Photo by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Christian Navas was sworn in as Medina’s police chief during Monday’s Medina Village Board meeting. His wife Stephanie pins the stars on the chief’s collar.

Navas was joined at the swearing in by his daughters, Mackenzie and Layla.

Navas is a 10-year veteran of the Medina Police Department. He has worked his way up from the ranks from patrolman and officer to sergeant, lieutenant and acting chief.

“I chose to remain with the Village of Medina Police Department for a decade because I believe in this department and the community it serves,” Navas said. “Taking on the role of Chief was a natural step to provide steady leadership, support our officers, and continue moving the department forward.”

The Village Board approved one other promotion in the Police Department on Monday. Jonathan McManus was named sergeant. He joined the Medina PD on Sept. 26, 2022.

Many of the department’s officers, including retired police chief Todd Draper, attended the swearing-in as a show of support for Navas in his new role.

Navas as acting chief convinced the Village Board last month to use grant funds towards a three-year lease agreement with Flock Safety to install License Plate Readers and PTZ safety cameras in Medina.

Navas said the cameras and readers will help 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 in trying to identify suspects, recover stolen vehicles, or respond to time-sensitive cases, he said.

But there has been some backlash since the announcement on Nov. 25.

The board on Monday said a committee will be working with Navas on a policy for how the readers will be used. One business owner on Monday told the board he didn’t want the readers and cameras to be used with ICE enforcement.

The Police Department issued a press release on Nov. 25, stating the cameras won’t be used for issuing tickets, tracking personal movement for minor violations, identifying individuals or running facial recognition, accessing personal cell phones or any private data.

“These cameras are strictly for investigative use after a crime or emergency has occurred,” the department said.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Volunteers representing all branches of the military, the space program and unknown soldiers wait to place wreaths on veterans’ graves at Boxwood Cemetery Saturday noon.

MEDINA – This year, 1,260 wreaths were purchased through Wreaths Across America for veterans’ graves in the Medina area. On Saturday, 1,225 were placed in Boxwood, St. Mary’s and Sacred Heart Cemeteries on North Gravel Road.

The ceremony at Boxwood began at noon with emcee Nik Mroz, director of the Orleans County Veterans’ Services office. Dave Kusmierczak, chaplain, began the program with prayer, followed by Kate Draper singing the National Anthem.

Mroz welcomed veterans, their families and volunteers, saying this was a day to “celebrate the mission to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families and teach the next generation the value of freedom.”

A moment to silence was observed to remember the fallen, prisoners of war and those missing in action, and to honor those who have served and those still serving. Mroz said Wreaths Across America ceremonies took place on Saturday in more than 5,200 locations in all 50 states, U.S. territories and at 26 American cemeteries overseas, ensuring we remember our heroes wherever they rest.

Mroz quoted Ronald Reagan, the 40th president of the United States, saying, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and added on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States, where men were free.”

(Left) Tom Snyder, a U.S. Navy veterans’ electricians mate 2nd class, stands at attention after placing a wreath on a sailor’s grave. Snyder was the organizer of this year’s Wreath’s Across American program, which started in Medina in 2013. (Right) U.S. Marine Corps veteran Lance Cpl. Nicolas Fitzak prepares to place a wreath on a Marine’s grave during the Wreaths Across America ceremony Saturday in Boxwood Cemetery.

Mroz introduced a member of each branch of the military, the Space Force and the Merchant Marines, who laid a wreath at a veteran’s grave who served in that branch.

They were Louis A. Chraston, U.S. Army Active Duty Staff Sgt.; U. S. Marine Corps veteran Lance Cpl. Nicholas J. Fitzak; U.S. Navy Veteran electrician’s mate 2nd Class Tom Snyder; U.S. Air Force Active Duty M Sgt. Michael J. Owczarczak; U.S. Air National Guardsman Airman 1st Class Noah Heinkler of the U.S. Space Force; U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Cadet Brendon Hodkin in the United States Coast Guard; Diana Anderson, representing the United States Merchant Marines; and the final wreath placed by Assemblyman Stephen M. Hawley, a U.S. Army veteran 1st lieutenant, in honor of the more than 80,000 United States servicemen from all branches of the service whose last known status was either prisoner of war or missing in action.

Wreaths left over from the three cemeteries were free for the public to take to place on a veteran’s grave in other cemeteries. Snyder said he had already taken one for his father’s grave in Mount Albion Cemetery. Brad Nudd, a member of the Orleans County Honor Guard, said he takes one to place on his brother-in-law Gary Gross’ grave at Marshall Road Cemetery.

Mroz reminded those gathered at Boxwood Cemetery to consider purchasing a wreath, which are buy one for $17 and get one free until the end of December. They may be purchased by seeing Hailey at the village of Medina offices on Park Avenue.

Emcee Nik Mroz, director of the Orleans County Veterans’ Services office, introduces Chaplain Dave Kusmierczak, right, who offered a moment of prayer. At left, Kate Draper waits to sing the National Anthem, while members of Orleans County’s Honor Guard wait at right to fire a three-gun salute, followed by playing of Taps.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: A sea of boxed food and gifts is ready for firefighters to begin delivering as soon as they finish their breakfast at The Grove United Methodist Church on Saturday morning.

MEDINA – One-hundred and ten families in the Medina area will have gifts and a Christmas dinner, thanks to the Medina Area Association of Churches’ annual Red Barrel/Present program.

Chaired for the sixth year by Sherry Tuohey-Sipple, this year’s giveaway will provide Christmas for 350 individuals, ranging from infants to senior citizens.

(Left) Deb Taylor, chief of East Shelby Fire Company, carries a box of gifts out to a waiting truck for delivery on Saturday morning. (Right) Deanna Quackenbush from Shelby Volunteer Fire Company carries a Christmas gift box out of The Grove United Methodist Church on Saturday morning.

No one can count how many years this program has been ongoing, but it was taken over by MAAC decades ago, and grew from a toy giveaway started by Medina firefighters. Ever since, the Medina firefighters and volunteers from East Shelby, Ridgeway and Shelby have volunteered to deliver upwards of 40 red barrels to strategic locations throughout the Medina area, then pick up the filled barrels early in December and, finally, deliver the packed Christmas boxes to a hundred or more homes.

Sherry Tuohey-Sipple chairs the program, and said none of it would happen if it weren’t for the dedicated volunteers, who sort gifts, pack the boxes and otherwise help with the project.

“We had a lot of volunteers this year,” Tuohey-Sipple said. “The firemen returned the filled barrels to us on Dec. 3, and we started sorting and packing immediately. We had at least 25 volunteers each day, some of which were new.”

Cher Beach, a new volunteer, and Norma Jean Foster, head of the food committee for MAAC’s Christmas gift program, bring out hams to add to the boxes just before local firefighters arrived to deliver them on Saturday morning. At left, Sherry Tuohey-Sipple, head of the MAAC Christmas Present program, makes a final check of one gift box.

Two of the new volunteers were Katie Oakes and Meghan Fuller, who recently joined the MAAC committee.

“I’ve loved this program forever, and as soon as I heard there was an opening, I jumped right in,” Oakes said.

Katie and Meghan have done a lot to promote us this year,” said Norma Jean Foster, who heads the food committee and is responsible for buying the hams and other essentials for a Christmas dinner for each family.

Each year, the biggest challenge is to find gifts suitable for teens, and this year, Oakes and Fuller took on that task. The “teen” category includes ages 9 through 18, and this year there were 98 in that age group. Each child got a gift, Tuohey-Sipple said.

Firefighters from Medina, Shelby, Ridgeway and East Shelby, along with other volunteers, enjoyed a free breakfast Saturday morning at The Grove United Methodist Church. Firefighters delivered boxes of gifts and food for a Christmas dinner to 110 families.

Each year for many years, Bob Harrold of Lyndonville has searched, acquired and restored red wagons and donated them to MAAC. This year Jim Sipple also restored one. The MAAC committee tries to give the red wagons to families who don’t have a car. Many have said how the wagon came in so handy either to give their young children a ride to the grocery store or to carry home their groceries.

This year, two new toy ATVs were donated. Also commended was Jane Wharron, who crocheted lap throws for each of the senior citizens who got a Christmas box, and Kathie McMoil, who works with Foster on the food committee.

“People are so dedicated, even our kitchen crew who put on the breakfast,” Tuohey-Sipple said.

Medina fire chief Steve Cooley finds room for one more Christmas box in his truck on Saturday, when firefighters from Medina, Shelby, East Shelby and Ridgeway delivered Christmas gift boxes to 110 families in the Medina area.

Addressing the firefighters, Tuohey-Sipple said, “We couldn’t do this program without you. You distribute the barrels, you pick them up and bring them back in, and then you deliver the boxes.”

Steve Cooley, Medina’s fire chief, said this was the 16th year he has been volunteering his time to the MAAC project.

“This is a time when people need us the most,” he said.

Also volunteering their time was East Shelby’s fire chief Deb Taylor, Austin Seefeldt and Alexis Rutherford from Ridgeway, along with Ridgeway’s assistant chief, Jerry Lewis.

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

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

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

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

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

Hellner said the toy giveaway was very popular.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Release, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Provided photos

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

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

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

Photo courtesy of Hinspergers Poly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Release, Hospice of Orleans County

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“They love coming here,” she said.

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

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

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

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

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

Press Release, Anna Ferlito, musical director

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners announced for this year are:

Grand Champion – Metz Family Christmas

Best in Class (Commercial) – Airborne Acres

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

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

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

Best in Class (Religious) – The Vine

Best in Class – Orleans-Niagara BOCES

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

Littlest Elf Award – Eye of Oden K9 Training

Star Award – Logan’s Landscaping

Community Spirit Award – Medina Central School Transportation Department

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos by Tom Rivers

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

The fireworks show was for about 10 minutes.

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

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

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