By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 December 2025 at 11:10 am
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).
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.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 1 December 2025 at 10:03 pm
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.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 30 November 2025 at 5:59 pm
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 November 2025 at 8:52 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on a float created by Takeform in Medina to close out Medina’s 17th annual Parade of Lights on Saturday night. There were 45 floats in the parade that brought several thousand people to the downtown and along a parade route that started at the Olde Pickle Factory and went down Park Avenue to Main Street.
Logan’s Landscaping in Medina created an impressive float that resembled a giant Hot Wheels truck. Logan’s gave away 1,000 Hot Wheels cars while traveling the parade route.
The Miller Hose Fire Company in Newfane made the trip for the parade. Several rows of onlookers weren’t deterred by the 30-degree temperatures for the parade that lasted about 1 hour, 15 minutes.
The Eye of Oden, which provides dog training in Kent, gets its float ready for the parade while in the staging area at the Olde Pickle Factory parking lot.
The Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company was among several departments to participate by decorating fire trucks and other rescue equipment for the parade.
Community Action of Orleans & Genesee celebrated Head Start and other programs of the agency with this float.
The Painted Sky Ranch from Brockport brought horses to the parade.
The Walsh decorated a 1974 fire truck with 5,000 lights and rode in the parade.
The North Wing at Medina Memorial Hospital participated in the parade.
Bentley Brothers of Albion and Brockport was in the parade with a float celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
Gilligan’s Galley, a restaurant at Point Breeze, had a boat decorated for the event.
Luddy’s Equipment Rental, which opened this year in Albion, was a newcomer to the Parade of Lights and gave Spiderman a ride on the top of its float.
The Medina Transportation Department at the school district decorated bus no. 212 with a Candy Land theme.
The East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company made a big effort for its display in the parade.
Before the parade, there was a tree-lighting celebration at Rotary Park.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 November 2025 at 1:42 pm
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 November 2025 at 12:55 pm
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.
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.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 27 November 2025 at 9:12 am
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.
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.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 26 November 2025 at 8:37 am
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.
‘Our goal is simple: keep Medina safe while respecting the rights and privacy of everyone who lives, works, and visits here.’
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:
They do NOT issue tickets.
They do NOT track personal movement for minor violations.
They do NOT identify individuals or run facial recognition.
They cannot access personal cell phones or any private data.
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:
All data belongs to the Village of Medina — not Flock or any outside company.
Information cannot be sold or shared for commercial purposes.
Access is limited to law enforcement and only for legitimate investigative reasons.
Every use of the system is logged and auditable.
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 November 2025 at 8:33 am
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.
