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.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on a float created by Takeform in Medina to close out Medina’s 17^th 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.

MEDINA – In recent years, an owl has been perched on top of Main Street during rh Parade of Lights.

Tonight’s parade again had a guest star with what look like a barred owl up high on buildings.

Kyle Brege took the photo on top.

Kelly Albone posted this photo on the Orleans Hub Facebook page.

Provided photo

MEDINA – The winners of the Littlest Elf Contest include, from left: Noa Pierce, second place; Crew Overholt, 3rd place; and Isabella Tompkins, 1st place.

The contest urges participants to dress up in a holiday costume. It was part of today’s Olde Tyme Christmas celebration in Medina. The three were able to be part of the noon parade.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – A group of runners, including Jacob Keppler as Santa, start off fast in the Canal Basin for today’s Home for the Holidays 5K in Medina.

The race kicked off the Olde Tyme Christmas celebration in Medina. There are many activities throughout the day, including the Parade of Lights at 6 p.m.

Click here to see the schedule of events.

Eric Tompkins of Lockport dressed as an elf in today’s Home of the Holidays 5K in Medina.

Jose Miguel Silva Ortiz of Medina won the race in a time of 17:53, followed by Alden Cayea of Medina in a time of 18:02. The first place finisher is shown by the Big Apple along the Erie Canal.

Kim Mills of Oakfield was the first female to finish the race with a time of 21:43.

Orly the Ox, the Orleans County Bicentennial mascot, greeted runners as they turned from the towpath and crossed the lift bridge. Orly wore his favorite ugly Christmas sweater for the race.

This runner paused to take a selfie with Orly.

Many of the runners were buddled up for the race. It was about 30 degrees at the start of the 5K.

Provided photo: Jaye Sullivan, who co-chairs the Decorate Medina Committee with Eric Watson, fetches extension cords on Sunday for the lights, while committee members in back work at putting up the giant festive words donated by Takeform on the railing overlooking East Center Street.

MEDINA – Just in time for the Parade of Lights on Saturday evening, the Decorate Medina Committee, Medina Lions and village DPW have completed putting up the decorations which have made Medina famous.

It was more than 40 years ago when the late Rev. Burt Entrekin visited another village out of state and saw it ornately decorated for the Christmas holiday.

“He came home and said he wanted to see Medina look like that,” said Jaye Sullivan, who has been on the committee for most of those years and now chairs it with Eric Watson.

Entrekin formed a committee and spearheaded fundraising, and Decorate Medina has continued to spread Christmas cheer every year throughout the downtown.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Candy canes and lollipops line the walkways in Rotary Park, while reindeer and Santa’s sleigh are adorned with real evergreens, all thanks to the efforts of the Decorate Medina Committee, headed by Jaye Sullivan and Eric Watson. At left, the giant Christmas tree is ready and waiting for the lighting ceremony Saturday at 5 p.m., to kick off the Parade of Lights.

Over the years, decorations have been improved and added, with the village DPW responsible for installing the garland and lights over Main and Center streets and the lights on two giant trees in State Street Park; the Medina Lions took on setting up the Nativity scene across State Street Park; and the committee headed by Sullivan and Watson decorating Rotary Park.

Rotary Park has become the permanent location for the house which becomes Santa’s headquarters during holiday time. Every year the Decorate Medina Committee sets up a sleigh with reindeer, candy canes and lollipops along the walkways and a photo booth. Takeform provides and donates a sign with the current year each holiday season. They also made and donated giant letters on the railing facing East Center Street, which read “Peace, Joy, Love.”

“This year we put fresh greens on the sleigh and reindeer,” Sullivan said. “They look so nice.”

Other committee members are Mary Woodruff, publicity; David Sevenski, Sue and Kevin DeHollander, Lynn Woodruff, Jen Hill, Peter Kaiser, Jason Watts, Matt Kennedy, Barb Gorham, Mary Lewis and Maureen Sanderson.

Provided photo and information from VFW Auxiliary

MEDINA – The VFW Auxiliary to Lincoln Post 1483 in Medina presented the Calvary Cupboard Food Pantry at The Vine Church with a $500 check to assist the food pantry in purchasing food to help feed those in need.

Volunteers in the photo at the food pantry are from left Donna Poore, Missy Schening, Sheila and Dan Tabor, and Mike Yeager in the back. On the right is Dave Berry, president of the VFW Auxiliary 1483 in Medina. The VFW Auxiliary wishes to thank all the volunteers serving at the food pantry for their dedication and time they give to others in need.

The Calvary Cupboard Food Pantry has many more families coming to the pantry for assistance at this time. The food pantry is accepting donations of non-perishable items such as spaghetti sauce, soups, juices, canned fruit and vegetables, and canned diced tomatoes, as well as monetary donations used to purchase items when they run low.

The food pantry is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Vine Church, 11031 Maple Ridge Rd., Medina. Anyone with any questions can contact Donna Poore at 585-798-3738 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Georgia Thomas of Medina has arranged her collection of 300 stuffed animals in a holiday exhibit at the Medina Historical Society, 406 West Ave. It will be open for visitors during Olde Tyme Christmas celebration on Saturday and again for Wine About Winter in February. Here, the dining room is set exquisitely set for a “Chris-moose” dinner. The stockings hung on the fireplace were crocheted by Thomas.

MEDINA – Christmas may come only once a year, but Georgia Thomas is a kid at heart all year long.

Thomas has a collection of more than 300 stuffed animals of all kinds, which she has spent four days arranging on display at the Medina Historical Society. On Saturday, she had help from Kathryn McKenney, a historian, historical preservation specialist and the newest member of the Historical Society board.

Thomas never intended to amass such a collection of stuffed animals when she bought the first handful as a teaching aide for her sign language students.

“It just sort of mushroomed,” she said. “I was teaching in Maryland when I bought the first ones. The children would pull an animal out of the bag and then sign what it was, what color it was, what it ate and if it was wild or tame.”

Georgia Thomas, right, is joined by Kathryn McKenney, a historian and historical preservation specialist, in setting up Thomas’ large collection of stuffed animals. McKenney has recently joined the board of the Historical Society. McKenney is holding a seal, while Thomas holds a possum puppet with its baby.

Every room, every counter, every space in the Historical Society is filled with stuffed animals. In the dining room, Thomas got out her Christmas poinsettia china, added a big red holiday candle centerpiece and set four large stuffed moose around the table. She calls is the “Chris-moose” room.

On the mantle is a collection of mink coat china Santas she bought in Canada, and hanging on the mantle is a row of crocheted stockings she made hang. They are for sale for $10 each.

Georgia Thomas, left, and Kathryn McKenney sit on the floor of the Medina Historical Society with a giant Burmese Mountain dog, the largest animal in Thomas’ collection of stuffed animals.

Her largest stuffed animal is a giant Burmese Mountain dog, which jokingly said she will name “Reinhard” in honor of the Medina Historical Society’s president Reinhard Rogowski.

Her collection includes a flamingo, chicken, seal, rare goat and one of each animal brought over on the Mayflower with the Pilgrims.

Her last purchase was an alligator from Bass Pro, who is selling the stuffed reptile as a fundraiser to save the endangered species.

“I wanted to support their cause, but that is the swan song,” Thomas said.

This alligator is the newest (and last) stuffed animal Georgia Thomas is going buy, she said. She bought it at Bass Pro because they were selling them to raise money to save the endangered species.

‘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.

MEDINA – The Medina Village Board has approved three license plate readers on Main Street in the village, technology that will alert the police department for vehicles that have been reported stolen or linked to crimes.

Medina will be using a grant to hire Flock Safety to install license plate readers in the downtown at the Main Street and Center Street intersection, and also on South Main Street near Crosby’s and North Main Street near Hartway Motors, said Christian Navas, acting police chief for the Medina Police Department. These readers won’t be in patrol cars.

The Village Board also authorized the Police Department to work with Flock Safety to install a camera in the Canal Basin.

Flock Safety will be paid $39,000 over three years to install the technology for the Medina PD. Medina also will become part of a network of more than 5,000 agencies with the license plate reader technology.

Any license plates Medina is trying to locate will be added to the overall network, outside of Medina. The Medina PD also could get hits on license plates sought by other agencies.

Navas said there have been stolen vehicles from the dealerships in Medina, or people who purchase them fraudulently with bad checks. The Police Department also has looked for vehicles suspected in other crimes.

The license plate readers only focus on vehicle data and do not collect personal information, facial recognition or anything tied to individuals, Flock Safety said.

The $39,000 cost is covered by a law enforcement technology grant secured by the Medina PD. The department also used part of that grant to purchase new radar technology and a speed sign on Gwinn Street.

Navas said the new license plate readers and camera system could be in service early next year.

Medina may consider adding cameras to Butts Park and State Street Park in the future, Mayor Marguerite Sherman said.

Provided photos: (Left) Kitchen staff serve up Thanksgiving dinner to residents last Thursday. (Right) An employee of Medina Memorial Hospital’s North Wing chats with Nicki Fredericks, who visited to have Thanksgiving dinner with her brother Fulton Rogers, seated beside her.

MEDINA – Residents of Medina Memorial Hospital’s North Wing were treated to an early Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings last Thursday.

“This is an annual occurrence, bringing residents, families and friends together for one of the most cherished traditions of the year,” said Scott Robinson, director of marketing at Orleans Community Health. “The event is a highlight for many, as an afternoon to spend time with those we care deeply about.”

Each year the dedicated North Wing team plans and prepares this celebration with great care, Robinson said. From decorating the space to serving a seasonal meal, staff members work together to make the day special for every resident. Their efforts create an atmosphere that feels both festive and comforting, honoring the spirit of the holiday, while ensuring residents are surrounded by the people who matter the most to them.

Families and friends were invited to join their loved ones, and the turnout was truly heartwarming, Robinson said. For many, the Thanksgiving celebration is a treasured opportunity to share memories, strengthen bonds and enjoy the companionship that defines our North Wing community, he said.

Robinson added that this yearly tradition continues to be one of the most enjoyable and meaningful events the North Wing hosts. It reflects the commitment of the staff, the spirit of the residents and the strong sense of community which makes Orleans Community Health such a special place.

“We are grateful to everyone who joined us and to the team members who made this year’s celebration so memorable,” Robinson said.

The North Wing recently organized a large Halloween party for residents and visitors and will do the same for Christmas.

MEDINA – A fire on Sunday in Medina on Pleasant Street caused about $30,000 in damages, said Medina Fire Chief Steve Cooley said.

Firefighters were dispatched at 7:57 p.m. to Pleasant Street with reports of the upstairs area charged with smoke. Engine 1 from Medina with a crew of four arrived on scene at 8:02 p.m. with smoke coming from the eves and windows on the second floor, Cooley said.

Engine 1 was quickly supplemented by Engine 10, Ambulances 60 and 62 with off-duty staff and crews from Shelby and Ridgeway fire departments.

Firefighters found the interior staircase of the second floor to have smoke from stairs to ceiling. Once they reached the top of the staircase, due to zero visibility conditions, a thermal imaging camera was utilized to locate the fire in the corner of the westernmost bedroom, the fire chief said.

Simultaneously a backup hose line was stretched and brought to the base of the stairs to protect the crews working upstairs. The fire was brought under control with approximately 200 gallons of water or less and crews began checking for fire extension and performed ventilation at 8:15 p.m. with the fire completely extinguished at 8:18 p.m.

Fire investigators have ruled this fire as accidental. Damage to the structure is approximately $20,000 with damage to contents estimated at $10,000, Cooley said.

The residents are being assisted by family members at the present time. No injuries to civilians or firefighters occurred at this scene.

“We will be entering a busy time for residential fires,” Cooley said. “Make sure to check your smoke detectors and have an exit plan.”

He thanked the Orleans County Public Safety Dispatchers and mutual aid partners for helping with the quick response and fire extinguishment.

Mutual aid partners on scene: Shelby, one ladder truck; Ridgeway, one fire engine; Albion, FAST crew; Office of Emergency Management, director and investigator; Village of Medina Police Department and Code Enforcement.

Photo courtesy of Jada Burgess

MEDINA – Downtown Medina is getting decked out for the holidays. This morning the Department of Public Works was out putting decorations on Main Street.

This photo shows Foreman Ben Lacy, in bucket truck, and Foreman Brad Freeman getting garland hung across Main Street near the Park Avenue intersection.

Medina will celebrate Olde Tyme Christmas this Saturday, an event that includes the Parade of Lights at 6 p.m.

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Hughes, troop leader of Girl Scout Troop 82094

MEDINA –Girl Scout Troop 82094 from Medina has collected 591 non-perishable food items to donate to a local food pantry. The first collection of food has been delivered to The Vine Church.

The scouts also have built six food pantry boxes to be distributed in various locations in Orleans County.

“We are looking for anyone that may be interested in having a box at their location,” said Jennifer Hughes, troop leader of Girl Scout Troop 82094.

The girls are part of multi-level troop ranging from grades kindergarten to 10th grade.

The Girl Scouts are shown with two food pantry boxes. They have six that they want to place in the community.

To contact Hughes about hosting a food pantry box, email her at Jensgemsdaycare@yahoo.com.