MEDINA – A fire on Sunday in Medina on Pleasant Street caused about $30,000 in damages, said Medina Fire Chief Steve Cooley said.

Firefighters were dispatched at 7:57 p.m. to Pleasant Street with reports of the upstairs area charged with smoke. Engine 1 from Medina with a crew of four arrived on scene at 8:02 p.m. with smoke coming from the eves and windows on the second floor, Cooley said.

Engine 1 was quickly supplemented by Engine 10, Ambulances 60 and 62 with off-duty staff and crews from Shelby and Ridgeway fire departments.

Firefighters found the interior staircase of the second floor to have smoke from stairs to ceiling. Once they reached the top of the staircase, due to zero visibility conditions, a thermal imaging camera was utilized to locate the fire in the corner of the westernmost bedroom, the fire chief said.

Simultaneously a backup hose line was stretched and brought to the base of the stairs to protect the crews working upstairs. The fire was brought under control with approximately 200 gallons of water or less and crews began checking for fire extension and performed ventilation at 8:15 p.m. with the fire completely extinguished at 8:18 p.m.

Fire investigators have ruled this fire as accidental. Damage to the structure is approximately $20,000 with damage to contents estimated at $10,000, Cooley said.

The residents are being assisted by family members at the present time. No injuries to civilians or firefighters occurred at this scene.

“We will be entering a busy time for residential fires,” Cooley said. “Make sure to check your smoke detectors and have an exit plan.”

He thanked the Orleans County Public Safety Dispatchers and mutual aid partners for helping with the quick response and fire extinguishment.

Mutual aid partners on scene: Shelby, one ladder truck; Ridgeway, one fire engine; Albion, FAST crew; Office of Emergency Management, director and investigator; Village of Medina Police Department and Code Enforcement.

Photo courtesy of Jada Burgess

MEDINA – Downtown Medina is getting decked out for the holidays. This morning the Department of Public Works was out putting decorations on Main Street.

This photo shows Foreman Ben Lacy, in bucket truck, and Foreman Brad Freeman getting garland hung across Main Street near the Park Avenue intersection.

Medina will celebrate Olde Tyme Christmas this Saturday, an event that includes the Parade of Lights at 6 p.m.

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Hughes, troop leader of Girl Scout Troop 82094

MEDINA –Girl Scout Troop 82094 from Medina has collected 591 non-perishable food items to donate to a local food pantry. The first collection of food has been delivered to The Vine Church.

The scouts also have built six food pantry boxes to be distributed in various locations in Orleans County.

“We are looking for anyone that may be interested in having a box at their location,” said Jennifer Hughes, troop leader of Girl Scout Troop 82094.

The girls are part of multi-level troop ranging from grades kindergarten to 10th grade.

The Girl Scouts are shown with two food pantry boxes. They have six that they want to place in the community.

To contact Hughes about hosting a food pantry box, email her at Jensgemsdaycare@yahoo.com.

Photo courtesy of Chris Fenton: This Santa Claus chair loaded with Christmas decorations, is waiting to be set up at Main Street Appliance and Home Furnishings. It is the original chair used for many years when Santa welcomed children at the former G.C. Murphy Five and Dime store.

MEDINA – Olde Tyme Christmas in Medina is a day organized by Medina Area Partnership, in which the entire village turns out to celebrate the holidays.

Sales in stores, Home for the Holidays 5K, a holiday brunch, giveaways, raffles, a pet parade, arrival of Santa Claus, musical entertainment and many more activities take place throughout the day, all topped off with fireworks and the spectacular Parade of Lights.

Festivities begin at 8 a.m. at Factory Espresso at 111 West Center St., in the former Newell building (now Hart House) where festive hot lattes and winter treats will be served throughout the day.

The Home for the Holidays 5K will kick off at 9 a.m. in the canal basin. Information on registering is available at www.itsyourrace.com and www.christmasinmedina.com.

A holiday brunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shirt Factory in the Hart House, 113 West Center St.

Visitors are encouraged to shop local and check out the specials during the day in celebration of “Shop Small Saturday.”

At Main Street Appliance and Home Furnishings, children can sit on Santa’s lap in the chair Santa used there for years when it was G.C. Murphy’s five and dime store.

At English Rose Tea Shoppe, a game sheet can be picked up to participate in a “Christmas Selfie Scavenger Hunt.”

Canalside Tattoo will again be collecting toys and games for the 9th Annual Parade of Lights Toy Drive.

 Santa will arrive at noon during the Santa and Pets on Parade events.

 Visitors will have to venture off Main Street for a few activities, including an open house and display of holiday stuffed animals at the Medina Historical Society on West Avenue.

At St. Mary’s Church, at the north end of West Avenue, a program of European Advent and Christmas music will be presented at 1 p.m. by Aaron Grabowski on organ and harpsichord.

Cocktails can be enjoyed throughout the day at Bent’s Harvest Bar and the Shirt Factory’s launch of its award-winning cocktail.

Many events throughout the day cater to children, including the Little Elf costume contest at Harvest Restaurant, make-and-take ornament decorating at Creekside Floral, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library and Modern Mercantile, a take-and-make craft at Author’s Note, Children’s Window Scavenger Hunt, free ornament at Filamena’ Favorites on South Gravel Road and free chocolate covered Oreo at Della’s Chocolates.

Nola’s Gaming and Crafting Café at 523 Main St. is a new business in town, where kids can make and take a free Polar Express-inspired ornament.

The day also features train rides on the Polar Express from Medina Railroad Museum. Information on ticket availability can be obtained on www.medinarailroadmuseum.org or by calling (585) 798-6106, x103.

Children can have their picture taken with Santa from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the Santa House in Rotary Park. There is a $10 charge, which benefits Decorate Medina.

At 1 p.m. children and parents are invited to the Medina Theater for a showing of the Christmas movie “The Grinch,” complete with popcorn and holiday cheer.

Another movie, “Home Alone 2,” will be shown at Bent’s Opera House at 2 p.m., also including popcorn.

From 2 to 4 p.m. children and adults can get in out of the cold and relax while enjoying the magic of Patrick Holman.

Everyone is reminded to check out the full schedule of events and activities online at www.ChristmasInMedina.com.

As always, the day is topped off by fireworks at 5:45 over Main Street and the spectacular Parade of Lights at 6 p.m., featuring an estimated 40 lighted floats.

MEDINA – The Medina FFA has extended its deadline for ordering from its annual citrus sale.

Agriculture teacher and FFA adviser Jacqueline Jurek said the public has until Thursday to place an order.

The citrus sale has been an annual fundraiser for the FFA for many years. All the money raised goes toward providing educational experiences for FFA members, Jurek said. This includes the New York State FFA Convention, National FFA Convention, Summer Camp at Oswegatchie, New York State Fair, purchase of FFA gear and much more.

The public can order through the FFA website (click here); by calling the school at (585) 798 2700; or e-mailing jjurek@medinacsd.org.

Orders will be available for pickup the week of Dec. 8.

VFW honors vets with service, complimentary lunch

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Heather Smith, left, and Jaylen Thomas, both students in the Job Corps’ carpentry program who worked on the project, pose with the bench their class made and donated to the Medina VFW Tuesday. With them are Dave Berry, president of the VFW Auxiliary, and Nik Mroz, Orleans County Veterans’ Services Officer.

MEDINA – The Medina VFW Post was a beehive of activity on Tuesday, as it showed its support of veterans and welcomed Iroquois Job Corps students, with operations director JT Thomas of Medina.

It has become an annual tradition for the VFW to serve a free lunch to veterans and their families, and for Job Corps students to assist with set-up and serving, and hand out cards which they made for veterans.

Tom Snyder, front, a Navy veteran, and Nick Fitzak, a member of the Marine Corps Reserves, receive greeting cards from Arletys Arrigo and Sienna Jack, students at Iroquois Job Corps. The local Job Corps is open and is accepting new students.

Part of the Job Corps’ mission is to provide community service, and Iroquois thrives on helping surrounding communities whenever needed, said JT Thomas, operations director at Job Corps.

“Our veterans play a special part in our community service, as students and staff greatly appreciate the service our veterans provided, and we help with veterans’ events whenever possible,” Thomas said. “The local VFW Auxiliary reached out to Job Corps for assistance several years back, and we have been participating ever since. The focus is on our veterans, our students and the Job Corps program. We are open and enrolling students and continuing to support and assist the community.”

Members of the Orleans County Honor Guard fire a 21-gun salute, followed by playing of Taps, at the VFW in Medina on Tuesday, prior to going to Orchard Manor on Bates Road and the Veterans’ Park in Lyndonville to fire 21-gun salutes.

The Veterans Day observance began with the a 21-gun salute in the parking lot by the Orleans County Honor Guard, after which they drove to Orchard Manor Rehabilitation facility on Bates Road and repeated the firing. From there they traveled to Lyndonville, where they performed a 21-gun salute at the Veterans’ Park downtown by the water, before returning to the VFW for lunch.

The Honor Guard is led by Jim Freas and includes members from Medina, Lyndonville and Albion VFW and Legion posts.

Posing with the patriotic bench made for the VFW in Medina by students in the Iroquois Job Corps carpentry class are, from left, Tom Snyder, Eric Delano, Jim Freas, Louis Chraston, Pat Little and Mike Harmer.

This Veterans Day had one extra special feature. The students in the Job Corps carpentry class made a large patriotic bench, which they delivered and donated to the VFW on Tuesday.

Two of the students were Jaylen Thomas and Heather Smith, both of whom are in the carpentry class and worked on the bench.

“I sanded and painted it, including the stars and stripes,” Jaylen proudly pointed out.

On the front of the bench was a plaque which read, “The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. Iroquois Job Corps, Nov. 11, 2025.”

Iroquois Job Corps students Arletys Arrigo, left, and Sienna Jack set the tables at Medina VFW, in preparation of serving free lunch to veterans.

Also at the VFW was Nik Mroz, Orleans County Veterans’ Services officer, who shared information on upcoming events to benefit veterans. These included a Veterans’ Health and Benefit Fair Monday at the VFW, and the annual veterans’ holiday dinner Dec. 16 at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville, sponsored through the Dwyer Peer to Peer Program. Reservations must be made in advance by calling 589-3219.

Veterans Day observances continued on Tuesday with presentation of the “Missing Man” table by Pat Little of Gasport. As he read the meaning of the table set with an empty chair, plate with salt and a lemon, a candle and upside-down class, Jim Freas and Louis Chraston stood at attention on either side.

The VFW Post annually serves the Veterans’ Day lunch to an estimated 50 veterans, according to Dave Berry, president of the VFW Auxiliary.

Jim Freas, left, and Louis Chraston stand at attention while Pat Little reads the meaning behind the “Missing Man table,” during a tribute to veterans Tuesday at the VFW in Medina.

Ron Thomas, right, a Vietnam veteran, gets a greeting card from Job Corps students Alphonzo Snow and Zyshonne Humphrey as he and his wife Betty Jean arrived at the Medina VFW Tuesday for lunch.

MEDINA – Medina VFW will host a Veterans’ Health and Benefit Fair from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday at their post at 216 East Center St.

The event is supported by GO Health and Orleans County Veterans’ Services via the Dwyer Peer to Peer Program.

In addition to local healthcare resources and local benefit information, veterans will receive free food and drinks, according to Veterans’ Services officer Nik Mroz.

The event is open to veterans, plus one guest. Registration is required by calling Orleans County Veterans’ Services at (585) 589-3219.

Provided photo: Retired Channel 7 reporter Mike Randall will perform his award-winning Charles Dickens show Dec. 19 at the Medina Theater to benefit MAAC and local food pantries.

MEDINA – Realizing the increased demand for food, a new Medina resident has teamed with a Medina native to offer an evening of entertainment to benefit MAAC and local food pantries.

Retired Channel 7 reporter Mike Randall, who recently moved to Medina with his wife Kathy, has offered to perform his award-winning impersonation of Charles Dickens at the Medina Theater on Dec. 19.

“I think we got caught up in the spirit of the holidays, and definitely in the spirit of ‘A Christmas Carol,’” Randall said. “Everyone is donating their time and Joe (Cardone) is donating the theater – which is the biggest part. I hope it puts everyone in the spirit of the holiday season, and as Tiny Tim observed, ‘God bless us, everyone.’”

Prior to the doors opening at 7 p.m., Cardone said there will be a brass quartet playing and Christmas carols sung under the marquee. The evening will also feature Medina High School’s Select A’Capella Choir.

Anyone who brings a non-perishable food item will qualify to be entered in drawings for prizes. Food will be divided between MAAC and food pantries at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and The Vine.

Randall has performed a variety of roles around the country, including his critically acclaimed portrayal of Mark Twain Live. He has also performed as a magician and is a member of the Puppeteers of America.

He may be best-known, however, for his 40 years with WKBW-TV, where he was an award-winning meteorologist, morning show host and feature reporter until his retirement more than a year ago. He was inducted into the Buffalo Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame in 2017.

In a review by Night and Day of Randall’s performance as Charles Dickens at Musical Fare Theater in 2007, they declare “The one-man show brings out all the talent of this multi-faceted local actor. Dressed in period costume with beard and hair style and voice to match, Randall transported theater-goers to March 1868 when Dickens visited Buffalo to sold-out crowds. In his show, Randall demonstrates his versatility by performing every person in a voice befitting that character.”

Since its premiere in 2007, Randall has given more than 200 performances across Western New York. He amazes audiences by memorizing his hour and a half show, word for word.

Tickets to the show are $10 and may be ordered online at www.themedinatheatrecompany.com.

“This is Mike’s gift to the village of Medina,” Cardone said. “It is an event for the entire community.”

Knights of Columbus also donates $3,000 to organization that assists veterans

Photos courtesy of Operation Honor

MEDINA – Operation Honor held its first cornhole tournament and basket raffle on Saturday at the Knights of Columbus in Medina. The event raised $5,600 for the organization that assists veterans in Orleans County with some of their bills and other needs.

There were 17 teams of two players. There were six boards in play on two floors at the Knights of Columbus.

The top players at the tournament include, from left: Mateo May, Mark Hamm, Tyler Thompson, Jeffrey Gearhart, Jay Longwell & Jim Bonsmer.

The winning teams include:

• 1st Big Wolf – Jeffrey Gearhart & Tyler Thompson
• 2nd Moonwalk – Jay Longwell & Jim Bonsmer
• 3rd Mayhamm – Mateo May & Mark Hamm

Operation Honor decided to change from a 5K run/walk to the cornhole tournament this year.

The Knights of Columbus in Medina also donated $3,000 to Operation Honor.

Pictured from left include Steve Winans, bar president for the Knights and an Operation Honor volunteer; Jim Mirand, grand knight for the K of C; Jenn Thom, leader of Operation Honor; and K of C board members, Howie Gardner and Bob Fox.

Libby Pollard-Woodroe, owner of Grand Pollard Insurance, sponsored one of the boards. Five other businesses also sponsored a board.

There were 35 raffle items including a $500 Tops gift card.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Running the Reverse Raffle fundraiser at Treasure Island were, from left, Tammy Pritchard, Becca Schoolcraft and Jorgie Lang.

LYNDONVILLE – Saturday night’s 31st annual Treasure Island fundraiser in support of Orleans Community Health raised an estimated $50,000, according to Megan Johnson, chair of the event and director of Orleans Community Health Foundation.

White Birch Golf Course hosted the event, which featured online betting a day before and during the event, a buffet meal, open bar, live auction and exciting opportunities to win prizes.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who made this year’s Treasure Island such a success – our sponsors, auction donors, volunteers and every guest who joined us,” said Johnson. “Thanks to your generosity, our auction alone raised nearly $25,000, and the event as a whole brought in close to $50,000 to support vital needs across all of Orleans Community Health. Every dollar helps strengthen local healthcare and ensures that our community continues to receive the best possible care, right here at home.”

Wes Pickreign acknowledges a bidder in the live auction at Treasure Island Saturday night.

Wes Pickreign again served as master of ceremonies and auctioneer for the event, something he said he has been doing for a long time. He asked the audience how many of them had used the services at Medina Memorial Hospital and explained the advantages of having such a facility right here at home.

“I’ve been there two times and the attention I received was phenomenal,” Pickreign said.

Seven high-end items were donated for the live auction, with the highest bid being $2,550 for two tickets to the Buffalo Bills home opener next year in the new stadium. The package, donated by William and Jacquelyn Bixler, was valued at $1,200.

Other live auction items were a Buffalo Sabres VIP fan experience valued at $825. It was donated by the OCH Pharmacy Department and Buffalo Sabres and sold for a bid of $550.

Matthew Kennedy was in charge of the Pirate’s Pillage live auction item, a regular feature at Treasure Island.

A one-week stay in Myrtle Beach, donated by the Bixlers, was valued at $750 and was awarded to three bidders for $550 each.

A one-year membership to Shelridge Country Club, donated by the club, was valued at $1,400 and sold for $1,300.

Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman and her husband John donated  a Buffalo Broadway Experience: Wicked Night on the Town, valued at $730. It brought a bid of $450.

Another high bid was $2,000 for a Four-Night Getaway to Lakefront Cape Cod, donated by Dr. Jeffrey and Ellen Schratz. The bid was the actual value of the prize.

Chuck and Nicole Geraci of Cheektowaga came to their first Treasure Island Saturday night. Here, they checked out the numbers left in the Reverse Raffle event.

The final item was a Here Comes Santa Claus lottery board with $500 in cash and $100 worth of scratch-off tickets, donated by Kathy Vicknair in memory of her husband Vic. Vic was a longtime member of the Treasure Island committee and was the DJ and sound man. He worked hard to raise funds for the hospital, Kathy said. The prize, valued at $600, sold for $750.

Some attendees were first-timers, while many others were repeat supporters of the event. One couple attending for the first time was Chuck and Nicole Garcia of Cheektowaga.

“I work for Seaway Insurance, so we wanted to come,” Nicole said. “It is very nice.”

Leah Brunner and her husband Matthew check out one of the items up for bids at Treasure Island. Leah, the nurse practitioner at the Albion’s Walk-in Clinic, said this is the first time they have attended the event.

Leah Brunner, the nurse practitioner at the Albion Walk-in Clinic, and her husband Matthew were also first-time attendees.

“It’s been super fun,” Leah said.

Her husband added, “It’s been a blast.”

Seaway Insurance Associates was the Sunset Presenting sponsor of the event.

Other sponsors included Great Lakes Surgical Association, Lucky Cork sponsor; Baxter, Junior Wilson Sportsmen’s Club and Ontario Shores Federal Credit Union, Palm Tree sponsors; and Cooper Funeral Home, Eastown Plaza, Hellner Development Company, Takeform and WNY Energy, Coconut sponsors.

Megan Johnson, director of Orleans Community Health Foundation, and Lori Condo, assistant controller at Orleans Community Health, get ready to accept payment from bidders at the conclusion of Treasure Island Saturday night.

Jeanne Crane, center, chats with Richard Williams, his daughter Kate Brauen, his wife Mary Williams and Kate’s husband Trevor Brauen at Treasure Island Saturday night at White Birch Golf Course. The fundraiser was the 31st annual event to support Orleans Community Health.

Carol and Dean Bellack of Medina watch bids on their smart phones during the 31st annual Treasure Island Saturday night. An estimated $50,000 was raised by the event.

Teams can win prizes, explore Orleans County

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Medina Rotary Club is gearing up for its first Road Rally on Nov. 15. It’s start at 10 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Club on North Gravel Road and teams then embark on a journey that includes 8 checkpoints. Pictured on a recent windy day from left include Jennifer Hill-Young, Edee Hoffmeister, Kelly Kiebala and JT Thomas.

MEDINA – The Medina Rotary Club has a new fundraiser that will get people out exploring the county while having fun and putting some of their skills to the test.

The club on Nov. 15 will have its first Road Rally. For $50 a vehicle, teams go on a journey that includes eight checkpoints. The event starts at 10 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Club on North Gravel Road.

The teams will be given clues that will direct them on their journey. They also will have some tasks to complete and puzzles to solve. The event is similar to “The Amazing Race.”

The rally is expected to take about 2 ½ hours. The winning team gets $100, with $75 to second and $50 to third. There are also prizes for best decorated vehicle.

“I don’t think people realize how much fun this is going to be,” said JT Thomas, a Medina Rotary member who is helping to plan the event.

The club teamed with the Orleans County Tourism Department to pick some of the sites on the Road Rally.

“We wanted to highlight a lot of what Orleans County has to offer,” said Jennifer Hill-Young, another member of the Medina Rotary.

People don’t need to be local trivia experts to do well in the event.

“Observation is the number one skill,” Hill-Young said about a key to success in the event.

Medina Rotary in 2024 added a cornhole tournament in January and a meat raffle in March as new fundraisers that continued this year. The Road Rally is the newest effort to raise money for the club to give back to the community, while bringing people together for a fun time.

For more on the rally, and to purchase a ticket, click here. Or send a message to the Medina Rotary Club through its Facebook page.

Press Release, NYS Canal Corporation

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Medina Triennial Hub at 345 North Main St. will host workshops and discussions about the Erie Canal today and on Saturday.

MEDINA – The Medina Triennial Hub at 345 North Main St. will host a module dedicated to the Erie Canal today and on Saturday.

This module offers an opportunity to explore the canal through the lenses of Resilience, Care and Stewardship and Cultural Programming.

• “The Canal System: Lessons in Water Scarcity and Public Management” will be presented by Brian Platt and Scott Rybarczyk, with Todd Bensley at Medina High School from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

This series invites students to explore the New York State Canal system as a living structure that depends on careful water management and public responsibility. Led by New York Power Authority/New York State Canal Corporation engineers Brian Platt and Scott Rybarczyk, the classes will look at how canal water is allocated and what happens when water becomes scarce.

Through demonstration and discussion students will learn how decisions about shared resources can be made, what trade-offs are involved and how civic engagement plays a direct role in shaping the resilience of public infrastructure.

• “Reimagining the Erie Canal for its Third Century” will be moderated by Shannon Mattern today from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and will feature Rebecca Hughes, Deputy Director of Canals; Dave Mellen, Regional Manager and SVP of Canals; Gabrielle Barone, VP of Business Development for the Orleans EDA; and Charles Torres from the Ralph Wilson Foundation.

This session explores the challenges of maintaining and repositioning the canal as it enters its third century of operation. Framed within a broader dialogue on strategic infrastructure stewardship, it welcomes external guests in a forward-looking conversation on maintenance and long-term care.

Meet-and-Greet at 4 p.m. offers a chance to meet the curators, artists, panelists and NYPA experts at the Hub.

• “Cultural Perspectives” will be the focus of a discussion on Saturday from 12.30 p.m. to 2 p.m. This will feature Angelyn Chandler, VP Planning New York Power Authority; Natalie Stetson, Executive Director at the Erie Canal Museum; and invited artists: Sarah Cameron Sunde, Judit German-Heins, Clara Riedlinger and Alon Koppell.

In this session the Erie Canal’s artists in residence (2024 and 2025) will share their reflections on the canal’s legacy and the evolving relationship between infrastructure and cultural identity.

• Workshop: “Bodies of Water/Bodies in Water” with artist Sarah Cameron Sunde on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m.

2025 AIR artist invites the people of Medina to gather at the edge of the Erie Canal to explore their relationship with water, place and time through their bodies. This workshop will be slow, spacious, and centered on attunement – both to the natural rhythms of the canal and to each other.

Together, artist and participants will practice noticing, listening, and responding to the water as a collaborator and witness, using movement, writing, and dialogue.

Assemblyman Hawley to serve as parade grand marshal

Photo by Ginny Kropf: The Parade of Lights Committee is meeting regularly to finalize plans for this year’s spectacular event, scheduled Nov. 29 at the conclusion of Medina’s day-long Olde Tyme Christmas Celebration. Clockwise, from left are Kevin DeHollander (Santa Claus), Dave and Gail Miller, Kathie Valley, chair Jim Hancock and his wife Barb, Nikki and Todd Bensley, Cindy Robinson and Sue DeHollander (Mrs. Claus). The group was meeting at the home of Reinhard Rogowski, standing at rear.

MEDINA – For the 17th year, Medina will host a spectacular Parade of Lights at the conclusion of the village’s Olde Tyme Christmas Celebration Nov. 29.

Parade committee members who are meeting regularly to plan the event include chair Jim Hancock and his wife Barb, Dave and Gail Miller, Kathie Valley, Todd and Nikki Bensley, Cindy Robinson, Kevin and Sue DeHollander (Santa and Mrs. Claus) and Reinhard Rogowski, who hosts the meetings at his home.

Hancock has announced they have chosen Assemblyman Steve Hawley of Batavia as this year’s parade grand marshal.

“The vote for Steve was unanimous,” Hancock said. “Steve has been with us for the past 10 to 12 years. He has served as our announcer out of the goodness of his heart. “

Entries are slowly being received, Hancock said. He is thrilled to see several first-time entrants, but also looks forward to the old favorites returning. Last year, 23 of the more than 40 floats entered registered during November, and Hancock hopes there will be an influx of entries before the Nov. 25 deadline this year.

The event will welcome a new musical group this year – the Hit Men, who will perform in Rotary Park at 5 p.m.

Other musical groups who will march in the parade include Medina’s Mustang Marching Band, Pembroke High School Marching Band and the Mark Time Marchers.

Parade floats can be entered in six different classes, which are listed on www.christmasinmedina.com,  along with entry blanks. Prize money of $4,000 will be awarded, including a Grand Prize winner.

Corporations are also encouraged to sign up for five different levels of sponsorship – diamond, platinum, gold, silver or bronze. Sponsorship forms can also be found on the Christmas in Medina website.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Heveron Electric put a lot of effort into its float in last year’s Parade of Lights on Nov. 30, 2024. Parade organizers urge businesses, organizations and residents to enter a float in the Nov. 29 parade.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Craig Royal, left, and his partner Tom Bradley sit on the steps of 512 West Ave., the historic home purchased by Andew Meier, who then contracted with Royal and Bradley to paint it. (Right) This is the newly restored front of 512 West Ave. with age-appropriate paint, a gold starburst and new steps.

MEDINA – Andrew Meier, a Medina native and local attorney, has always admired the house at 512 West Ave.

Ed Grinnell’s “Medina – Here’s to Our Heritage,” says Samuel Rice Jr., a native of England, took two deeds on the west side of what was then called “West Street.” The Tribune of Aug. 13, 1885 states “S. Rice Jr. is drawing stone preparatory to the erection of a house to be completed within a year.”

Rice died in 1907 and the house passed to a daughter, Mrs. Harry (Grace) Bickle. Grace was Samuel Rice’s daughter. The Bickles are reported to have lived in the house for many years. After Harry’s death, Grace lived in the home until around 1960, when she moved to Woodland Avenue. The next reported owners were Jim and Pat Anderson.

Meier said the house is basically original, but underwent significant interior remodeling by Harry Bickle in the summer of 1927. At that time, according to Meier, the kitchens and bathrooms were modernized and, he believes, the tin ceilings were installed throughout.

“Almost the entire first floor and much of the second floor have tin ceilings,” Meier said. “It is quite amazing.”

More recently, former village trustee Tim Elliott owned the home and turned it into a ceramics’ studio. When Meier learned Elliott had moved his studio two years ago, he decided to go talk to him.

“The rest is history,” Meier said.

Meier did not have any definite plans for the house when he purchased it, he said.

“But I decided to make it back into a home after working inside it,” Meier said. “We have not done too much work inside, but on the outside, lots of rotten wood has been replaced and the entire porch was rebuilt. We were able to salvage the original porch posts, but all of the railing had to be turned on a lathe to match the original, as it was beyond repair.”

Craig Royal looks at the 1961 issue of Lipton’s Magazine, in which his father Zeke Royal and Zeke’s business partner John Bradley take a break for a glass of tea while painting the Orleans County Courthouse. Bradley’s son Tom currently works with Craig on painting projects.

Meier also knew who he wanted to paint the house, and he contacted Craig Royal, who took over his father Zeke Royal’s painting business and now lives in Mooresville, N.C. Craig’s partner in the business was Tom Bradley, son of Zeke’s partner John Bradley. Tom now lives and Naples, Fla., but agreed to come north and work with Craig on several projects, including the house at 512 West Ave. They also painted Creekside Floral during their time here.

Their dads and Craig and Tom have painted everything and anything, including water towers, schools and churches.

“Dad used to drive up West Center Street and pointing he would say, ‘I painted that house and this house,’” Craig said.

Craig is a Medina native and 1977 graduate of Medina High School. Tom was born in Albion, but his family moved to Naples when he was 14, he said.

Craig said they come up north in the summer to paint, because it’s cooler here then. When Meier called him last year about the house at 512 West Ave., he recruited Scott Grimm, a retired teacher, and current teachers John McCarthy, Christian Held and Shawn Ragonese to help.

He also had to resurrect his father’s old paint truck, which he had sold to Jim Lawson. It was sitting in a field and needed a lot of work, Craig said.

It took more than a month to apply 20 gallons of primer to the house. They completed the job around Sept. 1.

Craig Royal and Tom Bradley stand by their paint truck parked in the front yard of 512 West Ave., after completing a several month-long painting and restoration job on the home, recently purchased by Andrew Meier.

MAAC urges donations that will be shared with children and senior citizens

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Medina firefighters gather around the MAAC Christmas barrels on Wednesday morning, prior to loading them in their ambulances to be delivered to local shops, schools, churches, etc. to be filled with gifts for children and families in the Medina community. From left are firefighter Joe Kyle, Lt. Steve Miller, Lt. Adam Fisher, Lt. Jacob Crooks, chief Steve Cooley, Lt. Tim Miller, trainee Zyere Wade from Iroquois Job Corps, firefighter Frank Golojuch and Red Barrel chair Sherry Tuohey-Sipple.

MEDINA – When they are not busy putting out a fire or responding to an emergency call, Medina firefighters may be found supporting their community in other ways, such as delivering barrels throughout town for MAAC’s annual Christmas Present Program (otherwise known as the Red Barrel Program).

Delivering toys to children at Christmas time was started by the Medina firefighters decades ago. The Medina Area Association of Churches now runs the program. Sherry Tuohey-Sipple has been organizer of the program for going on eight years.

Every year, up to 42 barrels are delivered to targeted locations throughout Medina and nearby. The public is encouraged to fill the barrels with a new toy or gift suitable for youth up to 18 years of age and senior citizens.

Lt. Adam Fisher carries two barrels to his emergency vehicle at the Grove Methodist Church. Medina firefighters delivered 42 red barrels Wednesday morning.

Last year, more than 110 families were provided with Christmas gifts and a holiday meal. Tuohey-Sipple anticipates the need will be greater this year because of the state of the economy.

While Tuohey-Sipple heads the committee, she has lots of help. Norma Jean Foster has been in charge of the food baskets for the past four years. She shops for hams, potatoes, canned fruits and vegetables, stuffing and cereal.

Barb Vreeland, a member of MAAC, said this is a blessed ministry, for sure. Vreeland said they are grateful to the churches and community, all of which are so good to them.

Tuohey-Sipple added her thanks to the businesses, churches, banks, libraries and anyone else who accepts a red barrel in their establishment.

Provided photos: (Left) Norma Jean Foster carries boxes of canned goods into the Grove United Methodist Church where they will be used to fill food boxes for the Christmas Present (Red Barrel) Program. (Right) Katie Oakes poses with a MAAC red barrel at Lynoaken Farms on Ridge Road. Customers who donate a gift suitable for a teen will receive a bag like the ones she is holding filled with apples. This is the final weekend Lynoaken will be open.

Two new board members for MAAC have volunteered to take an active role in encouraging donations.

Katie Oakes, who heads LynOaken Farms U-pick apple orchard, and Meghan Fuller, whose mother owns Ellen J. Goods, have both come up with promotions for the public. Oakes said MAAC is an organization that is near and dear to her heart.

“Every year they run a Christmas Present program for local families in need – providing gifts for children up to 18, hats and gloves for all family members, hygiene kits for every adult in the household and a full holiday meal,” Oakes said. “I think it’s such an amazing program and this year I’m so honored to be a part of the committee that has been running it for years.”

Oakes went on to explain that while gifts for babies and young children are plentiful, teens are often the ones most overlooked when it comes to holiday donations.

In an effort to boost donations for this age group, Oakes has placed a red barrel in the U-pick pavilion for their final weekend this week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Anyone who brings a new gift for a pre-teen or teen (ages 9-18) will receive a free half peck bag to fill with any of their remaining apples. (One bag per person – not per gift).

Medina firefighter/EMT Frank Golojuch and others at Medina FD finish loading the 42 barrels they would deliver to various locations in Medina and the surrounding area.

Some ideas for gifts are Legos, earbuds, portable chargers, reusable water bottles, cozy blankets, art kits/supplies and Bluetooth speakers.

Fuller works with her mom Lynne, owner of Ellen J. Goods store on Main Street. It is a vintage and antique furniture and home décor shop, offering painting and décor workshops. They sponsor retreats and welcome EJG campers at various times throughout the year.

Fuller said she is thrilled to have joined the MAAC committee and to be able to collect gifts for teens this holiday season.

“Teens deserve to feel the love, too,” she said. “I will put together an awesome Pentart/Decoupage Queen gift basket in our store. If you bring in a gift for a teen, you will be entered to win. Your help would mean the world to me and make the holidays a little brighter for local teens.”

To qualify for a holiday basket, families must live in the 14103 (Medina) or 14479 (Knowlesville) zip codes. They must sign up during the second and third weeks of November at either St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 1355 West Ave., from 10 a.m. to noon or 5 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 11 or 18; or at the Vine at 11031 Maple Ridge Rd., from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 13 or 20. They must provide proof of household, residence and income. Income guidelines will apply.

The barrels will be picked up on Dec. 3 and gift boxes delivered on Dec. 13.

Anyone with questions may contact Tuohey-Sipple at (585) 356-8346 or call (585) 798-5698 and leave a message.

Medina Fire Chief Steve Cooley helps load red barrels in his department’s emergency vehicles to kick off the 2025 Christmas Present (Red Barrel) drive.