By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 November 2024 at 10:15 am
LYNDONVILLE – Two new businesses have opened on Main Street in Lyndonville in space that saw major renovations by Robert Smith.
Savannah Vigrass opened the Webber Cafe by Sav’s Event & Catering Company on Sept. 1 at 29 S. Main St. She took over the space from the Webber Kitchen Collaborative.
Vigrass, a Gasport native who now lives in Barre, said the community has responded to the business which offers coffee and an assortment of “grab and go” sandwiches. There are also soups and salads, mac and cheese and baked goods.
She has named some of the sandwiches after characters in banned books. Those sandwiches include The Tom Sawyer, The Gatsby, The Charlotte, The Clarisse, The Minerva and The Winston.
Sav’s sells a $10 after-school meals for that have been popular. Those include a mini sandwich wrap, two protein balls with peanut butter, seasonal fruit, chips or a cookie, and a beverage.
“There are more and more kids coming in,” Vigrass said. “It’s great.”
Savannah Vigrass said the location includes space that can be rented out for birthdays, bridal showers and other events.
Vigrass, 33, is a graduate of the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. She has worked and other local establishments and is grateful for the chance to run her own business. She had been doing catering, but needed a certified kitchen to prepare the food. The Lyndonville location has a certified kitchen for her catering jobs, and the space also has proven to be a welcome spot for people to come in an enjoy coffee and some food.
She is making the kitchen available to others for $25 an hour, and the indoor seating also can be rented out for parties and events.
Vigrass also has shelves available for vendors. The Lyndonville Spoerts Boosters sells Lyndonville shirts and sweaters.
Another vendor creates cards, onesies and sunglasses.
Vigrass become connected to Orleans County in 2020 during the Covid restrictions. She started kayaking in the Oak Orchard River and is a member of the Oak Orchard River Rates. She is one of the moderator’s of the group’s Facebook page which has about 5,000 members.
She said several family and friends, especially Jeanette Worsley, have helped her since she opened in Lyndonville, with many days of steady customers. Sav’s sold out twice on Election Day.
Sav’s is open seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Thursday and Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Phil Hitzges is shown at Sweet Tilly’s Mercantile which he opened with his wife Melissa Fricano. Tuesday was there opening day and they were busy with all the people out for the election.
Phil Hitzges and his wife Melissa Fricano moved to Lyndonville two years ago.
“We have fallen in love with the village,” he said. “We want to give people more options.”
These flasks were made in Idaho. They are among the products at Sweet Tilly’s made by small businesses around the country.
Hitzges is retired as a chef. Fricano works at the Wisdom Farm in Clarence, which offers equine therapy.
He wanted a business that would promote small businesses in the United States.
He and his wife have created Sweet Tilly’s Mercantile at 29 S. Main Street. They named the store after their cat – “a real sweet heart,” Hitzges said.
Sweet Tilly’s has products made by 20 artisans and small businesses around the country. Several are from New York, and there are products made in Michigan, California, Oregon, North Dakota, Vermont, Idaho, Nevada, Nebraska, Arizona, Florida, Wisconsin and North Carolina.
Hitzges and Fricano have a range of products, from pottery, bracelets, gloves, cat toys, bath and body products, candles, shower steamers, cards, magnets, and many others. The merchandise ranges in price from $3 to $90.
“We want to keep it reasonable,” Hitzges said.
Sweet Tilly’s is looking more vendors, including local artisans.
“I’m a firm believer in supporting small businesses across America,” Hitzges said.
The business is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
BARRE – The Comprehensive Plan Committee appointed by the Barre Town Board welcomes your input on the draft Town of Barre Comprehensive Plan Update.
The Comprehensive Plan Committee will hold a public hearing and public informational meeting on Monday, Nov. 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Barre Town Hall, 14317 West Barre Rd.
Residents, landowners, and others interested in the future of the Town of Barre are invited to drop in any time between 4 and 7:30 pm. The formal public hearing will begin at 6:30 p.m. The town’s planning consultant will give a brief presentation on the Comprehensive Plan and the Community Survey at 4:30, 6 and 7 p.m.
The Comprehensive Plan will set goals and recommend actions to guide Town decisions regarding:
Land use and zoning
Neighborhood Preservation and Housing
Business and Economic Development
Housing and Residential Quality of Life
Agriculture & Farmland
Natural Resources & Environmental Protection
Utilities
Transportation
Government and Community Services
View the draft Comprehensive Plan Update at the Town’s website: www.townofbarreny.com or at the Town Hall.
For more information, please contact Comprehensive Plan Committee chair George McKenna at (585) 738-4875 or planning consultant Barbara Johnston at (585) 295-6636.
Written comments will be accepted through Dec. 16. Please send them to the Town Clerk via e-mail at clerk@townofbarreny.com or by mail to:
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 November 2024 at 8:35 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Lee-Whedon Memorial Library was constructed in 1966 as an 11,000-square-foot public library. The building could get an 4,785-square-foot expansion.
MEDINA – The Lee-Whedon Memorial Library on Dec. 10 will ask voters for permission for a $5.2 million bond to expand the library.
The vote will decide whether Lee-Whedon can proceed with a 4,785-square-foot addition to the back. The project would add two meeting rooms, two tutoring rooms, a programming room with makerspace, Friends of the Library book sale room, a quiet research room, a teen room and 14 parking spots.
The library has scaled back the expansion, eliminating some of the decorative architectural elements. A year ago, the building project was estimated in the $7-$9 million range. The library scaled back some of the features of that plan, while keeping the space for the addition.
Lee-Whedon has already secured $795,320 in grant funding from the state and is actively applying for additional funds, said Kristine Mostyn, Lee-Whedon director. She estimated Lee-Whedon will be able to secure $1.6 million in total from the state.
The library also anticipates raising $500,000 form the community in a capital campaign drive. Lee-Whedon also has $175,000 in reserves towards the project.
Library leaders expect $2.9 million of the project will be paid for with a bond. That will result in a $34 per year increase in library taxes for properties valued at $100,000.
There will be an informational meeting at 6 p.m. on Dec. 3 at the library. Passero Associates will present renderings of the proposed expansion and Christine Crowley of Fiscal Advisors will present the financial data.
Lee-Whedon Memorial Library was constructed in 1966 at 11,000 square feet. The addition is planned for the back side of the building along North Avenue.
If the bond is approved on Dec. 10 in the public vote, Lee-Whedon anticipates bids will be solicited in the spring, with construction starting in the summer/fall and being complete in December 2026.
For more information, click here to be directed to the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library website.
Here is the floor plan for the building’s expansion.
Ugene Harrison of Albion and assigned to the Company C, Recruiting & Retention Battalion, received a promotion on Oct. 26 to the rank of private.
Army National Guard promotions are based on a soldier’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential, said Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general for the state of New York.
The New York National Guard (New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs) is the state’s executive agency responsible to the Governor for managing New York’s Military Forces, which consists of nearly 20,000 members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 November 2024 at 7:37 am
Medina Healthcare Center to open at hospital with outpatient services
Provided photo: A crowd of nearly 200 supporters filled White Birch Golf Course on Saturday night for the 30th annual Treasure Island fundraiser. The event, which this year raised more than $45,000, also featured announcement of an innovative new Medina Healthcare Center, which is already in the works with opening of an Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic on Nov. 4.
MEDINA – The 30th annual Treasure Island fundraiser sponsored by Orleans Community Health Foundation was a resounding success, according to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach.
The event Nov. 2 at White Birch Golf Course was attended by nearly 200 people and raised more than $45,000, making it one of the top years in Treasure Island’s history.
“This was a testament to the community’s dedication to supporting local healthcare,” Robinson said. “The live auction alone brought in nearly $10,000, making it the most successful auction in the history of the event.”
A major highlight of the evening was the announcement of the new Medina Healthcare Center, set to open within Medina Memorial Hospital. The Medina Healthcare Center will be a dedicated outpatient facility designed to address the critical healthcare needs of Orleans County residents, many of whom face challenges in accessing primary and specialized care locally, according to Robinson.
The facility will offer a wide range of services, including the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic which opened this week, and primary care services scheduled to open within the next several months.
“Our community has consistently demonstrated a commitment to enhancing healthcare access,” said Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health. “The support shown at this year’s Treasure Island event allows us to take meaningful strides toward making the Medina Healthcare Center a reality, bringing critical outpatient services right here to our community.”
The evening honored the generosity of numerous sponsors who consistently step up to support community health needs, Shurtz continued. Among them was Bill Bixler from Seaway Insurance, who not only sponsored the Tiki Bar, but also contributed more than five Myrtle Beach trips to the live auction, expanding his previous offering of two trips.
This kind of dedication from community members was a key factor in the event’s success. The auction also set new records, raising more than $25,000 – a landmark amount for both the silent and live auctions.
The new Medina Healthcare Center is expected to serve as a beacon of care for Orleans County, addressing a gap in accessible outpatient services. The planned renovations, including more than 13 exam rooms, improved parking facilities and a dedicated entrance on the south end of the campus, are set to enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide efficient, comprehensive care in a single, accessible location.
As Orleans Community Health embarks on a capital campaign to fund this transformative project, the initial steps are already underway, Shurtz added.
“With the community’s ongoing support, we expect to begin offering primary care services in the next couple of months, ensuring Orleans County residents have timely access to essential healthcare,” he said.
“Orleans Community Health extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, donated, volunteered or sponsored the 30th annual Treasure Island event,” said Megan Johnson, executive director of Orleans Community Health Foundation. “Your generosity makes a lasting impact, ensuring our mission to provide quality, accessible healthcare in Orleans County continues to be strong.”
On June 9 she performed CPR outside Brockport Subway
Photos by Christopher Martin: Pictured from left include Haley Walker, Leigha Walker’s mother; Monroe County Executive Adam Bello; Leigha Walker; Rochester Mayor Malik Evans; Police Chief David Smith and Jack Brennan.
By Christopher Martin, public information office for Brockport Fire District
ROCHESTER – The Rochester Police Department hosted a “Do The Right Thing” Award ceremony on Thursday, and recognized 18 youths who have been nominated for doing just that in the community.
Leigha Walker holds a “Do The Right Thing” award on Thursday after she was honored in Rochester. Leigha is a student at Morrisville State College and a member of the women’s soccer team.
Leigha Walker, 18, was nominated by the Brockport Fire District after performing CPR and contributing to the saving of the life of another on June 9.
She was working at the Brockport Subway that morning. A man was driving a vehicle when he had a heart attack and became unconscious. He crashed into a pole outside the Brockport Subway where Leigha was working.
She heard the crash and immediately called 911 at about 10 a.m. Leigha grabbed a wooden rod so a bystander could break the passenger window of the pickup truck and then unlock the vehicle.
Leigha and co-worker got the man out of the truck and onto the ground. Leigha checked his vital signs. When the Brockport Fire District ambulance pulled up, a medic urged someone to start CPR.
Leigha did more than 30 compressions to keep Brennan’s blood moving. Then the Brockport ambulance personnel used an AED to get the man’s heart restarted. He was then transported by ambulance to a hospital.
The DTRT program collects nominations from across Monroe County to recognize youth that perform above and beyond that of their peers. They recognize students and youngsters through their high school years.
Leigha was accompanied by Jack Brennan, the man she performed CPR on, her mother and was escorted into the ceremony by a representative from the Brockport Fire District.
The ceremony lasted a little over an hour where 18 youngsters were honored by the DTRT program for their service to others. There were tear-filled moments as each one had their story told by guest host Deanna Dewberry of News 10 NBC as they took to the stage. Each of them was greeted by Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, County Executive Adam Bello, and Police Chief David Smith.
The recipients then had a portrait style photo taken for use on roadside billboards to highlight the program and recognize the recipients in a very personal way. They were then invited to a personal interview with staff from News 10 NBC for broadcast at a later date speaking about how they got here.
The Brockport Fire District offers our congratulations to all 18 recipients and especially to our nominee: Leigha Walker.
Leigha Walker was among 18 youths in the Rochester region honored on Thursday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 November 2024 at 9:10 pm
UdderWays developed by Neal family wins 2nd place in Grow-NY competition
Provided photo: Zachary Neal and his father Jody Neal discuss UdderWays during the Grow-NY competition held in Ithaca the past two days. Jody’s son Jayden also is part of the UdderWays team.
ALBION – An Albion family won second place and $500,000 in the Grow-NY competition featuring 20 finalists in food and agriculture startups from around the world.
UdderWays LLC in Albion was developed by Jody Neal and his sons, Zachary and Jayden. They competed with 19 other finalists for a combined total of $3 million in prize money from the Grow-NY business competition. It is focused on enhancing the emerging food, beverage and agriculture innovation cluster in upstate New York.
There were 312 startups that applied from 26 states and 50 countries for the competition. UdderWays made the 20 finalists and emerged as one of the top winners.
UdderWays last January finished second in an agricultural innovation challenge at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah. They won $20,000 at that event.
The Neals have developed a new system to sanitize and prepare udders for milking. The Neals worked on their udder cleaning system for nearly a decade. The device is used just before a cow is milked. Their invention uses a unique, brushless technology to gently stimulate cows and ensure clean and dry teats.
Jody Neal is a partner a Poverty Hill Farms in Albion, a dairy farm on West County House Road. His sons were active in the Orleans County 4-H Robotics program, where they learned programming and tech skills as part of a team that competed in the Rochester region.
The winners in the Grow-NY competition include:
$1 million grand prize winner: Unibaio of New York City offers naturally derived particles that trap the active ingredients of pesticides, fertilizers, and phytosanitary, enabling them to penetrate plants more efficiently.
$500K winner: PureNanoTech – From Parsippany, N.J., PureNanoTech created a nanobubble irrigation solution to maximize irrigation performance and optimize energy usage in the agriculture, pond and lake restoration, wastewater treatment, and disinfection industries.
$500K winner: UdderWays – From Albion, the UdderWays uses a unique, brushless technology to gently stimulate cows and ensure clean and dry teats. With the startup’s patented vortex-style application, farmers can achieve consistent stimulation and effortlessly promote milk letdown.
$250K winner: Clean Crop Technologies – Based in Holyoke, M.A., it combines electricity and food-grade gasses to remove pathogens from seeds before they are planted, increasing yields, reducing waste, and improving food safety without preservatives.
$250K winner: ClearLeaf – Based in San José, Costa Rica, ClearLeaf offers safe fungicides and bactericides protects soil and crops from a wide range of pre- and post-harvest pathogens, without harming the environment or human health.
$250K winner: For Bitter For Worse – The Portland, Oregon company has a distillery using certified organic, locally farmed ingredients to create a healthier, more inclusive culture with their non-alcoholic cocktails.
$250K winner: Zordi of Oakfield in Genesee County Zordi builds autonomous greenhouses with robots and AI to make delicious, high-quality produce available anywhere.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 November 2024 at 4:23 pm
MONTOUR FALLS – Two Medina firefighters, Tiffany Petry and Joe Kyle, graduated today from the State Fire Academy today in Montour Falls.
They were among 38 graduates in the 15-week Recruit Firefighter Training Program. Today’s graduates were part of the 90th class in the program.
The graduates came from 11 fire departments across the state. The 15-week residential program provides extensive fire service training in an environment like a full-time fire department.
During the 15-week program, recruits participate in more than 600 hours of training in both classroom and practical settings. Classes focus on areas such as structural, vehicle and flammable liquid firefighting, emergency vehicle operations, hazardous material emergency incident and basic rescue technician operations.
Recruits also participate in daily physical fitness training in preparation for the Candidate Physical Ability Test. Upon completion, graduates will have received national certification from the National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications in Firefighter I, Firefighter II and Hazardous Materials Operations. In addition, they received completion in nearly 30 courses offered by the Office of Fire Prevention and Control.
The graduates received training in areas such as operating aerial devices; traffic incident management to keep firefighters safe on roadways; health and safety; firefighter rescue; hazardous materials response, and technical rescue. During the training program, students use iPads to provide them with greater access and flexibility to testing, as well as study materials.
Upon graduation, all the recruits will serve as career firefighters in their respective fire department and join 2,457 other graduates of this program.
“Congratulations to the graduates of the 90th Recruit Firefighter training class,” said Jackie Bray, commissioner of the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. “You join the thousands of firefighters across New York State who risk their lives day in and day out to protect New Yorkers from fire danger and other emergencies. Thank you for your commitment to public safety and your service to your local communities. I wish all of the graduates godspeed as career firefighters in the fire service.”
A contingent from the Medina Fire Department attended the graduation, including Fire Chief Matt Jackson, Capt. Jonathan Higgins, Captain Michael Young and firefighter Adam Fisher.
Tiffany Petry received the Chief Thomas Margeit Memorial Physical Fitness Award. Margeit was the chief of the Lodi Fire Department and also the PT instructor at the Fire Academy in Montour Falls for more than 10 years.
Provided photos: This 1954 International Rat Road is looking good after work from students in the Orleans/Niagara BOCES.
MEDINA – When Orleans/Niagara BOCES Human Resources secretary Shawna Baldwin wanted her 1954 International Rat Rod “Tubby” refinished for her Christmas store, she knew exactly where to go.
She talked to Orleans Career and Technical Education Center Auto Body teacher James Rozewski to see if he had some students who might be willing to work with her to snazz it up for her “Christmas in Shawna’s Barn” opening in Medina.
He recommended two of his juniors, Barker students Briley Huwyler and Adam Parris to help her out.
“My car is made from different parts like a Frankenstein creation,” she explained. “It has a 307 engine from a 1968 Camero and parts from all over. I purchased it five years ago to use in my adventures and advertising the shop. My husband, Chris and I painted it a few years ago, but I wanted it to reflect my store so I changed it to green.”
Baldwin who has experience with aging folk art pieces, taught the students her technique to age the paint.
“After painting the international letters, I showed them how to make it look like it had been there for a while,” she said. “I truly loved working with the students. They were creative, willing to learn, and great to work with. I am so happy with the result and will think of Briley and Adam every time I drive it.”
Pictured from left include Orleans Career and Technical Education Center Principal Nicole Goyette, Shawna Baldwin and students Adam Parris (Barker) and Briley Huwyler (Barker), and Auto Body teacher James Rozewski.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 November 2024 at 9:15 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MIDDLEPORT – William Briggs stars as the Cat in the Hat, a mischief maker during Lake Plains Players production of Seussical.
The shows are Nov. 8 and Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. at Roy-Hart High School, 54 State St. in Middleport. Tickets are $12 for general admission, and $10 for students and senior citizens. Click here for ticket information.
Briggs, 24, of Lockport has been part of LPP productions for two years. The community theater program has 42 people in the cast, plus others in the production crew.
“Lake Plains is special,” Briggs said. “It’s very collaborative and inclusive.”
Briggs works in business development for the United Way of Greater Niagara. He welcomes the opportunities to be on stage with the LPP, which also performs plays and cabarets during the year.
Dan Zerpa plays the character Horton the Elephant, left, who hears a strange noise coming from a speck of dust and puts it on the clover he is holding. He says that little people are people too. He sings, “A person is a person no matter how small.”
He is in a jungle with the Sour Kangaroo played by Sarah Comfort. The mother kangaroo seeks to protect her jungle community from strange ideas like those from Horton.
She mocks Horton for caring about the tiny, unseen people. She sings, “Biggest Blame Fool.”
Noah Webster is Mr. Mayor of Whoville and Alana Huzair is Mrs. Mayor. The Seussical show is based on the plot of Horton Hears a Who!, Gertrude McFuzz, and Horton Hatches the Egg while incorporating many other stories by Dr. Seuss.
The Whos live on a microscopic planet and they are getting ready for their yearly Christmas pageant.
Scott Weber, the director and choreographer of the musical, works with the cast at the beginning of Wednesday night’s rehearsal.
This is Weber’s first time directing a musical for LPP. He has a theater degree from the University at Buffalo. He has been driving 45 minutes from North Tonawanda to lead rehearsals, which started at the end of August.
Weber works in data analytics for his full-time job. Being part of LPP offers a “creative escape,” he said.
He has been part of LPP for five years, first doing a vocal recital.
Weber said Seussical isn’t just “fluff.” Dr. Seuss promoted empathy and many powerful messages in his books, Weber said.
“There is such a heart to this story,” he said. “It’s about knowing who you are and not changing yourself for someone else. It’s about celebrating people’s differences.”
Other leaders of the production include Gary Simboli, vocal director; Jeanette Sheliga, conductor; Sue Glynn, stage manager; and Heather Rutherford, assistant choreographer; Dan Zerpa, scenic builder; and Robyn Watts, costume design.
Sarah Elizabeth Hill plays the role of Jojo, a boy with a big imagination. The Cat in the Hat tricks Jojo into thinking up the Seussical world. Jojo is the son of the mayor of Whoville and his wife. In this scene, The Cat in the Hat has Jojo think the tub is McElligot’s Pool. Jojo sings, “It’s possible.” Jojo gets into trouble when the tub overflows.
Gertude McFuzz (Rebecca Witty), center, is embarrassed about a tiny feather for a tail. She takes pills and the tail grows very long and cumbersome. She falls in love with Horton, and admires his compassion for the tiny, unseen people. She sings, “Notice Me, Horton” and “Amazying Gertrude.”
Horton is in back sitting on nest, keeping an egg safe for Mayzie.
The Bird Girls are played by (from left) Madison Pratt, Myles Miller and Randi Sykes.
Pratt, 23, of Middleport has been in the LPP shows since she was 14, starting in the summer youth theater program. She is now a special education teacher at Lyndonville.
She is grateful for the opportunity to perform in high-caliber shows with the LPP.
“This is my release,” she said about the musical. “This is my fun place. Theater brings me joy.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 November 2024 at 9:53 pm
MEDINA – The first Wednesday of every November, Medina firefighters know they have a call to answer.
That is the day each year when they pick up the MAAC Christmas barrels and deliver them to stores, churches, and organizations in Medina. This year, 40 barrels were delivered, waiting to be filled with gifts, crafts, games, books, toys, hats, mittens and non-perishable food which MAAC will use to pack Christmas boxes for several hundred families.
Cash donations are also welcome, and are used to purchase items needed to insure every child gets a gift.
To be eligible to receive a gift box, families must live in the Medina School District with a zip code of 14103 or 14479.
Photo by Sherry Tuohey-Sipple: Bob Harrold of Lyndonville poses with the red wagons he refurbished and donated to the MAAC Christmas Present Program. Harrold has managed to find a handful of little red wagons every year for a number of years, which he donates to MAAC.
The Christmas Present Program serves children up to 18 years of age and their parents, according to Sherry Tuohey-Sipple, who has headed the give-away for seven years.
Families must sign up during the second and third weeks of November, either from 10 a.m. to noon or 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 12 and 19 at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1355 West Ave.; or from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 14 and 21 at The Vine (formerly Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God), 11031 Maple Ridge Rd.
The Red Barrels, which have come to be known as the Christmas Present Program, stem from Christmas toy drives the Medina firefighters started decades ago. After MAAC took it over, Sylvia Riviere of Medina ran it for seven years, before Tuohey-Sipple stepped up to run it.
Bob Harrold of Lyndonville has been contributing to the MAAC Christmas Present Program for many years, searching for and refurbishing little red wagons, which he donates to the program. He said this year it is getting harder and harder to find them.
He told Tuohey-Sipple he had been doing this for many years, at least 15, during which time he has donated more than 75 red wagons to be given to children of Medina during the Christmas season.
Throughout his lifetime, Harrold said he has collected and refurbished more than 300 red wagons, which he has given away.
“They are much harder to find today, but I continue to look for them in my travels,” he said.
Tuohey-Sipple said she has already been receiving requests for Christmas boxes, much earlier than in the past. She is concerned this may mean there is a greater need in the community this year.
Firefighters say they volunteer to help with the program because they want to help children and families in the community.
“That’s our personality, off duty as well as on duty,” said Lt. Steve Cooley, who showed up this morning with fellow firefighters Steve Miller and Nick Lee, all of whom had worked the night shift.
Fire Chief Matt Jackson said they support the giveaway program because it is important for their team to come together to support the MAAC effort for families.
The filled barrels will be picked by on Dec. 4, and on Dec. 14, Medina firefighters will be joined by volunteer firefighters from Ridgeway, Shelby and East Shelby to deliver the filled Christmas boxes.
Medina Fire Chief Matt Jackson, center, jokingly hops in a red barrel before he and his crew start delivering them on Wednesday morning. From left are firefighter Nick Lee, his friend Rob Clute, firefighter Andrew Cheverie, Captain Jonathan Higgins, firefighters Adam Fisher and Steve Miller, and Lt. Steve Cooley.
BATAVIA – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) has won his re-election bid for state Assembly in the 139th District.
First elected in 2006, Hawley has a record of delivering results for Western New York. During his re-election campaign, Hawley ran on the platform of bringing back conservative principles to our state while bringing down costs for working families and supporting our law enforcement officers.
Hawley is grateful to have received the support of the 139th Assembly District and looks forward to bringing common-sense policies back to Albany.
“I want to thank the residents of the 139th Assembly District for their unwavering support in this year’s election,” said Hawley, who was unopposed in the election. “I spoke with countless voters throughout this campaign all the way from Albion to Batavia and I’m beyond grateful for the words of encouragement and support I received along the way. Last night, we saw an incredible return to conservative values that built our nation and our state.
“Now more than ever, New Yorkers want meaningful change and homegrown representation. I’m honored to be your choice to be a part of that change in Albany for the next two years. I will continue to support policies that will keep our community safe and affordable as we create a better future for Western New York.”
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Girl Scouts in the Cobblestone Service Unit in Albion created a float in a Polar Express theme during the Parade of Lights on Nov. 25, 2023. The 16th annual parade will be on Nov. 30.
By Tom Rivers and Ginny Kropf
MEDINA – Entries for the Parade of Lights on Nov. 30 are slowly coming in, and parade chair Jim Hancock urges individuals, businesses, religious groups, schools, fire departments and any other group to consider entering a float.
Prizes are awarded in half a dozen categories.
More than 20 floats have already been entered in this 16th annual Parade of Lights, eight of which are new this year, Hancock said. Several who haven’t entered in years have returned. The deadline to enter a float is Nov. 24 and entry forms can be found by clicking here.
Ginny Kropf is shown with Mike Randall last year when she was featured by Channel 7 as one of WNY’s busiest reporters.
The parade at 6 p.m. caps off Christmas in Medina, which this year will have a new feature in the appearance of Friends of Harmony Barbershop Quartet from Buffalo, who will perform from 2 to 3 p.m. in Rotary Park.
There will also be horse-drawn wagon rides on Main Street from 1 to 5 p.m., complements of Yohe Draft Horses from Albion.
As in previous years, a fireworks display is planned at 5:45 p.m. over Main Street, provided by Young Explosives from the Rochester area.
At 5 p.m., Prime Time Brass will present a concert in Rotary Park, followed at 5:30 by lighting of the giant Christmas tree by the grand marshal.
A full day of activities are scheduled in the downtown business district, thanks to the Medina Area Partnership and the village’s Tourism Committee. They invite folks to come and spend the day, see Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in a noon parade, along with Pets on Parade, and enjoy what the shops have to offer.
The Parade of Lights Committee has announced the 2024 Grand Marshal for this year’s Parade of Lights is Ginny Kropf.
“Our planning committee was unanimous in our selection,” Hancock said. “The committee tries to select someone local who has been an asset to the Medina community, and Ginny certainly fits this description.”
Kropf has worked as a local news reporter for more than 30 years. Kropf won an Associated Press writing award when she was at The Daily News in Batavia.
She also is active in community organizations, including more than 25 years on the board of United Way of Orleans County and 10-plus years as a member of the Medina Railroad Museum board.
“Ginny has been so supportive of not only our event, but so many other community events over the many years she has been reporting for Orleans Hub and the Hometown Extra. She is one of Medina’s biggest supporters and very deserving of this honor,” Hancock said.
Press Release and photo from Community Action of Orleans & Genesee
ALBION – Community Action of Orleans & Genesee is pleased to announce the return of its “Wishing Tree” at Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts, and More this November, offering community members a unique way to support those in need during the holiday season.
Beginning the first week of November, the Wishing Tree will be adorned with special coupons and anonymous wishes that provide a helping hand to community members who may be facing hardships this season.
The Wishing Tree invites individuals to purchase coupons in-store or online that can be redeemed by others in need. These coupons include practical items such as two pairs of socks, a winter jacket, or $5 toward clothing or gift purchases. All purchased coupons will be hung on the Wishing Tree, offering immediate assistance to those who need it most.
In addition to the coupons, the Wishing Tree will hold anonymous wishes submitted by community members. After filling out a short intake form, individuals can share a wish that will be posted on the tree for adoption by others. Once a wish is fulfilled, the gift will be brought to Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts, and More for pickup.
“We are thrilled to bring the Wishing Tree back this year, especially after seeing the impact it had on our community last holiday season,” said Cassie Healy, store manager. “This year, we’ve made it even easier for people to participate by adding online links for those who may not be able to visit the store in person. Every act of kindness helps, and we’re excited to see our community come together again to support one another.”
To purchase a coupon online, community members can use the following links:
Coupons purchased online will be hung on the tree by Community Action staff, and anonymous wishes will be updated on the Community Action Facebook page. Any extra coupons will be distributed to other Community Action locations and local warming shelters, extending the reach of support throughout the region.
ALBION – Community Action of Orleans & Genesee is pleased to announce the return of its “Wishing Tree” at Main Street Corner Thrifts, Gifts, and More this November, offering community members a unique way to support those in need during the holiday season.
