden Woodroe with 27, Poole 26, Chris Johnson 25, Skinner 22, Josh Wilson 21 and Dominic Larabee 19. Cecchini leads the way in sacks with 7 as Skinner and Arnold each have 5.
The contest, which is part of Medina’s Homecoming week celebration, will also include the induction of the 1980 Section VI championship team onto the Mustangs John “Pinky” Loughlin Football Wall of Fame.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 21 October 2021 at 11:04 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Mitch Kwandrans and his fiancée Johanna Chelton stand in their new store, Hemp House, which has opened at 409 Main Street in Medina.
MEDINA – When Mitch Krandrans and his fiancée Johanna Chelton pitch the benefits of hemp and CBD to their customers, they can back up what they’re talking about.
Kwandrans and Chelton recently opened the Hemp House at 409 Main St., in Medina, where they sell a variety of products made from hemp.
Kwandrans first tried CBD for pain a few years ago for serious neck and back pain.
“It really worked, once I found a brand that was reputable,” he said.
Then Chelton started taking it for severe foot pain caused by plantar fasciitis and a bone spur.
“I have had eczema for 18 years, and four months into taking CBD, I noticed my eczema was completely gone,” Kwandrans said. “I had previously tried creams, steroids and everything doctors could prescribe.”
Today he has no foot pain whatsoever.
Mitch Kwandrans holds his dog Chance in the new Hemp House he and his fiancée Johanna Chelton recently opened in Medina. They also sell hemp products for dogs and cats.
They started to do research on auto immune diseases and decided to develop a brand themselves, which wouldn’t cut any corners.
“We wanted a pure product that actually matches what it says on the bottle,” Kwandrans said.
They contracted with a farm in La Junta, Colo. to grow their hemp. It is then taken to a nearby facility with extraction equipment, where it is purified and packaged in Kwandrans’ containers for shipment to Medina. He stressed the facility is FDA registered and Current Good Manufacturing Practices-certified. Then their product is shipped to a third-party lab to be full-panel tested for purity, potency, pesticides, heavy metals, contaminants and microbials, such as ecoli or salmonella.
Customers can scan a code on the labels with their cell phone and bring up the product’s entire lab report.
Kwandrans created a company, Kraydo Organics, in 2016 and went online selling kratom from Indonesia. That was going really strong, he said.
He owns his brand, Higher Purpose CBD, which he developed in 2019. They began selling their products all over the country, and then people start asking why he didn’t have a store to sell it locally.
“This store was available, and we contacted Tom Snyder (owner of building) and made a deal,” Kwandrans said. “We wanted to bring access to people who wanted to try it or normally wouldn’t have heard about it. Our stuff is all pharmaceutical grade.”
The Hemp House sells CBD oils and creams, gummies made from elderberry extract, sleep aids and CBD for dogs and cats and dog treats. Their dog Chance, a Yorkshire Terrier, is pictured on the packaging for their pet products. Hemp flowers and hemp flower buds are big sellers, Kwandrans said.
Kwandrans explained CBD products work with the endocannabinoid system to decrease inflammation all over the body. With consistent use, its benefits really build up, and relief will increase over time.
Kwandrans said CBD was first put out in the country in California in 2015. It had been a gray area, he said, until President Trump signed the Farm Bill, making growing hemp legal.
The Hemp House has a large following of customers willing to share their personal success stories from using CBD products.
One is Megg Wakefield, who buys CBD treats and tincture oil for dogs.
“We have tried other brands – some that claim to be premium and at a premium cost – and none of them have helped our extremely high-strung and anxious mixed-breed pup as much as High Purpose. Our dog loves the flavor and prefers them over any other treats. Best of all, Hemp House offers their product at a much more affordable price.”
Leah Steverson said she was so happy Kwandrans and Chelton opened the store in Medina, facilitating a convenient way for her to treat her chronic back pain. She loves that it is non-habit forming.
“It just makes sense,” she said. “I’d like to see my friends continue to thrive and provide access to medicinal treatments that work.”
Another satisfied customer is Lee Sullivan who buys CBD products for his cat Marlon and himself.
“Once I decided to visit, I was pleased to find the shop is very bright and organized, and owners are friendly and helpful,” Sullivan said.
He said he has noticed a big improvement in his cat’s attitude and activity level, even at 14 years.
“I also bought hemp for my own personal use for nerve pain and sleep,” Sullivan said. “I couldn’t be more happy with the quality of their flower. The effects were powerful and exactly what I needed.”
Hemp House is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. They accept phone orders and deliver on Sundays. Orders may be placed online at medinahemphouse.com.
Kwandrans and Chelton strongly advocate for the village to opt in to cannabis dispensaries. This will eliminate the danger of purchased it on the street where it is unregulated.
If the village opts out, Kwandrans said they have the ability to have a petition signed by residents of Medina requesting a permissive referendum to put it on a ballot and let the residents decide. They will have papers at Hemp House for residents to sign their name, address and phone number, so Kwandrans can develop a roster for those who are willing to sign a petition, if needed.
Crime and Carpetbags will be released with a celebration this evening at Author’s Note in Medina.
MEDINA – Medina native Julie Berry will launch her latest middle grade novel, Crime and Carpetbags, at 7 p.m. tonight at Author’s Note, the newly reopened book store at 519 Main St.
Berry, a New York Times Bestselling author, recently relocated with her family from Los Angeles to buy and renovate the former Book Shoppe.
She will read from, discuss and sign copies of her new novel, which is the second installment in her Wishes and Wellingtons series. Books will be available for purchase in-store and online.
Crime and Carpetbags picks up where Wishes and Wellingtons left off, with spitfire Maeve Merritt, her friends Tommy and Alice, and an irascible djinni named Mermeros getting into magical hijinks in and around late-Victorian London.
Now that Maeve has surrendered Mermeros, she expects her life in London will be dull as dirt. But villains from Maeve’s previous escapades are still searching for the djinni, now in the hands of Mr. Poindexter, Tom’s adoptive father. When Mr. Poindexter and Mermeros go missing, the trio soar off to find Tom’s dad and that rascal, Mermeros, before the djinni’s fabled wishes fall into the wrong hands.
Booklist says of the novel, “Berry unfolds a charming and witty Victorial adventure, marked by a mysterious villain, flying carpet bags and a daring rescue, but it’s the tight friendship among Maeve, Alice and Tom that makes the story soar.” Kirkus Reviews says, “Fans of E. Nesbit and Edward Eager will find much to love. This action-packed sequel posses strong voice and setting.”
The event this evening is free and open to the public.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 21 October 2021 at 9:18 am
MEDINA – A push to form positive relations with the small businesses in Orleans County has resulted in a substantial donation to United Way of Orleans County.
One of the first things Nyla Gaylord did after she was hired as public relations/fundraiser for United Way was to start visiting small businesses and ask them to consider supporting United Way by selling tickets to their chicken barbecue.
One of the businesses, Mark’s Pizzeria in Medina, stepped up and designated one week in September in which $2 of every pizza sold would go to United Way.
Dean Bellack, executive director of United Way of Orleans County, stands in front of Mark’s Pizzeria on Main Street in Medina. Mark’s recently held a promotion, where $2 of every pizza sold during one week was donated to United Way.
Recently, United Way’s executive director Dean Bellack accepted a check from Mark’s for $2,800.
“We are thrilled one more business has stepped up to support United Way of Orleans County,” Bellack said.
He has also taken the opportunity to announce a new, convenient way to give to United Way.
“We not offer ‘Text to Give” as an easy way to donate,” Bellack said. “Every donation is valued and needed. All donations stay in Orleans County.”
To connect with Text to Give, just text 4224 to 41444. More information is available on United Way’s website.
Bellack has also announced United Way has created a new convenient way to give.
Called Text to Give, donors can text 4224 to 41444 and donate quickly and easily.
“Every donation is valued and needed,” Bellack said. “All donations stay in Orleans County and benefit our local needs.”
