By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 October 2025 at 8:55 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION/MEDINA – The downtown business districts in Albion and Medina held their annual Beggar’s Nite celebrations on Friday evening and passed out candy to hundreds of kids in costume. They were able to fill their bags and baskets with treats – a week before Halloween.
The top photo shows a kid dressed as SpongeBob SquarePants. SpongeBob is on the hunt for candy along Main Street in front of KeyBank.
Provided photo: Rylie, Sydney and Shelby Ierlan are shown with their mother, Mykailah Roberts, in Albion. They had a Cat in the Hat theme.
Anita Finley, lower right, was among the merchants passing out candy in downtown Albion.
A friendly Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street made an appearance in Albion.
The Downtown Browsery welcomed kids into the building where there were several stops for candy and prizes.
This group did a witches’ dance on Main Street in Albion.
The Print Shop upped its efforts during Beggar’s Night in medina, creating this banner as a photo back drop. A long line waited outside at the Print Shop’s parking lot.
These kids in the photo include a brother and sister. Alyvia Chmylak, 6, of Holley is the Corpse Bride and her brother Kayden, age 9, is a Horror Rabbit.
Jana Howard, back left, and Tina Oosterling, co-owner of A Kut Above, gave out lots of candy. They look forward to Beggar’s Nite every year.
“We live to see the kids,” Howard said. “We see a lot of people we know. The kids are growing up fast.”
Randy Heslor, production supervisor for The Print Shop, dressed as the IT character and served as a crossing guard during the busy event.
Riki Lake, dressed as pumpkin, passed out candy next to her son, Lakato who was a character from Squid Games. They are outside the new office for CHPC.
Micheal Fuller, co-owner of The Print Shop, hands out boxes of candy and stickers. Print Shop went through 800 in the first hour and had 1,000 ready to give away. Nicole Keith is the butterfly and her daughter Aurora is Miraculous Ladybug.
Marci Fullwell, a vendor at the Downtown Browsery, disperses candy while in a character in the window portrays Jason from the Friday the 13th movies.
The Fringe not only passed out candy but they dressed out as characters from Hocus Pocus.
In front, Khloe Mank, 9, is Emily Binx. In back from left are Leah Printup as Thackery Binx (the iconic cat), Jennifer Printup as Winifred Sanderson, Amanda Mank as Mary Sanderson, and Vanessa Lhommedieu as Sarah Sanderson.
Lhommedieu is owner of The Fringe. Last year the group dressed up as characters from Beetlejuice.
“I love the magic of Halloween for kids,” she said. “It’s fun when your co-workers join in the shenanigans with you.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 24 October 2025 at 3:59 pm
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Iris Rosario Reyes and Gerardo Lareto Diaz work in their farm’s booth at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.
MEDINA – Realizing their life’s dream didn’t happen overnight for Pablo and Beatrice Rosario of West Lee Road.
The couple immigrated to the United States from Mexico more than 30 years ago, settling in Florida and working farms there. They picked oranges and tomatoes there, then one year decided to come north in the fall to pick apples.
They had always dreamed of having a farm of their own and decided to stay in Orleans County, said daughter Iris Rosario Reyes. In 2016 the opportunity arose to purchase their own farm on West Lee Road, Albion.
“We did so many renovations,” Reyes said. “We bought tractors and built greenhouses.”
Rosario Farms now specializes in berries, with 85 acres of apples, peaches, blueberries, raspberries, pears, plums and nectarines.
“Every little crack of land, we plant something,” Reyes said.
They also rent a farm on Route 104.
“The best part of farming is being alone with nature,” Reyes said. “We mow the orchards and they look so cool.”
This is the family’s first year as a vendor at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market. In addition to that, they have a stand at each of their farm’s locations. They welcome the opportunity to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to the community.
Located at the corner of West Center Street and West Avenue, the market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The farmers’ market will shift to its winter site at 345 Main St. beginning on Nov. 1, using the part of the building closer to the canal rather than the side facing Main Street.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 October 2025 at 11:06 am
Provided photo: These cornhole boards will be raffled off during a tournament on Nov. 8 at the Knights of Columbus in Medina.
MEDINA – Operation Honor is trying a cornhole tournament on Nov. 8 as a fundraiser for local veterans.
The event is a shift away from a 5K in Medina that Operation Honor had been organizing around Veterans Day. The new cornhole tournament also includes a basket raffle.
The event will be at the Knights of Columbus in Medina. The tournament starts at 1 p.m., and baskets will be drawn at 5 p.m.
Doors will open at noon for practice and the basket raffle. There will be drinks and food available all day. Spots are still available for the cornhole tournament. The registration fee is $60 per team. The basket raffle is open to the public.
To register, contact Jenn Thom, Operation Honor director, at 585-356-9596 or operationhonor18@gmail.com.
Basket raffle donations can be dropped off at 415 West Ave., Suite 2.
Operation Honor is a non-profit organization in Orleans County that provides financial assistance and support to local military veterans and their families. It helps with utility bills, car payments and heating pellets, and it also supports other veteran-focused initiatives, such as a van service for medical appointments.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Pamela Jenks of Pretty Sweet Bakery, right and Debbie Prest of Red Check Rustic dole out the candy in Albion during Beggar’s Night on Oct. 27, 2023.
By Tom Rivers and Ginny Kropf
Halloween is still almost a week away but local kids can get a chance to collect lots of candy on Friday during beggar’s Night in the downtowns of Albion and Medina.
The downtowns in both villages will have hundreds of children in costumes for Beggar’s Nite. That day is observed the Friday before Halloween. This year, Halloween is on a Friday so Beggar’s Nite will be a week ahead of Oct. 31.
Provided photo: The Print Shop has candy boxes and stickers ready for each child on Beggars’ Night in Medina. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday at outside the The Print Shop, 128 East Center St. In Albion, Beggar’s Night begins at 5 p.m.
Albion has Beggar’s Nite from 5 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 24, while in Medina the event runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. In medina, the event starts outside The Print Shop by the Medicine Shoppe.
The Print Shop is upping the ante this year, bringing more fun, fog and community spirit, according to Micheal Fuller, co-owner of the business with Dameon Heslor.
An estimated 700 children are expected in downtown Medina, where they will receive a royal send-off as they go trick-or-treating. The Print Shop will bubble and fog machines, festive music and a custom photo backdrop at the beginning of the Beggar’s Night route in the downtown.
The Print Shop team has created custom-designed items in their shop for each child. Also, a first-time feature will be Greenlief’s food truck on site during the entire evening.
“Beggars’ Night is one of our favorite events, because it gives us a chance to give back to the community that supports us all year long,” Heslor said. “Seeing the kids’ excitement and being part of a night that brings so many families downtown reminds us why we love being here in Medina.”
Albion’s Beggar’s Night starts at 5 p.m. There isn’t a specific starting spot. The trick or treating line in a loop.
People can park behind the fire department, next to Courthouse Square or the small municipal lot on Platt Street.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 23 October 2025 at 4:49 pm
Photos courtesy of Dave Miller: The Parade of Lights banner leads off last year’s parade. Plans are well underway for this year’s parade Nov. 29.
MEDINA – Days are getting shorter and temperatures are dropping, but one thing which is picking up speed is planning for this year’s Parade of Lights, scheduled Nov. 29.
Jim Hancock heads the Parade of Lights Committee, which met Monday night at the home Reinhard Rogowski. Members include Barb Hancock, Todd and Nikki Bensley, Dave and Gail Miller, Dave Stacey, Kathie Valley and Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus (Kevin and Sue DeHollander).
Hancock was delighted to report he already has a number of first-time entrants and several returning floats, and is urging citizens, business people, organizations and fire companies to put their thinking caps on and come up with a float.
Entry forms to enter a float or become a sponsor are available online at www.christmasinmedina.com. Deadline to submit entries is Nov. 25. The parade follows a day-long Christmas celebration in Medina, sponsored by the Medina Area Partnership.
The Parade of Lights has been a major attraction in Medina and beyond since its inception 16 years ago, attracting thousands of people every year and 35 to 45 parade entries.
A musical group, the Hit Men from Rochester, will perform at 5 p.m. in Rotary Park. Other musical groups marching in the parade are Medina Mustang Marching Band, the Mark Time Marchers and Pembroke High School Marching Band.
Sponsorship levels are available at diamond, platinum, gold, bronze and silver levels.
Entrants may choose to compete in one of seven categories – Non-profit, Commercial, Religious, Fire Department, Service Club/Organization, Agriculture and Other.
Floats will be judged by a panel of judges and prizes awarded in each class for Best in Class, in addition to a Grand Prize.
Again this year, a tree light ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. in Rotary Park and fireworks by Young Explosives of Rochester will take place at 5:45 p.m.
Anyone with questions may call Hancock at (585) 798-2118.
Niagara-Orleans BOCES was the grand champion in last year’s Parade of Lights on Nov. 30, 2024. The parade committee is accepting applications until Nov. 25 for floats for this year’s parade on Nov. 29.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 October 2025 at 7:32 am
Inductees include St. Stephen’s Church in Middleport, Christ Church in Rochester, Albion Academy Apartments (former Grammar School) with Sandstone Park in Albion to receive Heritage Award
Photos by Tom Rivers: The former Albion Grammar School, now the Albion Academy Apartments, will be inducted into the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame today, one of three new inductees.
MEDINA – The Medina Sandstone Society will induct three sites into its Hall of Fame today during at 1:30 p.m. ceremony at Medina’s City Hall.
The new inductees bring the total to 46 since the Hall of Fame was started in 2013. The Hall of Fame is located in the main meeting room at Medina City Hall, 600 Main St.
The new inductees include:
STEPHEN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, Middleport, NY
St. Stephen’s Catholic Church was built in 1908 at 21 Vernon St. in Middleport.
For more than a century, St. Stephen’s Catholic Church was a spiritual home for the faithful in Middleport, a village in eastern Niagara County.
The congregation formed in 1854, and the church building was constructed in 1908 at 21 Vernon St. The local Catholics were diligent stewards of this site for the next 117 years.
St. Stephen’s celebrated its final Mass on Jan. 12, 2025. It closed as part of a restructuring in the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo due to a shortage of priests and declining attendance.
The church has been combined with St. Mary’s Church in Medina as part of the Holy Trinity Parish.
“We recall the great many blessings that have come into our lives and community from this church,” Father Mark Noonan said during the final Mass.
The church was the site for more than a century for baptisms, weddings, funerals, communions and confessions.
St. Stephen’s may be on a side street, but it is a dominant building in the community. The building has been a landmark in Middleport since the building’s construction. The top of the large church looms over trees and downtown buildings that are blocks away.
St. Stephen’s was inducted into the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame on Oct. 23, 2025.
CHRIST CHURCH, Rochester NY
Christ Church at 141 East Ave. in Rochester was built in stages between 1883 and 1894 with the Johnson Tower, the tallest part of the church, completed in 1903.
Christ Church in Rochester was founded as an Episcopal parish in 1854. The cornerstone of Gothic Revival edifice was laid in 1883. The church at 141 East Ave. was built in stages between 1883 and 1894, using rock-faced red sandstone from Albion. The Johnson Tower, the tallest part of the church, was added in 1903.
The church was designed by nationally renowned architect Robert Gibson, and includes buttresses, flying buttresses, and a polygonal apse.
Christ Church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. It is also part of the Eastman Historic District. In 2022, Christ Church received a Merit Award from the Landmark Society of Western New York for a restoration project to repair its aging infrastructure and preserve its historic beauty.
The church is noted for its soaring ceilings, excellent acoustics, and numerous Tiffany stained-glass windows, mosaics and tiling. The church’s location and superb acoustics have made it a major musical venue in Rochester. Many Eastman School of Music rehearse and perform there.
Christ Church also embraces artistic expression and contemplative practices. In addition to its regular services, it hosts candlelight and virtual concerts, gallery exhibits, and seasonal events.
ALBION ACADEMY APARTMENTS (FORMER GRAMMAR SCHOOL), Albion, NY
This photo shows the community room in the former Grammar School, which was turned into 30 apartments for senior citizens, as well as the base for Meals on Wheels and a day rehabilitation program for Arc GLOW.
The striking grey Medina Sandstone building at 16 East Academy St. in Albion was originally a four-story school, built in 1906.
The 55,000-square-foot site has been transformed, becoming 30 apartments for senior citizens on the second to fourth floors, while the bottom floor is used for Meals on Wheels, and a day rehabilitation program for Arc GLOW.
The $7 million renovation has given the build a new purpose, providing vital services in the community for housing, nutrition and rehabilitation.
PathStone, known as Rural Opportunities at the time, took on the ambitious project with construction starting in September 2007 and the building opening in 2009.
The project involved repairing the Medina Sandstone exterior, restoring the grand main entrance with wood wainscoting and stamped tin ceilings, and preserving the grand staircase, moldings, and wood trim throughout the building.
Modern apartments were created within the former classrooms and auditorium, designed to maximize natural light and utilize the original window openings. The entire building was made fully accessible in accordance with ADA standards.
This project was honored by AIA Rochester for urban building re-use, the APWA with a Historic Preservation Award, and the NAIOP with a Historic Adaptive/Re-Use Award.
Heritage Award – SANDSTONE PARK, Albion NY
This photo shows one of the Little League teams for Sandstone Park in the late 1950s. Sandstone Park was an original member of the Albion Midget League in 1956 and has fielded a team every season. Next year will be the 70th anniversary of the league.
In 1954, volunteers created a baseball field and park on East State Street in Albion by a former quarry. Since then, generations of families have cared for the property, and fielded a Little League team every year.
Sandstone Park wears a distinctive bright orange uniform. The teams are often among the top contenders in the Albion Midget League. Sandstone is one of the original teams in a league that formed in 1956. Sandstone has had a team every year, and they play on one of the best fields in the area.
That field got a major makeover in 2021 with new bleachers, dugouts, a fence in the outfield, upgraded backstop and a new flagpole. Other improvements have followed with a new concessions stand, rehabbed equipment shed, and expanded parking.
A non-profit board oversees the park, and many, many volunteers keep up the field and work with the team.
They keep “Sandstone” prominent in the Albion community, and continue to bring pride to the quarrymen families who helped establish the park more than 70 years ago. Those families in the neighborhood back in 1954 paid the village $25 for 16 acres to create the park.
A sandstone plaque in the shape of home plate was placed near the base of the new flagpole in 2021. That plaque states:
“Sandstone Park – Our Greatest Generation created a unique neighborhood recreation area for the children on East State Street and the village. Generations of volunteers allowed Sandstone to provide and maintain the sense of fair play and sportsmanship the founders worked to instill in their children. The residents of East State Street and the Village of Albion are forever in their debt. To the Greatest Generation – Thank You!”
Sandstone Park recently completed several improvements to the field on East State Street which is named in honor of the late Steve Coville, a long-time coach of the team.
Editor’s Note: Orleans Hub editor Tom Rivers is a member of the Medina Sandstone Society board of directors and is currently chairman of the Hall of Fame Committee.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 October 2025 at 9:59 am
Site at former Medina Savings & Loan will become ESL in 2026
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Generations Bank on Tuesday presented $50,000 in grants to nine non-profit organizations. Eight of them received $5,000 each and one other, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, was awarded $10,000.
Pictured from left in front include: Debbie Taylor, fire chief of East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company; Samantha Covis, assistant direct at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library; AG Cutrona, executive vice president and chief banking officer of Generations Bank; Angela Krezmer, CEO of Generations Bank; Jim Hancock, treasurer of the Medina Emergency Food Pantry; and Amy Crandall, assistant vice president and market manager of Orleans County at Generations Bank.
Back row: Patty Coffee, director of People for Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) of Orleans County; Mary Zelazny, treasurer of Knights Kaderli Memorial Fund; Renee Hungerford, CEO of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee; Andrew Houseman, senior program director of the Orleans County YMCA; Steve Winans, volunteer for Operation Honor; Howie Gardner, member Board of Directors at Generations Bank; Megan Johnson, executive director of Orleans Community Health Foundation; Cindy Hewitt, vice president (Orleans County) of Generations Bank; Derek Dyson, senior vice president and chief information officer of Generations Bank.
This is the third year Generations has offered the $50,000 in grants to non-profits. In prior years, the funds were disbursed to organizations near Seneca Falls and Union Springs. Generations will become ESL Federal Credit Union with a target date of Jan. 1.
ESL is acquiring the assets of Generations Bank. The two organizations announced an acquisition deal in September 2024.
Generations merged with the former Medina Savings & Loan in 2018. Generations is based at Seneca Falls and has nine locations including a site in Medina on Maple Ridge Road.
Angela Krezmer, CEO of Generations Bank, said Generations wanted to give back to the non-profit organizations that serve many people in Orleans County. Generations was able to access the funds through the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York.
The nine grant recipients are: Community Action of Orleans and Genesee (Albion), East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company (Medina), Knights Kaderli Memorial Fund (Medina), The Lee Whedon Memorial Library (Medina), Medina Emergency Food Pantry (St. Peters Lutheran Church), Operation Honor (Medina), Orleans Community Health Foundation Inc. (Medina), Orleans County YMCA (Medina), and People for Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) of Orleans County (Albion).
Erik Fix (left), executive director of GLOW YMCA, and Andrew Houseman, senior program director of the YMCA in Orleans County, accept the grant from Howie Gardner, a board member for Generations.
Fix said the $5,000 will support services for community members, regardless of ability to pay, including scholarships for individuals and families to use the Y on Pearl Street.
Kristina Ettinger, left, community services manager at Community Action, and Renee Hungerford, CEO of Community Action, said the $5,000 grant will help the agency that faces significant uncertainty with its federal funding. The $5,000 will support essential needs, including food, rental and utility assistance.
East Shelby Fire Chief Debbie Taylor and President Mike Fuller accept $5,000 on behalf of the fire company from AG Cutrona, executive vice president and chief banking officer.
East Shelby plans to use the money for a new set of turnout gear and other personal protective equipment and tools.
The Knights Kaderli Memorial Fund, which assists Orleans County residents battling cancer, received $5,000. The fund has been assisting local families for more than 30 years, helping people with some of their bills. Pictured from left include Kevin Kaderli, Laura Marek, Mary Zelazny, Mike Zelazny and Brad Jones, the Generations chairman of the board.
Patty Coffee, director of the PAWS Animal Shelter, accepts a grant and a gift from Amy Crandall, assistant vice president and market manager of Orleans County at Generations Bank. Angela Krezmer, CEO of Generations Bank, is in back. The $5,000 will cover veterinary costs for animals to be spayed/neutered and vaccinated.
Marc Shurtz, CEO of Orleans Community Health, and Megan Johnson, director of the OCH Foundation, accept $5,000 from Howie Gardner, a Generations board member. The grant will go towards expanding services and healthcare access at OCH.
Steve Winans, a volunteer with Operation Honor, accepts a $5,000 grant for the organization that assist veterans with some of their bills and also contributions to a medical van transport service. AG Cutrona, executive vice president and chief banking officer, presents the grant.
Jim Hancock, left, thanks Generations Bank for the $5,000 grant to the Medina Emergency Food Pantry, which is based at St. Peter Lutheran Church. The money will allow the food pantry to acquire food during a time of decreased donations.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 October 2025 at 11:32 am
One trustee says board not consistent in weighing in on resolutions that could be deemed ‘political’
MEDINA – The Medina Village Board approved a resolution in support of the “Energy Choice Act,” which would prohibit New York and other governments from banning natural gas in new construction.
Congressman Nick Langworthy has proposed the bill in Congress. The Orleans County Legislature on Sept. 23 voted in support of the Langworthy bill. The County Legislature is asking other local governments to back the proposal.
The Medina Village Board agreed, in a 4-1 vote, on Monday evening. Trustee Jess Marciano cast the lone opposing vote.
She referred to a meeting in June when the Village Board declined to vote on a resolution in support of keeping Job Corps centers open. Some board members said then they didn’t want to weigh in on resolutions of support on an issue, saying it could be construed as political.
Marciano said she was surprised the board wouldn’t take up a resolution in support of Job Corps but instead would rally behind the legislation proposed by Langworthy, a Republican from Erie County and former chairman of the Republican Party in New York State.
New York’s law against natural gas for new construction is set to start in 2026 and be phased in by 2028. Gov. Kathy Hochul and the majority of the State Legislature say limiting natural gas will help reduce carbon emissions.
Village Trustee Scott Bielski was one of the votes in support of the Langworthy legislation.
“It would be detrimental to the Village of Medina,” Bielski said about prohibiting natural gas on new construction. “It would hurt housing growth in Medina.”
Langworthy said the state’s stance against natural gas limits energy choices and will increase costs for consumers.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 October 2025 at 10:29 pm
This photo posted by the Firematic Supply Company shows a new ladder truck being built for the Medina Fire Department. The photos, which were posted Oct. 17, offered a weekly progress report on the truck. Firematic, a dealer for Pierce Manufacturing, reported that the torque box was merged on the chassis followed by body installation at the start of initial apparatus assembly. The next report may show completed initial assembly and the beginning of the final assembly.
MEDINA – A new concern has emerged with the village’s quest to acquire a new ladder truck: Will the federal government be functioning to approve the loan to pay for the truck?
Medina is getting close to receiving a new ladder truck from Pierce Manufacturing in Wisconsin. The truck was scheduled to be delivered to the Medina in December, but it looks more likely for January, said Fire Chief Steve Cooley. Village officials were aiming to have a new addition on the fire hall to accommodate the new truck, which won’t fit in the existing building. The truck is taller and will need more clearance.
Medina is now looking at keeping it in the DPW building in the short-term while the board mulls how to handle housing the truck long-term.
The payment for the truck is a new worry for the Village Board. The federal government shutdown, now in its third week, could hold up financing for the new truck. Medina in June 2023 agreed to pay Pierce Manufacturing $1.7 million for the ladder truck.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved financing at a 4 percent interest rate for a loan for the truck. The USDA payment would be made when the truck is delivered.
However, the village would need a functioning federal government to access and get approval for the money to be paid to Pierce.
“We’re depending on the federal government to be open because that is who our loan is through,” Mayor Marguerite Sherman said during this evening’s Village Board meeting.
Village Clerk-Treasurer Jada Burgess told the Village Board that the Medina’s financial consultant advised the village to begin the process of seeking a loan from a private bank for the truck. The village could put the financing out to bid to see what lenders would be willing to charge Medina with an annual interest rate. Right now, that rate is unknown, Burgess said.
Switching to a private lender could be a $15,000 to $20,000 charge by hiring a bond counsel, and that doesn’t include interest rates that are expected to be higher than the 4 percent from USDA, she said.
Medina could initially use a loan from a bank and then pay off that loan with the one from the USDA if the federal loan can’t be accessed on time. But the village would still incur some expenses for bond counsel and the initial elevated payment(s) if the loan is at a higher rate than what is offered by USDA.
The slight delay on the truck’s delivery gives the Village Board more time to consider the matter, especially if the federal government shutdown continues. Burgess said it could be a six-week process to access the loan once the government reopens.
Board members said there is still more time for the shutdown to end and the government to have the funding in place before Medina would have to pursue alternative financing.
Photo and information courtesy of Medina Mustang Band Boosters
Orchard Park – The Medina Mustang Marching Band traveled to Orchard Park on Saturday for their sixth competition this season. The weather was lovely and the crowd was enthusiastic as five bands performed.
Medina was the only SS1 band and they scored 79.45. Pioneer was the only SS3 band and they scored 75.25. LS2 had three competitors and Lancaster scored 85.05, Orchard Park 83.70 and West Seneca 81.275. The UB Marching Band performed in exhibition.
The 2025 NYS Field Band Conference Championships are scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 26, at the JMB Wireless Dome (formerly the Carrier Dome) located at Syracuse University, 900 Irving Ave., where a total of 56 bands will perform in competition.
The bands are broken up into six divisions and the first group, SS3 starts at 8 a.m. The performances continue throughout the day ending around 9:40 pm. SS1, the class Medina is in, starts at 5:40 p.m. and Medina performs at 7:11 pm. More details can be found on nysfbc.org.
Ambulance crew delivers baby boy by roadside this morning
Press Release, Medina Fire Chief Steve Cooley
MEDINA – The Village of Medina Fire Department Ambulance crew delivered a baby roadside this morning. This is the second baby that crews have delivered since Friday night.
Firefighter/Paramedic Stephen Baxter and Firefighter/EMT Paul Urquhart delivered a 5-pound baby girl Friday night at 7:28 p.m.
This morning at 10:05 while enroute to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, Firefighter/Paramedics Steven Long and Brian Bates delivered a healthy baby boy on the side of the I-390 near the I-490. The baby weighed 6 pounds, 14.9 ounces and is 19 1/4 inch long. After delivering the baby boy, the crew resumed transport and turned over care to the teams at Strong.
This is Long’s second field delivery and the first delivery in the field for the Bates.
Congratulations to both mothers and both crews this weekend for their exceptional work!
As you may remember, we had a crew deliver twins on July 4. That’s four babies delivered in just over 3 months!
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 18 October 2025 at 8:44 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Heather Smith sits in the conference room of Velocitii, the company she purchased three years ago with partners Brian O’Neill and Jeff Brandt. Velocitii has been named Business of the Year by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.
MEDINA – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Year is proud of its accomplishments during only 11 years in existence.
Velocitii was founded by Roger Hungerford as a business process outsourcing company which provides customer service, technical support and back office work on behalf of other companies, said Heather Smith of Webster, chief executive officer.
“Roger wanted to create a company that was about job growth in the area,” Smith said.
Smith joined the company in 2020 as chief operating officer and rose to CEO six months later. She purchased the company three years ago with her partners Brian O’Neill and Jeff Brandt. The company has grown from 55 employees when Smith started to 180 now, most of whom work from home.
“We have tapped into the market of people looking for virtual work,” Smith said. “It works for us.”
Velocitii’s customers are from all over the United States, Smith said, one of which is from the local area.
Among their customers are a waste management company in the Northeast and a regional health care company in the Northwest.
The services they provide their clients include customer service, technical support and customer support, such as processing health care claims and accounts payable and receivable.
Velocitii has won a Top Workplaces Award for the last three years, based on a third-party survey of employees’ engagement and satisfaction.
Smith said she is proud to have tripled their size since joining the company. She praised her entire team for their efforts in building a culture where clients want to work with them and employees want to work for them.
“It’s an honor to have built a culture that has been recognized by an external organization,” she said. “Our goal is to keep growing. Our entire team is very excited about this Chamber award. It was a pleasant surprise.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 17 October 2025 at 4:24 pm
YMCA starting new programs for cooking, chess and winter rock wall climbing
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Andrew Houseman, new senior program director at the Orleans County YMCA in Medina, stands in the newly-remodeled kitchen, where the Y expects to start cooking classes soon.
MEDINA – Andrew Houseman has been preparing himself to take on the role of leading a YMCA.
“This has been my goal all along,” said Houseman, who began his duties as senior program director of the Orleans County YMCA on Oct. 6. “I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly. I’m very happy to be back in my home town.”
Houseman, a Medina native and son of Shawn and Lacy Houseman of Medina, formerly worked as lead trainer at the GLOW YMCA in Batavia and is passionate about revitalizing local programs and expanding opportunities that help strengthen families and promote healthy living. He brings renewed focus on community connection, family engagement and accessible wellness for all ages.
“The YMCA was a big part of my childhood,” said Houseman, a former YMCA youth athlete. “I grew up playing sports here, and it’s incredible to now give back in my leadership role. My goal is to ensure everyone, from kids to seniors, feels welcome, included and excited to be part of what we’re building.”
In Batavia, Houseman helped manage several successful projects, including the rollout of EGYM, which quickly became one of the region’s most successful member engagement initiatives. With a background in mechanical engineering and an MBA from the University of Buffalo, he brings a data-driven and people-first approach to program development.
Under his leadership the Orleans County YMCA is expanding its offerings to serve a wider range of interests and activities. He has several new programs ready to launch, including chess and cooking classes.
The cooking classes will be Bible-based, focusing on foods that were eaten in the Bible.
“Our focus on the Bible is a return to the ‘Christian’ origin of the YMCA,” Houseman said.
Another initiative is a winter program to use the rock wall.
Andrew Houseman stands by the chess tables at the YMCA, where he hopes chess games will become a popular pastime.
An avid chess player, Houseman has already started the YMCA Chess Club and had one evening of chess, and while participation was small, he hopes it will pick up. Play is open to all ages and players may bring their own board and pieces. Games are at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Rec Room. Play is free for members and $5 for non-members.
On Oct. 25, the YMCA will welcome all to an open house to meet Houseman and the staff. The day will feature free popcorn, no-join fees for new members and a chance to register for new programs. The event will run from 9 a.m. to noon.
Starting Oct. 29, a six-week program of hockey drills and skills will begin for ages 6 to 13. Participants will build skills, practice drills and scrimmage every night – from 6 to 6:50 p.m. Cost is $50 for members and $80 for non-members. Players can register at glowymca.org.
Other events include pickleball at 8 a.m. Sundays, starting Nov. 9. Play is free, but members and non-members must register to play.
Other upcoming highlights include new group exercise classes designed for all fitness levels and schedules, and the continuation and growth of the YMCA’s highly praised youth sports programs, including efforts to collaborate with local schools to introduce more kids to the benefits of teamwork and physical activity.
“We want the Y to be a true community hub – a place where families connect, kids develop lifelong habits and friends, and adults feel supported in their health journeys,” Houseman said. “There’s truly something for everyone here.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 October 2025 at 9:17 pm
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Rita Zambito has been honored with the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
MEDINA – Receiving the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s Lifetime Achievement Award next week is a surprise and an honor, said Rita Zambito, founder of Zambito Realtors and now co-owner with son Mark of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Zambito Realtors. Their home office is located at 11228 Maple Ridge Rd.
Information on her website states she has built her business by providing consistent, top notch service regardless of sale price. By doing so, she would reach sales volumes previously deemed unobtainable in her market and build long-term relationships that would grow her business exponentially for years to come.
Zambito raised her three children in Elba, and moved to Medina in 1978 to work at Fisher-Price. She started selling real estate for another broker in 1995. At the age of 50, she decided to go into business for herself and started Zambito Realtors.
Her son, Michael Zambito, is the very successful restaurant owner of Zambistro on Main Street in Medina, and daughter Mandy Gotham is manager of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Western New York Properties in Orchard Park.
As her business grew in addition to the Orchard Park location, Zambito opened an office in Lockport in 2019 (the same year they moved their Medina office to Maple Ridge Road), a Batavia office in 2022 and a Monroe County office in 2024.
In 2021, Zambito bought into the nationwide Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.
She currently employs close to 89 sales associates and is one of the highest ranking realtors in the region.
“The secret is to take your eyes of yourself and help other people become successful,” Zambito said. “We are like a family, and I’m successful because of them.”
File photo: Rita Zambito is pictured with her son Mark and her daughter Mandy Gotham. They are shown in 2021 when Zambito Realtors connected with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 12 October 2025 at 7:33 pm
Photo courtesy of Scott Robinson: This photograph of a maple tree in fall colors is the kind of picture Medina Area Partnership is looking for in its new photo contest focusing on the season.
MEDINA – Medina Area Partnership has announced a new photo contest, to begin Monday and focusing on the fall season in Medina.
Scott Robinson, past president of MAP and a member of the Marketing Committee, said they developed the photo contest over the past few months as a way to highlight Medina throughout the year. A new contest will be announced each season.
“With so many community members sharing beautiful photos on Facebook, we wanted to showcase Medina through their eyes,” Robinson said. “The entire committee worked on the details and the board of directors gave their blessing and support to run with the idea.”
This week, MAP’s Facebook page will post a couple of photos showcasing Medina in its fall glory. To participate in the contest, entrants just have to comment with a photo in the thread under the original photo. By posting the photo, they agree to allow MAP to use the photo to showcase Medina, Robinson said.
The contest will run begin on Monday and run until Nov. 7, with winners announced on Nov. 10. Prizes will be awarded by the three major sponsors as follows: Hart House – $50 for Hart House Hotel, Factory Expresso, Newell Lounge or Shirt Factory; $25 for Rosenkrans Pharmacy; and $25 to Creekside Floral and Gift Shop.
As long as there is strong participation, the winter challenge will kick off the week of Thanksgiving to incorporate Olde Tyme Christmas, Small Business Saturday and all of the initial holiday festivities.
“Our plan is to continue this contest each season, helping to keep Medina’s community spirit front and center,” Robinson said.
