Photo by Ginny Kropf: Owner of The Walsh Rollin Hellner, right, and his girlfriend Mary Flores pose with Santa and Mrs. Claus during a free toy giveaway to 200 children on Sunday.

MEDINA – The Walsh on Sunday continued what owner Rollin Hellner hopes will be an annual tradition of giving away free toys to children.

Hellner started the giveaway last year at the West Avenue establishment and it was so successful he decided to do it again.

“I want to give back to my community,” Hellner said. “I felt this was something the community needed. I also gave out 100 meals last month, and last year I gave business owners gift certificates for a meal.”

In addition, Hellner said he planned to give his profits from The Walsh to the Medina community.

Hellner said the toy giveaway was very popular.

“We had 75 kids in the first half hour, and 150 by 11:30 a.m.,” he said.

Also on hand were Santa and Mrs. Claus, who met with children and posed for pictures.

Jim Dunn and Nichole Penner of Medina were one of the families who brought their children, Jace, 6; Ricky, 4; and Maci, 2. The children eagerly scampered between Santa’s lap and the tables full of toys, where they each got to choose one.

Hellner said any toys left over he would likely donate to MAAC toward their Christmas giveaway.

Boxwood will host noon ceremony before volunteers place wreaths there and at other cemeteries

Photo courtesy of Jacob Hebdon: Lance Corporal Nick Fitzak carries one of the wreaths during a ceremony at Wreaths Across America on Dec. 14, 2024. Medina has participated in the event each year since 2013.

MEDINA – The Medina community will be placing about 1,200 wreaths at veterans’ graves on Saturday for the Wreaths Across America observance.

Wreaths Across America has grown in Orleans County since Medina was the first to do it at Boxwood Cemetery in 2013. Lyndonville, Albion and Holley also have joined the effort.

Medina started with seven wreaths in 2013 at Boxwood. On Saturday the wreaths will be placed at vets’ graves at Boxwood, St. Mary’s Cemetery, Sacred Heart Cemetery and Bates Road Cemetery. If there are enough wreaths, some will also be placed at Tanner Cemetery on Telegraph Road and perhaps other local cemeteries.

There will be a ceremony at noon at Boxwood before the volunteers set out on the task of setting the wreaths at gravesites for veterans.

Press Release, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library

MEDINA – Lee-Whedon Memorial Library is thrilled to announce its upcoming Fundraising Gala and Auction, marking the grand conclusion of the library’s fundraising campaign.

All proceeds from the event will directly support construction costs, ensuring the community’s library continues to grow and thrive.

The gala on Feb. 6 will feature a live auction of library furniture, a silent auction, and a basket raffle, offering guests a wide variety of exciting items. Tickets are available at the library or online through Eventbrite (click here). General admission tickets are $30, while VIP tickets are $50 and include early admission and a swag bag. The event will include music, cash bar, and hors d’oeuvres.

Guests can look forward to fun and unique auction items such as winery tickets, autographed sports memorabilia, signed books by popular authors, and original artwork including children’s book illustrations and pottery. For sneak peeks of available items, attendees are encouraged to follow Lee-Whedon Memorial Library on Facebook and Instagram. Tickets are limited, so early purchase is recommended.

“We are deeply grateful for the incredible support this community has shown throughout our expansion project,” said Library Director Kristine Mostyn. “The generosity of volunteers, both in time and contributions, has been invaluable.”

If you are interested in donating to the gala, please contact Kristine at 585.798.3430.

Construction on the expansion is well underway. Foundation walls, underground electricity, and underground plumbing have been installed, with the exterior of the building expected to be completed by year’s end. Two naming opportunities remain available for donors wishing to make a lasting impact on the library’s future.

20 bags filled with toys at Medina’s Olde Tyme Christmas and Parade of Lights

Provided photos

MEDINA – The Canalside Tattoo Company held its ninth annual toy drive during Medina’s Olde Tyme Christmas and the Parade of Lights on Nov. 29.

About 20 bags full of unwrapped toys were donated by community members at Canalside, at 627 West Ave.

Canalside owner Shawn Ramsey and his staff handed those toys over to the Medina Area Association of Churches (MAAC) and Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, which will distribute them to local families. The toys cover children of all ages and interests, Ramsey said.

Photo courtesy of Hinspergers Poly

MEDINA – The employees at Hinspergers Poly Industries Inc. in Medina have donated in a big way to the red barrel toy drive by the Medina Area Association of Churches.

The employees at Hinspergers Poly in Medina hosted a red barrel for the first time and they filled it – and they filled three more bins to hold all of the donations.

The Hinsperger family then matched the employee effort. MAAC has 42 red barrels out in the community for people to donate gifts that will be given to families before Christmas.

Provided photo: This photo shows Iroquois Job Corps students at their graduation in August.

SHELBY – The Iroquoius Job Corps has a message for the community: The center remains open and welcomes more students.

There may be confusion about the status of the center after the federal Department of Labor suspended the programs in May, with most of the students at 99 centers sent home. However, a federal judge in June ruled Job Corps Centers nationwide must remain open.

The local Job Corps at 11780 Tibbits Rd. is stepping up outreach to welcome students. The free residential program is open to students ages 16 to 24 years old.

The open house is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is a chance to meet teachers and counselors.

“See the campus, meet some students, get energized about changing the direction of your future,” the Job Corps said in promoting the event.

The center can help students earn their high school diploma, and earn certificates in carpentry, brick masonry, electrical, CNA (certified nursing assistant) or CMA (certified medical assistant).

Those going are asked to RSVP at 585-344-6714.

Photos courtesy of Hospice of Orleans: (Left) This photo shows from left stylist Leslie Saj, Salon De Coiffeur owner and stylist Terah Jackson and stylist Jianna Saulsbury. (Right) Some of the items up for raffle included an autographed photo by Ray Davis of the Buffalo Bills.

Press Release, Hospice of Orleans County

MEDINA – Hospice of Orleans County is pleased to announce a generous contribution resulting from the dedication of a local business owner and the enthusiastic support of the community.

Terah Jackson, owner and stylist at Salon De Coiffeur, has successfully concluded her salon’s Annual Christmas Raffle, raising $2,305 for Hospice of Orleans County.

For the past two months, Ms. Jackson diligently sought donations and promoted the raffle, inspiring an outpouring of support from community members and local businesses. This massive effort resulted in over 55 generously donated baskets and raffle items.

“We are incredibly grateful for Ms. Jackson’s hard work and the overwhelming generosity of the entire community,” said Brittany Dix, Community Outreach Specialist. “When community members take it upon themselves to initiate such a substantial fundraising effort, it directly helps provide vital resources that allow us to continue offering compassionate care and support to our patients and their families in Orleans County. This sort of community dedication is especially meaningful.”

The raffle, which drew winners on Nov. 18, featured a diverse array of items, including handmade cutting boards, hair supplies, chocolates, wine, gift cards, and a highly-coveted Buffalo Bills autograph.

Hospice of Orleans County extends its deepest thanks to Terah Jackson, Salon De Coiffeur stylists Leslie Saj & Jianna Saulsbury, and everyone who contributed to the success of this meaningful event.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Kelly Shaw, left, director of the Senior Center in Medina, received a Christmas gift from Carol Bellack on behalf of the senior members during the annual Christmas dinner on Monday. At rear is Lynn Creasey, president of the board.

Medina senior Natalie Herbert sings a solo “Noel,” during the A’Capella Select Choir’s visit to Medina Senior Center.

MEDINA – The Medina Senior Center was packed to capacity today for their annual Christmas dinner and entertainment by Medina High School’s A’Capella Select Choir.

The event began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer by Senior Center board president Lynn Creasey, followed by presentation of a Christmas gift to director Kelly Shaw by Carol Bellack on behalf of the seniors. Bellack shared the seniors’ appreciation of Shaw for all she does for the Senior Center.

Next was an announcement by Mike Randall, retired feature reporter for WKBW Channel 7, about a benefit he is doing Dec. 19 at the Medina Theater. Theater owner Joe Cardone is donating the theater for Randall’s performance of “Charles Dickens” to benefit the food pantries in Medina. Tickets are $10 and can be ordered through the Medina Theater’s website.

Everyone who brings a non-perishable food item will be entered in a drawing for various prizes. The doors will open at 7 and the A’Capella Choir will sing prior to Randall’s performance.

Entertaining at the Senior Center each Christmas is one of the A’Capella Choir’s favorite things to do, said director Rachel Trillizio.

“They love coming here,” she said.

The choir of 15 select members opened their program by singing “O Come All Ye Faithful,” followed by “Silent Night.” Next was “Cuckoo’s Christmas Gift” and senior Natalie Herbert singing “Noel.” The program concluded with the audience being invited to join the choir in singing “Joy to the World.”

Trillizio reminded the audience of the choir’s annual Christmas concert Dec. 14 at St. Mary’s Church with the Oak Orchard School Glee Club, directed by Andrea Busch. Doors will open at 7 p.m.

Any senior citizen in the area is invited to join the Senior Center of Western Orleans. Dues are only $10 per year and are being accepted for 2026. Benefits of becoming a member include access to day-old food from Tops bakery daily, exercise classes on Wednesday mornings, crafts and euchre on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons. Other events throughout the year include monthly luncheons and entertainment with drawings for prizes.

Rachel Trillizio, director of Medina High School’s A’Capella Choir, greets guests and introduces the choir at the annual Medina Senior Center Christmas dinner. The choir has been entertaining there for decades.

Photo courtesy of Celeste Balaban: Buddy played by Rayna Balaban and Santa played by Henry Dresser are “Happy All The Time” with the elves.

Press Release, Anna Ferlito, musical director

MEDINA – Medina residents will embrace their inner “elf” when Clifford Wise Intermediate students present their production of Elf The Musical JR. The show features 89 fifth and sixth grade students and will premiere on Dec. 4.

Clifford Wise Intermediate School will present Elf The Musical JR. on Dec. 4th and 5th at 7 p.m. at Clifford Wise Auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $3.50, and are available at www.cliffordwise.booktix.com. For more information about the show please call 585-798-2700 ext. 6204.

“Every year the 5th and 6th graders look forward to the musical, and last year when we announced we were doing Elf everyone was ecstatic” says Anna Ferlito, the musical director. “It’s a huge project to put on a show with this many kids, but it becomes a highlight every school year.”

(Left) Eliana Baity-Medina plays the “no nonsense” manager of Macy’s. (Right) Emily and her son Micheal Hobbs played by Charlotte Berry and Davante Major Dixon ask Santa for Walter Hobbs to spend more time with them.

Elf The Musical JR. is based on the 2003 New Line Cinema hit and features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar (The Wedding Singer) and Chad Beguelin (Disney’s Aladdin On Broadway, The Wedding Singer), a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone).

 The musical tells the story of a young orphan who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is given the name Buddy and raised by elves in the North Pole.  Buddy lives happily unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth.

With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list, and his stepbrother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of the holidays.

Buddy played by Rayna Balaban gets escorted out of Macy’s by security guards played by Shane Re and Vincent Moriarty.

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Metz Family Christmas won the grand champion title on Saturday during the Medina Parade of Lights.

MEDINA – Pair decent weather and an enthusiastic crowd with nearly four dozen floats brightly decorated for the holidays and you have an evening to remember.

Such was the case Saturday night for the 17th annual Parade of Lights.

Always a tradition is lighting of a giant Christmas tree in Rotary Park and the spectacular fireworks which precede the parade each year.

The winning floats have been announced and the Metz family has taken the title again. The family won in 2021 and 2022. Last year the grand champion was the Orleans/Niagara BOCES and Burger King won the top award in 2023.

Winners announced for this year are:

Grand Champion – Metz Family Christmas

Best in Class (Commercial) – Airborne Acres

Best in Class (Service Clubs) – Roy-Hart FFA

Best in Class (Fire companies) – Albion Joint Fire District

Best in Class (Not-for-profit) – Orleans Community Action’s Head Start

Best in Class (Religious) – The Vine

Best in Class – Orleans-Niagara BOCES

Santa’s Pick Award – Niagara County 4-H Equine Program

Littlest Elf Award – Eye of Oden K9 Training

Star Award – Logan’s Landscaping

Community Spirit Award – Medina Central School Transportation Department

Jim Hancock, who heads the parade committee, expressed his pleasure at this year’s Grand Marshal, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, who has also been parade announcer each year.

Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman welcomed the crowd until Hawley arrived in a Mustang convertible donated by George Bidleman of Orleans Ford.

“Being Grand Marshal of this iconic parade in this idyllic village was a wonderful experience and an honor,” Hawley said. “I have been the announcer for many years, but have never seen how the floats, bands and groups line up at the staging area at the Pickle Factory. And I never knew about the thousands of people who line the streets before the parade reaches Main Street. It’s truly a remarkably well organized and run parade and my hat is tipped to the organizers, and of course, to all the folks who attend and support the efforts.”

Hancock said there were so many beautiful and creative floats this year.

“They seem to get better and better every year,” he said. “And I am so pleased to have Steve Hawley as our Grand Marshal.”

Hancock also thanked the village departments, especially the DPW who make the parade a success every year.

Many of the units in the parade are repeat entrants, such as the Mark Time Marchers from Churchville, entertaining for their 12th year; Niagara County’s Equine Program with 16 visits; East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, every year since the beginning; Hartland Volunteer Fire Company, an entrant for many, many years; and Ridgeway Fire Company, every year.

There were a large number of first-time entrants this year, including The Willows Assisted Living Facility; Bowers Plumbing from Albion; Cutaia Trucking from Fairport; Airborne Acres from Lyndonville; Tom Bruggman from Alexander; Gilligan’s Galley Restaurant from Point Breeze; Walsh Hotel (the third oldest bar in New York); Mallard House Renovations; and Luddy’s Equipment Rental from Albion.

Of course, the final float every year is Santa and Mrs. Claus on their special float built and donated by Takeform.

Hancock issued special thanks to the Parade Committee, which included Dave and Gail Miller, Nicole and Todd Bensley, Cindy Robinson, Reinhard Rogowski, Dave Stacey, Mark Irwin, Barb Hancock, Kathie Valley and Sue and Kevin DeHollander.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Before the start of the Parade of Lights at 6 p.m. in Medina on Saturday, fireworks added to the spectacle in downtown Medina.

The fireworks show was for about 10 minutes.

Each side of Main Street was packed with people for the fireworks and the parade. There also was a tree-lighting at Rotary Park at about 5:30 p.m.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley, the grand marshal for the parade and the announcer for the past 16 years, said Medina has the best Main Street in the state.

Steven Long, a Medina firefighter, sent in this photo Medina Engine 10 under the fireworks.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on a float created by Takeform in Medina to close out Medina’s 17^th annual Parade of Lights on Saturday night. There were 45 floats in the parade that brought several thousand people to the downtown and along a parade route that started at the Olde Pickle Factory and went down Park Avenue to Main Street.

Logan’s Landscaping in Medina created an impressive float that resembled a giant Hot Wheels truck. Logan’s gave away 1,000 Hot Wheels cars while traveling the parade route.

The Miller Hose Fire Company in Newfane made the trip for the parade. Several rows of onlookers weren’t deterred by the 30-degree temperatures for the parade that lasted about 1 hour, 15 minutes.

The Eye of Oden, which provides dog training in Kent, gets its float ready for the parade while in the staging area at the Olde Pickle Factory parking lot.

The Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company was among several departments to participate by decorating fire trucks and other rescue equipment for the parade.

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee celebrated Head Start and other programs of the agency with this float.

The Painted Sky Ranch from Brockport brought horses to the parade.

The Walsh decorated a 1974 fire truck with 5,000 lights and rode in the parade.

The North Wing at Medina Memorial Hospital participated in the parade.

Bentley Brothers of Albion and Brockport was in the parade with a float celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

Gilligan’s Galley, a restaurant at Point Breeze, had a boat decorated for the event.

Luddy’s Equipment Rental, which opened this year in Albion, was a newcomer to the Parade of Lights and gave Spiderman a ride on the top of its float.

The Medina Transportation Department at the school district decorated bus no. 212 with a Candy Land theme.

The East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company made a big effort for its display in the parade.

Before the parade, there was a tree-lighting celebration at Rotary Park.

MEDINA – In recent years, an owl has been perched on top of Main Street during rh Parade of Lights.

Tonight’s parade again had a guest star with what look like a barred owl up high on buildings.

Kyle Brege took the photo on top.

Kelly Albone posted this photo on the Orleans Hub Facebook page.

Provided photo

MEDINA – The winners of the Littlest Elf Contest include, from left: Noa Pierce, second place; Crew Overholt, 3rd place; and Isabella Tompkins, 1st place.

The contest urges participants to dress up in a holiday costume. It was part of today’s Olde Tyme Christmas celebration in Medina. The three were able to be part of the noon parade.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – A group of runners, including Jacob Keppler as Santa, start off fast in the Canal Basin for today’s Home for the Holidays 5K in Medina.

The race kicked off the Olde Tyme Christmas celebration in Medina. There are many activities throughout the day, including the Parade of Lights at 6 p.m.

Click here to see the schedule of events.

Eric Tompkins of Lockport dressed as an elf in today’s Home of the Holidays 5K in Medina.

Jose Miguel Silva Ortiz of Medina won the race in a time of 17:53, followed by Alden Cayea of Medina in a time of 18:02. The first place finisher is shown by the Big Apple along the Erie Canal.

Kim Mills of Oakfield was the first female to finish the race with a time of 21:43.

Orly the Ox, the Orleans County Bicentennial mascot, greeted runners as they turned from the towpath and crossed the lift bridge. Orly wore his favorite ugly Christmas sweater for the race.

This runner paused to take a selfie with Orly.

Many of the runners were buddled up for the race. It was about 30 degrees at the start of the 5K.