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.
Provided photo: Jaye Sullivan, who co-chairs the Decorate Medina Committee with Eric Watson, fetches extension cords on Sunday for the lights, while committee members in back work at putting up the giant festive words donated by Takeform on the railing overlooking East Center Street.
MEDINA – Just in time for the Parade of Lights on Saturday evening, the Decorate Medina Committee, Medina Lions and village DPW have completed putting up the decorations which have made Medina famous.
It was more than 40 years ago when the late Rev. Burt Entrekin visited another village out of state and saw it ornately decorated for the Christmas holiday.
“He came home and said he wanted to see Medina look like that,” said Jaye Sullivan, who has been on the committee for most of those years and now chairs it with Eric Watson.
Entrekin formed a committee and spearheaded fundraising, and Decorate Medina has continued to spread Christmas cheer every year throughout the downtown.
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Candy canes and lollipops line the walkways in Rotary Park, while reindeer and Santa’s sleigh are adorned with real evergreens, all thanks to the efforts of the Decorate Medina Committee, headed by Jaye Sullivan and Eric Watson. At left, the giant Christmas tree is ready and waiting for the lighting ceremony Saturday at 5 p.m., to kick off the Parade of Lights.
Over the years, decorations have been improved and added, with the village DPW responsible for installing the garland and lights over Main and Center streets and the lights on two giant trees in State Street Park; the Medina Lions took on setting up the Nativity scene across State Street Park; and the committee headed by Sullivan and Watson decorating Rotary Park.
Rotary Park has become the permanent location for the house which becomes Santa’s headquarters during holiday time. Every year the Decorate Medina Committee sets up a sleigh with reindeer, candy canes and lollipops along the walkways and a photo booth. Takeform provides and donates a sign with the current year each holiday season. They also made and donated giant letters on the railing facing East Center Street, which read “Peace, Joy, Love.”
“This year we put fresh greens on the sleigh and reindeer,” Sullivan said. “They look so nice.”
Other committee members are Mary Woodruff, publicity; David Sevenski, Sue and Kevin DeHollander, Lynn Woodruff, Jen Hill, Peter Kaiser, Jason Watts, Matt Kennedy, Barb Gorham, Mary Lewis and Maureen Sanderson.
Provided photo and information from VFW Auxiliary
MEDINA – The VFW Auxiliary to Lincoln Post 1483 in Medina presented the Calvary Cupboard Food Pantry at The Vine Church with a $500 check to assist the food pantry in purchasing food to help feed those in need.
Volunteers in the photo at the food pantry are from left Donna Poore, Missy Schening, Sheila and Dan Tabor, and Mike Yeager in the back. On the right is Dave Berry, president of the VFW Auxiliary 1483 in Medina. The VFW Auxiliary wishes to thank all the volunteers serving at the food pantry for their dedication and time they give to others in need.
The Calvary Cupboard Food Pantry has many more families coming to the pantry for assistance at this time. The food pantry is accepting donations of non-perishable items such as spaghetti sauce, soups, juices, canned fruit and vegetables, and canned diced tomatoes, as well as monetary donations used to purchase items when they run low.
The food pantry is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Vine Church, 11031 Maple Ridge Rd., Medina. Anyone with any questions can contact Donna Poore at 585-798-3738 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Georgia Thomas of Medina has arranged her collection of 300 stuffed animals in a holiday exhibit at the Medina Historical Society, 406 West Ave. It will be open for visitors during Olde Tyme Christmas celebration on Saturday and again for Wine About Winter in February. Here, the dining room is set exquisitely set for a “Chris-moose” dinner. The stockings hung on the fireplace were crocheted by Thomas.
MEDINA – Christmas may come only once a year, but Georgia Thomas is a kid at heart all year long.
Thomas has a collection of more than 300 stuffed animals of all kinds, which she has spent four days arranging on display at the Medina Historical Society. On Saturday, she had help from Kathryn McKenney, a historian, historical preservation specialist and the newest member of the Historical Society board.
Thomas never intended to amass such a collection of stuffed animals when she bought the first handful as a teaching aide for her sign language students.
“It just sort of mushroomed,” she said. “I was teaching in Maryland when I bought the first ones. The children would pull an animal out of the bag and then sign what it was, what color it was, what it ate and if it was wild or tame.”
Georgia Thomas, right, is joined by Kathryn McKenney, a historian and historical preservation specialist, in setting up Thomas’ large collection of stuffed animals. McKenney has recently joined the board of the Historical Society. McKenney is holding a seal, while Thomas holds a possum puppet with its baby.
Every room, every counter, every space in the Historical Society is filled with stuffed animals. In the dining room, Thomas got out her Christmas poinsettia china, added a big red holiday candle centerpiece and set four large stuffed moose around the table. She calls is the “Chris-moose” room.
On the mantle is a collection of mink coat china Santas she bought in Canada, and hanging on the mantle is a row of crocheted stockings she made hang. They are for sale for $10 each.
Georgia Thomas, left, and Kathryn McKenney sit on the floor of the Medina Historical Society with a giant Burmese Mountain dog, the largest animal in Thomas’ collection of stuffed animals.
Her largest stuffed animal is a giant Burmese Mountain dog, which jokingly said she will name “Reinhard” in honor of the Medina Historical Society’s president Reinhard Rogowski.
Her collection includes a flamingo, chicken, seal, rare goat and one of each animal brought over on the Mayflower with the Pilgrims.
Her last purchase was an alligator from Bass Pro, who is selling the stuffed reptile as a fundraiser to save the endangered species.
“I wanted to support their cause, but that is the swan song,” Thomas said.
This alligator is the newest (and last) stuffed animal Georgia Thomas is going buy, she said. She bought it at Bass Pro because they were selling them to raise money to save the endangered species.
Press Release, Medina Police Department
MEDINA – The Village Board recently approved a lease agreement with Flock Safety to install License Plate Readers (LPRs) and PTZ safety cameras throughout the Village of Medina. We want to take a moment to explain what this means — and what it doesn’t mean — so our community has the full picture.
What these cameras are used for:
These cameras are designed to help our officers investigate crimes, locate missing persons, and respond faster when public safety is at risk. They capture license plate information and vehicle details that can be crucial when we’re trying to identify suspects, recover stolen vehicles, or respond to time-sensitive cases.
What these cameras are NOT used for:
These cameras are strictly for investigative use after a crime or emergency has occurred.
How the system works:
Flock cameras capture license plates and important vehicle characteristics like color, make, and unique features. This information is stored securely and automatically deleted after a short retention period unless it becomes part of a criminal investigation.
Privacy Matters:
We know that privacy is important to our community. Flock Safety’s system is built with transparency in mind:
Why this matters for Medina:
Many communities across New York and the country are using LPR technology to solve crimes faster and deter criminal activity. Our goal is simple: keep Medina safe while respecting the rights and privacy of everyone who lives, works, and visits here.
We’ll share more information as the installation begins and will always be transparent about how these tools are used.
If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to the Medina Police Department — we’re here to help.
MEDINA – The Medina Village Board has approved three license plate readers on Main Street in the village, technology that will alert the police department for vehicles that have been reported stolen or linked to crimes.
Medina will be using a grant to hire Flock Safety to install license plate readers in the downtown at the Main Street and Center Street intersection, and also on South Main Street near Crosby’s and North Main Street near Hartway Motors, said Christian Navas, acting police chief for the Medina Police Department. These readers won’t be in patrol cars.
The Village Board also authorized the Police Department to work with Flock Safety to install a camera in the Canal Basin.
Flock Safety will be paid $39,000 over three years to install the technology for the Medina PD. Medina also will become part of a network of more than 5,000 agencies with the license plate reader technology.
Any license plates Medina is trying to locate will be added to the overall network, outside of Medina. The Medina PD also could get hits on license plates sought by other agencies.
Navas said there have been stolen vehicles from the dealerships in Medina, or people who purchase them fraudulently with bad checks. The Police Department also has looked for vehicles suspected in other crimes.
The license plate readers only focus on vehicle data and do not collect personal information, facial recognition or anything tied to individuals, Flock Safety said.
The $39,000 cost is covered by a law enforcement technology grant secured by the Medina PD. The department also used part of that grant to purchase new radar technology and a speed sign on Gwinn Street.
Navas said the new license plate readers and camera system could be in service early next year.
Medina may consider adding cameras to Butts Park and State Street Park in the future, Mayor Marguerite Sherman said.
Provided photos: (Left) Kitchen staff serve up Thanksgiving dinner to residents last Thursday. (Right) An employee of Medina Memorial Hospital’s North Wing chats with Nicki Fredericks, who visited to have Thanksgiving dinner with her brother Fulton Rogers, seated beside her.
MEDINA – Residents of Medina Memorial Hospital’s North Wing were treated to an early Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings last Thursday.
“This is an annual occurrence, bringing residents, families and friends together for one of the most cherished traditions of the year,” said Scott Robinson, director of marketing at Orleans Community Health. “The event is a highlight for many, as an afternoon to spend time with those we care deeply about.”
Each year the dedicated North Wing team plans and prepares this celebration with great care, Robinson said. From decorating the space to serving a seasonal meal, staff members work together to make the day special for every resident. Their efforts create an atmosphere that feels both festive and comforting, honoring the spirit of the holiday, while ensuring residents are surrounded by the people who matter the most to them.
Families and friends were invited to join their loved ones, and the turnout was truly heartwarming, Robinson said. For many, the Thanksgiving celebration is a treasured opportunity to share memories, strengthen bonds and enjoy the companionship that defines our North Wing community, he said.
Robinson added that this yearly tradition continues to be one of the most enjoyable and meaningful events the North Wing hosts. It reflects the commitment of the staff, the spirit of the residents and the strong sense of community which makes Orleans Community Health such a special place.
“We are grateful to everyone who joined us and to the team members who made this year’s celebration so memorable,” Robinson said.
The North Wing recently organized a large Halloween party for residents and visitors and will do the same for Christmas.
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.
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.
