By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 December 2023 at 9:48 pm
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Lori Nottingham of Albion drops a donation in the red kettle at Tops Friendly Market in Medina. Manning the kettle are Peter Huth, in background, and Frank Berger, both of Medina. Members of the Butts-Clark American Legion Post volunteered to ring the bell for the entire day.
MEDINA – Ringing the bell for The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle drive is something Frank Berger and Peter Huth have done for decades, and this year is no exception.
When the Butts-Clark American Legion Post signed up to provide volunteers at Tops Friendly Market in Medina on Friday, Berger and Huth were among the first to sign up.
While Huth has been volunteering for at least 25 years, Berger, 89, can’t remember how long he’s been doing it.
He remembers when there were bell ringers almost on every corner.
“We used to ring the bell at Rosenkrans and Country Club Restaurant on Main Street, and Ames when it was on Maple Ridge Road,” Berger said. “I volunteered in the morning when the sun was out, because it could get cold later on.”
For years, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee has overseen the Red Kettle Campaign, where Katrina Chaffee, director of community services, is heading the drive.
While places to ring the bells have declined in recent years, every penny collected is much needed. This year, bell ringers are at Walmart and Tops in Albion and Tops in Medina.
It is stressed that every dollar collected in Orleans County stays in Orleans County.
Berger said he volunteers because he knows The Salvation Army does a lot for soldiers.
“I was in the service and I remember them brining us a cup of coffee and a donut,” he said. “My dad was in the trenches in World War I and The Salvation Army provided them with bags filled with personal care items, such as a bar of soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, a brush and comb.”
Volunteers can still sign up to ring the bell by calling Community Action at (585) 589-5605 and asking for Katrina Chaffee.
Provided photos: These Medina teachers include, from left: Greg Husung, Jesse Mankowski, Mark Fitzpatrick, Joe Byrne, Jeff Dole, Zach Harris, Mike Gray, Dr. Dave Voss, PJ Bell, Collin Scheiber, Doug Boje, Christian Held and Justin Morgan.
Posted 15 December 2023 at 11:27 am
Press Release, Medina Central School
MEDINA – Medina Junior-Senior High School Social Studies teacher and President of the Medina Teachers’ Association, Joe Byrne, has made a tradition of challenging his male counterparts in the district to grow some facial hair every November.
“Movember” raises attention to the growing number of men’s health concerns such as mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Staff is encouraged to make a pledge not to shave their moustaches for a full month.
Joe Byrne presents a check to Nola Goodrich-Kresse, who accepted on behalf of the Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition.
“Many of us deal with some strange looks and stares at school and the community along the way as we go from clean shaven to hairy, but it is for a good cause,” laughs Byrne. “It is always funny what students say and think about us as our moustaches progress.”
The money raised goes to the Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition. This year the staff decided to continue bringing attention to a major health crisis that affects men, Byrne said. “Across the world, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day,” he said.
“Men account for 75% of all suicides. I’m so appreciative that our teachers, administrators and staff continue to support this worthy cause. Men usually don’t elaborate on their mental health issues because it’s seen as a sign of weakness in our society,” Byrne said. “Now more than ever, we need to be able to talk openly about our social and emotional wellbeing. It’s a tremendous feeling we are able to make a significant donation to Orleans County Mental Health and I know these funds will be earmarked to help assist countless number of men struggling with thoughts of suicide in our community.”
Jeff Dole, a math teacher at the Junior-Senior High School, organized this year’s fundraiser. Everyone was thrilled with the $1,400 that was raised. Byrne says a special shout out goes to retiring social studies teacher Doug Boje.
“We were struggling to meet our goal the last few days in November and he sent an email to staff. He thanked those who already donated and gave the staff a challenge – he would match and double the highest donation for the last three days of the fundraiser,” Byrne said. “His gesture fits in with Movember’s slogan on their suicide prevention page, ‘Be a man of more words.’”
Dr. Mark Kruzynski, superintendent of Medina Central School District, said, “Every year, our faculty raises money for Movember and every year they continue to surpass the previous year. Mental health ‘IS’ health, and I am proud that we were able to donate to this fantastic cause.”
Nola Goodrich-Kresse, chairperson of the Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition, said, “We are very grateful to the Medina Central School District staff for this very generous donation. Mental Wellness is something we all strive for, but we understand there are challenges for some in seeking help anytime of the year, but especially during the holidays. We encourage anyone who is struggling to talk to someone they trust or call 988 to talk with a trained crisis counselor 24/7, the call is free and confidential.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 December 2023 at 9:22 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – A new kiosk with eight panels about attractions and services in Medina was celebrated at a ribbon-cutting on Thursday afternoon. The kiosk lights up in the evening and at night.
It includes QR codes that lead to even more information.
The Village of Medina Tourism Committee worked with Takeform to develop the informational display.
Pictured from left at a ribbon-cutting include Kelly Kiebala and Jan Smith, members of the Tourism Committee; village trustees Diana Baker, Jess Marciano and Marguerite Sherman; DPW Superintendent Jason Watts; Jim Hancock, chairman of the Tourism Committee; Mayor Mike Sidari; Arnie Wolfe, project manager with Takeform; Lynne Menz, graphic designer and marketing manager for the Orleans County Tourism Department; Dawn Borchet, Orleans County Tourism director; Jesse Cudzilo, Orleans County YMCA director; and Kathy Blackburn, a member of the Tourism Committee.
The Tourism Committee includes Jim Hancock as chairman and members Marguerite Sherman, Jan Smith, Lynne Menz, Dawn Borchet, Kelly Kiebala, Kathy Blackburn, Jesse Cudzilo and Greg Reed.
The YMCA secured a $10,000 grant to pay for most of the cost of the kiosk. That money was provided by the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation. The Y, under previous director Greg Reed, sought to increase wayfinding signage in the community. After consulting with the Tourism Committee, the Y was amenable to putting the money towards the new kiosk.
Hancock said the Tourism Committee raised an additional $4,500 in donations and contributions towards the project.
Mayor Mike Sidari said the Y has been a good partner for the village. The organization also pushed for the development and secured funding for a new disc golf course at the Gulf Street Park and leads the “On the Canals” excursions along the New York State Canal system, with kayaking and hydro-bikes.
Jim Hancock, right, head of the Tourism Committee said the new kiosk was about 18 months in the making.
He thanked Takeform in Medina for putting in many hours developing the panels for the project, which highlights Medina and canal history, local cultural and culinary attractions, local services, parks, events and outdoor recreational opportunities.
The Tourism Committee brainstormed the subjects on the panels and obtained photos and text. Hancock said Lynne Menz deserves special mention for putting “an inordinate amount of time and effort into this project.”
Arnie Wolfe (right, project manager with Takeform, shakes hands and gives Mayor Mike Sidari the keys to the new kiosk to allow updates to panels and turn on the lights.
Wolfe said Gasport Welding & Fabrication made the steel structure for the kiosk. The Village of Medina Department of Public Works did the concrete base and was able to lift the structure in place and then bolt it down to the base.
The new kiosk replaces a wooden one that was more of a display board for notices. That kiosk has since been moved to the Medina Dog Park on North Gravel Road.
Dawn Borchet, the county’s tourism director, would like to see similar kiosks in other Orleans villages.
“Better signage is always good,” she said. “It keeps visitors to the community in the area longer.”
Provided photo: Local artist Carol Culhane, left, donated this tree of life to Medina Memorial Hospital, where it now hangs in the Imaging Department. The painting was unveiled at For Women Only, where women signed the names of loved ones lost to cancer. Holding the picture are, from left, Stephanie Aquilina, X-ray technician; Sara Berlin; and Erica Chutko, director of radiology.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 14 December 2023 at 8:30 am
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health’s For Women Only, held in October at White Birch Golf Course, had a touching and unique feature.
During the event, the community came together for a special cause – a fundraising initiative dedicated to supporting cancer services.
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Devon Heveron of Lyndonville, left, signs her grandmother’s name on a tree of life painted by artist Carol Culhane. The tree was featured at Orleans Community Health’s For Women Only in October at White Birch Golf Course.
“The event not only aimed to raise essential funds, but also sought to create a meaningful and personal experience for attendees,” said Scott Robinson, director of marketing at Orleans Community Health.
At the center of this touching event was a unique artistic contribution by local artist Carol Culhane. She created a tree adorned with leaves for attendees to inscribe the names of loved ones they wished to honor. This interactive and soul-stirring artwork allowed participants to contribute to a collective expression of solidarity and support in the fight against cancer, Robinson said.
“As guests were given the opportunity to add a loved one’s name to leaves, the tree transformed into a living tribute, embodying the strength of a community standing together against the challenges of cancer,” Robinson said. “Carol’s thoughtful design not only captured the essence of the event, but also provided a tangible representation of the shared commitment to making a difference in Orleans County. The leaves on the tree stand as a testament to the unity and resilience of a community dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those affected by cancer.”
Last week, Culhane donated the framed artwork to Medina Memorial Hospital, where it now hangs in the hospital’s Imaging Department.
“Our team was thrilled to accept the finished piece of artwork,” Robinson said.
Culhane is a self-taught artist, who has made it her mission to support local heroes, veterans and charitable organizations.
“I enjoy doing artwork for different causes because I can,” Culhane said. “I have been given a gift and I have done my best in my life to give and share it. I am a humble person and I have lived a successful life in terms of refining my skill as an untrained artist. As I realized I have a talent that could provide a mechanism for people to share, enjoy and give to others, I found great joy in doing so.”
Culhane has designed and painted hundreds of Christmas ornaments for Wounded Warriors, Purple Heart recipients and Gold Star mothers. She was chosen to paint portraits of veterans on a Vietnam Memorial in Rochester and she painted the murals at Golisano’s Children’s Hospital, to name a few. Each year, she designs and donates ornaments for a fundraiser for Hospice of Orleans County.
“Interacting with all walks of life, for example, children, elders, military, I have an opportunity to know each and everyone’s life story,” she said. “Whether it was a child full of joy and excitement at our tree farm or those fighting a serious disease; a member of our military who gave so much of his/her body and soul; or an elderly person so wise who shared their story with me, blessings came in many ways. My pen, pencil and paintbrush have been my blessing to share with others.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 December 2023 at 4:04 pm
MEDINA – The Village of Medina Planning Board last week approved the site plan for an 8,000-square-foot expansion at Vivus Technologies.
The business at 591 Mahar St. plans to put up a new 80-by-100 foot building. The company manufactures washers and other cleaning equipment.
Medina also approved a variance for the project. The village code requires a 50-foot setback for buildings when a commercial lot abuts a residential district. Vivus will have a 25-foot setback. The village approved the variance for the project, which is on a dead-end street.
The existing facility was previously used by Takeform before that company moved to Maple Ridge Road.
The Planning Board last week also approved the site plan for solar panels to be put on the roof of the Olde Pickle Factory on Park Avenue. The project has a capacity to generate 1.296 megawatts of power to be used onsite, with any excess to be sold on the grid, said Dan Gardner, the village’s code enforcement officer.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 December 2023 at 5:48 pm
Students performed for full houses at Clifford Wise Intermediate School
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Jacob Foley starred as Mowgli last week during performances of “The Jungle Book Kids” at Clifford Wise Intermediate School. Mowgli was lost and abandoned as a baby boy and was raised by wolves.
A cast of 90 fifth- and sixth-graders put on the show during four performances for about 1,300 people total. Anna Ferlito served as musical director. They worked since September to prepare for last week’s shows.
Last year, Clifford Wise performed Aladdin Jr. in the spring in the school’s first musical led by Ferlito. This year the show shifted to the fall so Ferlito can co-direct the high school musical in the spring.
Vincent Hosmer plays the role of Shere Khan, a tiger that decides that Mowgli is no longer welcome in the jungle. Shere Khan intimidates many of the other animals.
Harlow Rhim plays the role of Kaa, a snake that lulls Mowgli to sleep while Kaa sings “Trust in Me.” The snake coils include William Mojeski, Melody Pawlaczyk, Arik Papaj, Cadence Truesdell, Jace Campisano, Violet Trilizio, Emily Smith Flately and Bethany Chavez.
Kole Jones is the wiley King Louie, left center, and Amonte Mortenson-Chamblee is Baloo, a bear disguised as a very big monkey. They are singing, “I Wan’na Be Like You.”
Students created the artistic elements to turn the stage into a jungle scene.
Jill Vader is Colonel Hathi doing an inspection of the Elephant Army.
Shanti is played by Amber O’Kussick. Shanti is a girl from the Man Village. When Mowgli sees her, he is enchanted by her and decides to leave the jungle to live amongst humans in the village.
Bagheera, a panther played by Avery Twitchell, and Baloo, a giant fun-loving bear played by Amonte Mortenson-Chamblee, sing “The Bare Necessities.” Bagheera tries to keep Mowgli safe from predators, including Shere Kahn.
Photos and information courtesy of Medina Central School
MEDINA – For almost 30 years, the Medina Junior-Senior High School has helped out those in need in partnership with the Medina Area Association of Churches.
This year, under the mentorship of English teacher Kayla Rosenbeck and science teacher Sara Cinquino, students were asked to donate essential items to help out those in their community.
Students and staff collected over 1,300 items for MAAC to distribute to those in need.
“We are always happy to help out,” Rosenbeck said. “My co-advisor Sara Cinquino and I knew our students would want to help out such a worthy organization. We are very fortunate that our students wanted to donate and we are very proud of them for trying to make the holidays a little bit brighter for those less fortunate.”
The Medina Fire Department stopped at the school on Wednesday to collect the items and deliver them. Our Mustangs gave them a hand loading them into the ambulances.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 December 2023 at 7:07 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – A community information kiosk with 8 panels about Medina has been installed in the Canal Basin.
The village’s Tourism Committee and the Orleans County YMCA worked with Takeform to design and develop the project. The YMCA used a $10,000 grant to pay for most of the cost.
The central part of the kiosk includes a map of Medina and the surrounding area in the 14103 zip code. That central part has a lighted panel to be visible at night. There are eight flanking panels, with four in a dark blue background and the other four in light blue.
The Tourism Committee, Takeform and village officials will have a dedication ceremony at 4 p.m. on Dec. 14 in the Canal Basin.
“This will be a beautiful addition to our Canal Basin for years to come,” said Jim Hancock, the Tourism Committee chairman.
The panel on the left focus on Medina Sandstone while the panels at right include “Embrace the culture” with history & museums, visual arts, significant architecture, “Made in Medina,” and performing arts. The panel at the far right “Savor our culinary creations” features farm markets, craft beverages, American cafes & family diners, drink & dine, pizza, wings & things, and familiar fast food.
These panels are about Erie Canal history (left) and exploring the outdoors – Erie Canal trails, the Canal Basin and marina, the Y Canal Club, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Medina Memorial Bluebird Trail, local municipal parks and Glenwood Lake.
The kiosk also includes panels about community services with local government, health and emergency services, educational resources, community organizations, county agencies and veterans’ clubs.
Another panel highlights community events with parades, festivals and other events in the spring, summer, fall and winter.
There is a map with list of spots for shopping, houses of worship, lodging, recreation and cemeteries.
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.
MEDINA – The Village of Medina Planning Board last week approved the site plan for an 8,000-square-foot expansion at Vivus Technologies.
