Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Chris Walczak, nurse’s aide in the surgery department, gets a hug from the Grinch during Medina Memorial Hospital’s afternoon with Santa on Wednesday. (Right) Destiny Miller, a certified nursing assistant at Medina Memorial Hospital, helps Aric and Addie Fox scoop up bags of reindeer food to take home and scatter on their lawn on Christmas Eve.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 December 2023 at 8:39 am
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health on Wednesday afternoon hosted its first holiday event with Santa and Mrs. Claus since Covid hit in 2020.
Children were informed of the event through notes sent to their schools. For many years, the event took place in the morning on a weekend and included breakfast, as well as crafts and a visit with Santa.
This year, according to Kristin Grose, human resources manager, the event featured cookies with Santa, crafts, cookie decorating and making reindeer food. The reindeer food consisted of oatmeal and cereals which children could scoop into plastic bags to take home and scatter on their lawns for Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve.
Isabella Gray, daughter of Medina Memorial Hospital’s director of nursing Kim Gray, greets children who attended an afternoon with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Wednesday. Here, Isabella gives a bag of goodies to Emma-Lee Noone, 6, whose grandmother Bobbi Huwyler brought her to see Santa.
Bobbi Huwyler brought her granddaughter, Emma-Lee Noone, 6, who, like all the children, got a bag of goodies to take home, including candy canes. Santa and Mrs. Claus sat in the hospital lobby, where children could get their picture taken and share what they wanted for Christmas.
Isabella Gray, 17, volunteered to help greet children to satisfy her community service hours for school.
“My mom brought me here to this event when I was 3,” she said.
She may be nearly grown up now, but 17-year-old Isabella Gray still likes to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Isabella remembers when her mother brought her to the hospital to see Santa when she was 3 years old.
Isabella’s mom, Kim Gray, is director of nursing at the hospital.
Valerie Kujawa of Medina brought her son Micah, 6, and their cousins Aric, 8, and Addie Fox, 6. She said she had previously brought Micah to the event when he was 3 and it included breakfast with Santa.
Not only do the children get to interact with Santa, but hospital staff say it is a good way to show children that hospital’s aren’t a scary place, in case they ever have to come there for treatment.
From left, Aric Fox, 8, Micah Kujawa, 6, and Addie Fox, 6, all of Medina, make Christmas ornaments at a Santa event Wednesday afternoon at Medina Memorial.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 December 2023 at 8:49 pm
Sara Flansburg leads the store following Jaye Sullivan’s retirement
Photos by Tom Rivers: Sara Flansburg, left, is the new owner of Blissetts Speciality Shop at 447-449 Main St. The business started 81 years by Sullivan’s family. She is the third generation to own it. She said Blissetts is in good hands with Flansburg.
MEDINA – Blissetts Specialty Shop made it official with an announcement today: Jaye Sullivan is retiring and Sara Flansburg is the new owner.
Sullivan has owned the business that sells wedding and formal dresses since 2004. Blissetts also has a children’s boutique with clothing and gifts for infants and young children.
Flansburg, 37, has long been a customer of Blissetts – when she went to the prom, when she was married and when she served as a bridesmaid. Her sister Kaitlyn (Dresser) Miller worked at Blissetts when she was in high school.
“I feel like this is a staple in the community, not only in Orleans County but beyond,” Flansburg said. “Nothing is changing. We’re here to cater to the customer to help them find the perfect dress.”
There was a ribbon-cutting celebration today with Dave Gagne, president of the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce, joining Sara Flansburg and Jaye Sullivan. Assemblyman Steve Hawley also attended the celebration. He presented a citation from the Assembly to Sullivan in appreciation for her long career as a business owner and volunteer. Hawley also presented a Certificate of Merit to Flansburg as the new owner of Blissetts.
Sullivan said Flansburg will do a great job leading the business. The former Sara Dresser grew up in a farming family and Sullivan has known her since she was kid. Sara is married to Ben Flansburg and they have two children: Molly, 9, and Landon, 5.
Flansburg has worked the past 12 years for Western New York Energy in Medina, starting as a receptionist and leaving as a senior accountant.
Flansburg went back to college and earned an accounting degree. She first earned a degree in communications/journalism from St. John Fisher, where she also played softball.
She has enjoyed retail and connecting with customers since she was a teen working for the former Mrs. B’s ice cream and miniature golf business on Ridge Road in Ridgeway.
Flansburg heard Sullivan was interested in retiring, and called her last January. The deal closed last week, and Flansburg owns the business and the building which is at Medina’s main intersection in the downtown.
Sara Flansburg said Blissetts offers an experience in finding the perfect dress that can’t be duplicated by choosing from a catalog online.
Sullivan will stay on in the short term as a consultant. Michelle Lewis, a consultant for the past six years at Blissetts, also will continue at the store, helping people pick their wedding dresses and formal gowns.
Sullivan initially was planning to sell the business, but not the name “Blissetts.” Flansburg said the name has a sterling reputation in Western New York. People come to Blissetts for the “experience.” They don’t want to just order a dress online or from a big box store, Flansburg said.
As Sullivan got to know Flansburg better, she felt confident Flansburg would carry on the excellence and prestige that Blissetts is known for in the region.
“She understands the legacy,” Sullivan said.
Jaye Sullivan loved celebrating special occasions with community
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Jaye Sullivan welcomes Sara Flansburg as the new owner of Blissetts Specialty Shop.
MEDINA – After more than 80 years as a family-run business, Blissett’s Specialty Shop has a new owner.
Jaye Sullivan this morning officially announced the sale of her business to Sara Dresser Flansburg of Medina.
“I turned 70 this year and decided it was time to retire,” Sullivan said. “I plan to stay on for a little while and help Sara. I can cover for her when she needs me.”
Blissett’s was started by Sullivan’s grandparents, Chester and Beatrice Blissett.
“My grandma and grandpa met in Rochester in 1941 at Michael’s and Stern Company which manufactured and sold garments,” Sullivan said. “That was a time when there weren’t a lot of stores selling ready-made clothing and people ordered their clothing custom made.”
After Chester and Beatrice were married, they moved to Albion and started a business in Albion, selling custom-made garments. Six years later, they decided to open a second store in Medina, located in the Cook Building on Main Street. That store also sold a limited supply of ready-made clothing.
Driving back and forth between Medina and Albion became a challenge, and one day the Blissetts were in a bad accident. Shortly after they closed the Albion site and concentrated on Medina.
The Blissetts had a son and daughter Glenyce, who married John Stillwell and had three daughters, Jann, Jaclyn and Jaye. When Jaye was 2, the Blissetts and Stilwells bought a farm on Route 31, just west of Knowlesville Road, where Jaye and her husband Tim Sullivan live today. Jaye said their daughter Mackenzie worked in the store during high school.
Glenyce took over the family business in the 1970s, and all three girls worked there at some point. It was Glenyce who took on the bridal business 43 years ago, which Jaye said was “a good move.”
“We all had to work growing up,” Jaye said. “You either worked on the farm or in the store, and sometimes, both.”
“I was the farm girl, but I’m the one who took over the business when mom was ready to retire,” Jaye said. “I was only 3 when I was allowed to make bows for packages in the store.”
She said they all have been on buying trips to New York City.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Assemblyman Steve Hawley presents an official citation from the State Assembly to Jaye Sullivan, declaring her an “exceptional person, who is worthy of esteem of not only the community but the entire State of New York.” Hawley said Sullivan not only has owned Blissetts Specialty Shop since 2004, but been dedicated to community causes. “Jaye has served as a pillar of the Medina community as an officer in the Medina Business Association and as chairperson of the Decorate Medina Committee which has culminated in countless hours of enjoyment for the citizens of Orleans County,” Hawley said.
Jaye said they bought the building at the corner of Main and East Center Street in 1996. Glenyce owned the business until Jaye bought it in 2004.
“I love this business, and I hope Sara loves it as much,” Jaye said. “You get to see everybody and you grow up with your customers who come here. You celebrate their births, their marriages, their proms and all their special occasions. I never got up in the morning and thought, “I don’t want to go to work.’”
Jaye said her husband Tim has helped with remodeling through the years and maintenance.
“Maybe now I can spend more time with him,” she said.
She is thrilled with the new owner.
“Sara couldn’t have been a better fit,” Jaye said. “It’s the same vibe.”
Jaye Sullivan is pleased Blissetts will continue as a store for wedding and prom dresses, and also as a gift and clothing boutique for children.
SENECA FALLS – Generations Bank announces today the appointment of Angela Krezmer as the new president & CEO, effective November 27.
Angela Krezmer
Founded in 1870 and headquartered in Seneca Falls, Generations Bank has nine retail locations, including Medina, Seneca Falls, Auburn, Union Springs, Waterloo, Geneva, Phelps and Farmington.
Ms. Krezmer’s appointment marks her as the 13th and first female president & CEO of Generations Bank.
Ms. Krezmer, in addition to her role as President & CEO, has been elected to join the board of directors, contributing her valuable insights and leadership to the strategic direction of the bank. Ms. Krezmer, who has been serving as the chief financial officer of Generations Bank since 2021, will continue to fulfill her role in this capacity.
“We are excited to announce Angela Krezmer as our new president & CEO. In a historic move for our Seneca Falls-based organization, a town renowned for women’s rights, Ms. Krezmer becomes the first female president & CEO,” said Brad Jones, chairman of the Board of Directors. “Her proven track record, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence make her the ideal candidate to lead Generations Bank.”
Ms. Krezmer served as interim principal executive officer since Oct. 16, after the passing of Generations Bank’s previous president & CEO, Menzo Case. He served in the role for 15 years until his passing in October.
“I am honored to take on the role of president & CEO at Generations Bank,” Krezmer said. “I am committed to maintaining the high standards set by my predecessor and steering our dedicated team toward a future that prioritizes community well-being and progress.”
Prior to joining Generations Bank, Ms. Krezmer served as chief financial officer of Prosper Bank, now known as Presence Bank in Coatesville, Pa. Prior to that role, Ms. Krezmer served for more than a decade at Fairport Savings Bank in Fairport, New York where she held various positions including chief financial officer.
Ms. Krezmer is a graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology and ABA Stonier School of Banking and has worked in the banking industry since 2008.
In addition to her professional achievements, Ms. Krezmer is active in the community, previously serving as the treasurer for the Verona Street Animal Society where she passionately exercised her dedication to rescuing and advocating for dogs and animals in need. Additionally, she recently joined the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity of Seneca County, an organization close to the heart of her predecessor, Mr. Case.
Ms. Krezmer is a native of the Finger Lakes region, having grown up in Farmington. Currently, Ms. Krezmer resides in Canandaigua, where she lives with her husband, Justin, and their two adopted dogs.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Rachel Trillizio, director of Medina High School’s A'Cappella Choir, greets members of the Medina Senior Center at the seniors’ annual Christmas luncheon on Monday. These members of the Select Choir entertained with a number of Christmas songs.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 5 December 2023 at 8:19 am
MEDINA – The Medina Senior Center welcomed a full house to its annual Christmas luncheon on Monday. As has been customary for more than 20 years, the luncheon was followed by a visit from a portion of Medina High School’s A’Cappella Choir.
Choir director Rachel Trillizio explained the Select Choir is made up of students in 10th to 12th grade, who excel in voice and have to audition to be chosen for the choir.
“I love, love, love how I get to spend my time with these kiddos,” Trillizio said.
She also said it was evident the students also were having a good time.
She reminded the audience of the A’Cappella’s annual Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 17 at St. Mary’s Church, during which they will perform 15 different pieces. They will also present a concert at school on Dec. 22, to which the public is invited.
Monday was also the Senior Center’s monthly meeting, which included raffles of money, gifts and poinsettias.
Center director Kelly Shaw reminded the seniors of the large basket raffle , starting at 9 a.m. Saturday. The public is invited to support this event, which is one of the Center’s vital fundraisers.
Shaw also announced membership has risen to 300. She encourages any senior to join for only $10 a year. Benefits include exercise classes on Wednesday, cards three days a week and free day-old baked goods from Tops almost daily.
The Medina Senior Center had a full house Monday for their Christmas lunch and entertainment by the Select Choir, part of Medina High School’s A’Cappella choir.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 5 December 2023 at 8:06 am
Best of Tymes will send several costumed characters to entertain
Provided photo: The Grinch and Cindy Lou are two of the characters Best of Tymes Party Rentals is sending to entertain children with special needs at a party on Sunday at Rudy’s in Medina.
MEDINA – Children with special needs are being invited to a first-time Christmas party designed just for them.
Angie Coon of Medina, whose son has autism, knows how challenging being around crowds can be for a child living with disabilities.
“I got this idea to do a Christmas party geared especially for children with special needs,” Coon said.
She reached out to Christina Nenni, an owner of Best of Tymes Party Rentals in Albion, who offered to send costumed characters to entertain for the event.
Brody Hoffmeister, owner of Rudy’s Café in Medina, agreed to open his restaurant for the party, which is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Coon explained there will be activities suitable for children of different ages and disabilities. Activities will be segregated in separate areas of the restaurant so as not to overwhelm children with challenges. She suggests the party is suitable for children from 2 to 12, but older children will also be considered.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, along with Jolly Jingles, Frosty and the Grinch and Cindy Lou. Best of Tymes Party Rentals will also have their Christmas selfie station set up for photos with the characters. Activities will include cookie decorating. Children who may not interact well in a crowd can come to the door and Coon will give them a gift bag and cookie decorating kit to take home.
Coon asks that anyone with a disabled child who would like to attend to text her at (585) 283-9114 with the child’s disability and if they have any special dietary needs.
Breakfast pizza will be served.
Coon said some of her friends have made donations toward the event, but she is footing most of the bill herself.
“This is one good deed I can do this Christmas,” she said.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Five-year-old Mazie Phillips of Medina got to meet her idol, the Grinch, at a breakfast brunch this morning at Bent’s Opera House. She spent the morning teasing her favorite character, who tossed candy canes at the children. (Right) Viggo Lubahn, 7, of Erie, Pa. loves the Grinch so much his grandparents Terri and John Lubahn and uncle Nik had to bring him to see the character. Here, he hugs a stuffed Grinch, which every child who attended the breakfast had a chance to win.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 December 2023 at 8:42 pm
MEDINA – The Grinch who stole Christmas captured kids’ hearts when they came to visit him Sunday at Bent’s Opera House.
For the first time, Bent’s hosted brunch with the Grinch, complete with the storybook character and green eggs and ham.
Faye Conley, events coordinator for Bent’s Opera House, said the idea to host the Grinch was a combined brainstorm of the staff.
“Everybody does breakfast with Santa, and we wanted to do something different,” Conley said.
The opera house was filled with tables covered in green cloths and colorful holiday decorations. The stage was ornate with two decorated Christmas trees and a red chair for the Grinch, where he sat and threw candy canes at the children.
The breakfast brunch included mini muffins with green frosting, pancakes, fruit, green eggs and ham, apple pudding casserole, bacon and sausage and more.
Viggo Lubahn, 7, from Erie, Pa., loves the Grinch and when his family saw the breakfast advertised, his grandma Terri Lubahn said she, her husband John and Viggo’s uncle Nik had to bring him. She grew up in Lyndonville and has family there, so she was very familiar with the Medina area. They also came last week for the Parade of Lights and said it was spectacular.
“You must be very proud of your town,” she said.
The Grinch slinks across the stage at Bent’s Opera House while entertaining children at a breakfast brunch Sunday morning.
Mazie Phillips, 5, is also crazy about the Grinch. Her grandma Debbie Fuller, wearing a Grinch shirt, said they have an animated Grinch at home, and Mazie gives it a big hug every day.
“When I saw the breakfast advertised, it was all over it to make sure I got tickets,” she said.
Mazie was more interested in teasing the Grinch than in eating. She was delighted when the Grinch came down into the crowd and interacted with the children.
All the children who came to breakfast were entered in a drawing to win a giant stuffed Grinch.
It’s a sure bet they will have the Grinch back again, Conley said.
The next big event for the Opera House will be a New Year’s Eve celebration with a buffet and live band.
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Staff of MAAC and Community Action of Orleans and Genesee pose with employees of Canalside Tattoo and a big collection of toys that were dropped during Medina’s Parade of Lights on Saturday, Nov. 25. In front at left and right are Katrina Chaffee, director of community services and reporting at Community Action, and Sherry Tuohey, head of the MAAC Red Barrel Christmas program. In back are, from left, Andrew Lonnen with Canalside; Regan Timmer with Canalside; Rickey Standish with Community Action; Canalside owner Shawn Ramsey; Jim Sipple with MAAC; James Christian with Canalside; Jeanette Worsley, case manager with Community Action; Ernest Gursslin, Community Action’s facilities manager; Matthew Rolfe with Canalside; and C. J. Cruickshank, Canalside employee.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 2 December 2023 at 8:56 am
MEDINA – Two agencies which assist families at Christmas got a big boost for their holiday programs Friday morning with the donation of toys at Canalside Tattoo in Medina.
Community Action of Orleans Genesee and MAAC’s Red Barrel program picked up the toys which were collected by Canalside Tattoo during the Parade of Lights on Nov. 25.
Canalside has been collecting the toys since 2017. Andrew Szatkowski of Medina approached Canalside owner Shawn Ramsey with the idea, after the Corporate Toy Challenge in Medina was discontinued.
“Andrew and I both grew up realizing the need in the community,” Ramsey said. “I’m in a position now to be able to help and I wanted to affect a change. Being conveniently located on Main Street and Park Avenue, we decided to take advantage of the thousands of people in town for the annual Christmas celebration.”
Ramsey advertised for people to drop off new toys at his store, and the donations poured in.
Ramsey stressed that all toys collected stay to help children locally.
“That was Andy’s directive,” Ramsey said.
Each year the toys are divided between Community Action and MAAC.
On hand with their staff to collect the toys were Katrina Chaffee, director of community services and reporting for Community Action, and Sherri Tuohey, head of MAAC’s Red Barrel Program, with assistance from Jim Sipple.
Chaffee said Community Action already has 110 families signed up for Christmas assistance. Sixty of those families have children.
“And that’s just in the Albion area,” she said. “We depend heavily on these donations. Otherwise, we would have to turn to the community to adopt families.”
Jeanette Worsley, case manager at Community Action, said volunteers from Baxter are coming in this year to help them pack Christmas boxes.
Tuohey was likewise very appreciative of the donations.
“We have such a great need this year in the Medina community,” she said. “Any kind of help is much needed and appreciated. It is so wonderful what Andy started and Shawn is continuing here.”
Photo by Tom Rivers: Swing dancers have fun on Dec. 15, 2022 at the “Cool Yule” swing dance at the Bent’s Opera House in Medina. Maggie Hallifax of Lockport, right, was one of the instructors for the evening.
Posted 1 December 2023 at 8:58 am
Press Release, Medina Lindy
MEDINA – Medina Lindy in the Village will hold its second annual “Cool Yule” themed Holiday Lindy Hop swing dance on Thursday, December 14th from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. at Bent’s Opera House.
DJ Tommy Sprinkles from Swing Buffalo will serve up holiday jazz hits of yore, including classics by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, for area dancers in Bent’s historic opera house, now gorgeously decorated for the season.
Unlike previous monthly dances, December’s dance falls on the second Thursday of December. In the past, dances have been held on the third Thursday of each month. Going forward, dances will fall on the second Thursday of the month unless otherwise noted.
The “Cool Yule” dance caps off Medina Lindy in the Village’s second year of community-centered social dances at Bent’s Opera House. A free beginner lesson at 6:30 will be included as part of the evening’s festivities, with the dance itself immediately following at 7:30. Tickets for the dance are $10 for adults, $5 for students, and $30 for families, all of which include the free lesson.
All dance levels including beginner and spectator are welcome. Holiday attire is optional but encouraged. The “Cool Yule” holiday dance event will feature an all-blue decoration theme for a spectacular visual backdrop to an evening of swing jazz holiday fun.
“Cool Yule” celebrates both the season and the ways in which 2023 was an eventful year for Medina Lindy in the Village. This December dance will be the group’s twelfth monthly dance of the year. Medina Lindy dances were featured on WHAM and WKBW ABC News stations.
They held a successful “Swing Pink” fundraiser dance for breast cancer research, hosted a huge live band event featuring Gordon Webster’s Jazz Septet, held a Lindy Exchange featuring dancers from all across the region, and have continued to hold free weekly Lindy Hop lessons throughout the year. Medina Lindy’s founder, Medina resident Phil Berry, is now in active development on a feature film involving Lindy Hop dancing to be filmed this summer in both Sweden and in Western New York and will host an information session about the project in January.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 November 2023 at 7:02 pm
Photos courtesy of Medina Fire Department
MEDINA – Jeffrey Tuohey smiles today with a cake on his last shift at work after 22 years with the Medina Fire Department.
Tuohey will retire next week as a firefighter and paramedic with the Medina FD. Fire Chief Matt Jackson praised Tuohey for his dedication to the department and community. He never called in sick during his career, Jackson said.
Pictured from left include Medina firefighter Adam Fisher, firefighter Jeff Tuohey, Fire Chief Matt Jackson and Captain Jonathan Higgins.
Fisher holds the red line plaque that was given to Tuohey as a gift from the Medina Firefighters IAFF Local 2161. Jackson and Higgins hold the axe plaque which is a gift from the Medina Firefighters Benevolent Association.
The Fire Department also announces two new full-time additions: Tiffany Petry and Stephen Baxter.
Petry is a local resident and volunteer with the Shelby Fire Company as a firefighter and EMT. She is the first woman career firefighter for the Village of Medina.
She starts on Dec. 11 and will work with the first platoon.
Baxter is a seasoned paramedic with commercial EMS experience from both inside and outside of New York, Chief Jackson said.
Baxter starts Dec. 10 and will be assigned to the second platoon.
Petry and Baxter will both be attending an upcoming Recruit Class at the NYS Fire Academy.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Fireworks lit up the night sky over Medina’s Main Street to usher in the start of the 15th annual Parade of Lights on Saturday evening.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 27 November 2023 at 8:13 am
MEDINA – Saturday’s 15th annual Parade of Lights is in the history books – the largest ever, with 71 entries, including 51 lighted floats, four marching bands and police and fire vehicles.
The parade is the highlight of Medina’s Olde Tyme Christmas celebration, which brought throngs of people into town to shop, ride the Polar Express at Medina Railroad Museum and watch the spectacular parade.
Medina resident Todd Bensley, selected as this year’s grand marshal for the Parade of Lights, welcomed the crowd before lighting the Christmas tree in Rotary Park.
By 4 p.m., restaurants were becoming packed with people who arrived early to get a parking space and then came in to eat while waiting for the start of the parade.
Evening festivities began with welcome remarks by Marguerite Sherman, deputy mayor, parade co-chair Jim Hancock and parade grand marshal Todd Bensley.
Hancock said Medina’s parade has become the largest Parade of Lights in the state.
Bensley said people of Medina always pull together.
“My successes are your successes,” he said.
Bensley then performed the ceremonial lighting of the giant Christmas tree in Rotary Park, before heading to Park Avenue to lead the parade down Main Street.
Handling the announcer’s duties for at least the 12th year was Assemblyman Stave Hawley.
Looking out over the crowd which filled Main Street, Hawley said, “This is Americana. This is Main Street America, where the stories of yesterday are now the stories of tomorrow.”
Parade entries included a number of first-timers, such as Coffee Pot Café, North Star Cruises, Logan’s Landscaping, Medina Sports Boosters and Terry’s Corners Volunteer Fire Company in Gasport.
The four marching bands included the Medina Mustang Marching Band, Mark Time Marchers, Pembroke High School Marching Band and Prime Time Brass, who entertained in Rotary Park prior to lighting of the Christmas tree.
Fire companies, in addition to Terry’s Corners, were Albion, Medina, Shelby, Ridgeway, Oakfield, Hartland and East Shelby, which observed its 70th anniversary this year.
Participating FFAs came from Medina, Albion and Roy-Hart.
“These local kids are the heartbeat of our community,” Hawley announced.
The North Wing at Medina Memorial Hospital entered a patient van with several residents from the unit riding in back.
Several floats paid tribute to the Buffalo Bills, including Blissetts, whose theme was “Bills-etts,” with a bride in her wedding dress standing at the end of a football field.
Santa and Mrs. Claus, riding in their sleigh, arrived in the final float built by Takeform.
Crowds quickly thinned out in Rotary Park after the giant Christmas tree was lit, to seek out their spot to watch the more than hour-long Parade of Lights. Santa later took up residence to greet children in the North Pole house.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 27 November 2023 at 7:10 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Santa and his elves walk through a yard full of lighted Christmas trees at the North Pole as the wait for the Polar Express from Medina Railroad Museum to arrive.
MEDINA – Along with the annual Olde Tyme Christmas celebration and Parade of Lights comes the Polar Express at Medina Railroad Museum.
The train of holiday movie fame has been doing excursions at Medina Railroad Museum for 12 years, annually attracting thousands of children and their families from across the region.
Santa and his elves pose by the clock tower at the North Pole set up near Gasport for riders of the Polar Express at Medina Railroad Museum.
This year’s Polar Express began Saturday in conjunction with the Olde Tyme Christmas day in Medina, and trains were all nearly sold out.
Preparations for the event begins weeks in advance, when museum staff and volunteers spent hours decorating the museum property from top to bottom and setting up an imaginary North Pole on the railroad near Gasport. There volunteers are dressed as Santa and elves and come out to greet the train when it stops to head back to Medina.
This year’s volunteers are students from the Iroquois Job Corps, accompanied by Job Corps community liaison Candace Pitts.
Museum director Dawn Winkler said the first weekend went off without a hitch, and the phone was still ringing with last-minute ticket sales on Sunday.
Children who ride the train receive hot chocolate, a train cutout cookie and souvenir bell, meet the hobo and Santa on the train and listen to a reading of the “Polar Express” as the train chugs down the tracks. Riders on first class receive their hot chocolate in a souvenir mug, while those in coach still get the same, but in a paper cup.
Many families come dressed in matching pajamas.
Polar Express will run Saturday and Sunday for the next three weekends and limited tickets of two together are still available. Tickets can be purchased through the museum’s website (click here).
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 November 2023 at 5:28 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Burger King in Medina participated in the Medina Parade of Lights for the first time on Saturday and was named the grand champion.
Burger King was picked the top float among the 55 entries in the parade.
Before the parade, while the BK employees were working on the float, store manager Mercedes Streams said the local store is looking for ways to be more involved in the community and they decided to be in the parade.
It also proved to be a good bonding experience for the employees.
“Everybody is having fun,” she said.
The display included an inflatable hamburger and order of fries. Employees gave away free burgers to many people along the parade route.
There were 18 first-time participants in the parade.
“What a wonderful Parade!” said Jim Hancock, the parade chairman during its 15 years. “Thanks to all who helped make it that way.”
Other winners include:
Best in Class for Service Clubs – Roy-Hart FFA
Best in Class for Commercial/Business – Eye of Oden K9 Training
Eye of Oden had 13 dogs wearing light-up sweaters.
The Eye of Oden float also was a tribute to a beloved dog, George’s Legend.
Best In Class for Fire Company – Albion Fire Department
The Albion Fire Department decorated its ladder truck with many lights.
A youngster drove a battery-powered car as part of the AFD procession.
Best in Class for non-profit – Niagara County 4-H Equine Program
Best in Class – Orleans/Niagara BOCES
Best in Class for Religious – Red Rose Landscaping
Santa’s Pick (the float that Santa would pick) – Medina Misfits
Community Spirit Award – Logan’s Landscaping
Star Award (Creative) – Albion Girl Scouts for Polar Express themed float
Littlest Elf Award (Best utilizes youth in entry) – 4-H Heelers Dog Club
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 November 2023 at 7:14 am
MEDINA – Not only were there several thousand people in downtown Medina watching the Parade of Lights on Saturday evening, but there was a barred owl taking in the action from a high vantage point.
Cassandra Boring sent in the top photo of the owl that she said is “gorgeous.” Social media has many images and exclamation of joy about the owl.
Boring also took this photo of the owl hanging out on a wire on Main Street.
Orleans Hub editor Tom Rivers heard the commotion about the owl but wasn’t able to get a decent photo of it atop the Creekside Floral building next to Rotary Park. The owl then flew across Main Street to the top of the Bent’s Opera House.
Jesse Sponaugle posted this image taken by Riki Lake on the Orleans Hub Facebook page.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 November 2023 at 10:52 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – It was another magical Parade of Lights in Medina this evening, with the 55 floats in the 15th annual parade. That’s the most in the parade’s history.
These Girl Scouts in the Cobblestone Service Unit in Albion created a float in a Polar Express theme.
Click here to see an Orleans Hub video of the parade, fireworks and some other festivities.
The processional of floats drew several thousand people to a packed downtown.
Mahar’s Septic has been a mainstay in recent parades and was back again today with theme from National Lampoon Vacation including “Cousin Eddie” from the movie.
The drumline for the Medina Marching Band performs in the parade in front of the judges. The parade last about an hour and 15 minutes.
Burger King in Medina joined the parade for the first time and sent a message its hamburgers are superior than those at McDonalds and Wendy’s.
Blissett’s and Bennetts Boots teamed up for the “Bill setts” float celebrating the Buffalo Bills.
Schwab Farm Market and Bakery in Gasport made its debut in the parade and touted the Buffalo Bills and SnapDragon apples.
The Oakfield Fire Department was among several nearby fire departments that brought fire trucks adorned in bright lights.
Before the parade, fireworks were set off over the Erie Canal. This shows a reflection over the water in the Canal Basin.
Mrs. Claus and Santa concluded the parade and waved to the crowd =ina float created by Takeform.
Painted Sky Ranch and Mariah Meadows 4-H in Brockport brought 16 horses for the parade. The horses had red and green glitter and light-up clips on their manes and tails.
Red Rose Landscaping LLC of Tonawanda had a float with a religious message during the Christmas season.
4-H Heelers Dog Club had a colorful display for the parade.
The Eye of Oden K-9 Training in Kent brought a float and 13 dogs and handlers for the event.
The Medina Lions Club showed its pride.
Pro Hardware in Albion was a newcomer for the parade.
The Albion FFA had lots of fun on the parade route despite temperatures just above freezing.
Calvary Tabernacle had a scary Grinch in its float with a message: “You Shall Not Steal.”
The Roy-Hart FFA used a lot of lights for its Candy Land float.
The Medina Misfits wore costumes from peanuts and wore paper mache heads created by Jodi Rosenbeck, one of the misfits. The group includes many Medina business owners who enjoy getting together to have some fun, said Gloria Brent, one of the misfits.
Callie Gardner of Middleport waves to the crowd. The Gardner and Brown families created the gingerbread cookie and house float and were in the parade for the first time. Callie’s husband Jason is wearing the gingerbread cookie costume.
Todd Bensley served as the parade’s grand marshal.
The Medina transportation department for the school district returned to the parade for the first time since 2015 and had a patriotic display.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 November 2023 at 2:44 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – This dog carries a Santa during the Pets on Parade today at noon in Medina. This year there were about 30 dogs in the procession, the most since pets were welcomed in a parade leading Santa to downtown Medina.
Santa is joined by an elf in making his arrival in downtown Medina. He visited kids in the Santa House at Rotary Park after the parade.
Medina band students played holiday favorites from a trailer.
Connor Tobin and his mother Jessica Tobin from Spencerport pulled puppies in wagons that are at PAWS Animal Shelter. Those dogs aren’t quite old enough to be adopted yet. PAWS volunteers brought seven dogs for the parade.
Gary Watts of Medina helps his granddaughter Charlotte McGrath, 11, squeeze into a costume of a Minion. Gary’s wife Robin made the costume. It is a new character for Medina’s parade.
Jessica Marciano wears an Olaf costume. She walked in the parade with her daughter, Cadence, 4.
Katy Owczarczak, left, and her daughter Aurora Owczarczak walk their dogs in the pet parade. Katy is with Gabe, a German shepherd, and Aurora walks with Meredith, an English cream retriever.
Santa gets a nice reception when he arrives at Rotary Park.
Shawn Ramsey, owner of Canalside Tattoo on Main Street, is dressed as Santa. The tattoo business will be collecting toys until 8 p.m. today. Those toys will be distributed by Community Action of Orleans & Genesee and the Medina Area Association of Churches.
