Senior Center in Medina will host Hospice’s Light of Life on Dec. 9

(Left) Photo by Ginny Kropf: Carol Culhane designed, created and donated this Christmas ornament for Hospice of Orleans County. (Right) Provided photo: Brittany Dix, left, community outreach specialist at Hospice of Orleans County, accepts a Christmas ornament from artist Carol Culhane to kick off the annual Light of Life campaign.

 MEDINA – The Light of Life fundraiser to benefit Hospice of Orleans County is now underway, with a new venue announced this week.

Light of Life 2025 will take place Dec. 9 at the Senior Center in Medina. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., followed by the program at 6 p.m.

This is the 28th year local artist Carol Culhane has designed and donated ornaments to benefit Hospice.

“It has been my honor and privilege to provide and personalize these ornaments every year,” Culhane said. “As a community, we all benefit from having our hospice service available.”

Culhane purchases special German blown glass ornaments every year, which she then paints with a different Christmas design and donates to Hospice. This year’s ornament is blue with a tree and its branches extending around the ornament. The branches are covered with tiny sparkling gemstones.

Brittany Dix, community outreach specialist at Hospice, said Culhane will discuss her intended design with Hospice or ask them for ideas.

The ornaments can be purchased for $50, or for $100 Culhane will personalize them. They can be ordered by picking up an order form at Hospice, 14080 Route 31; or calling (585) 589-0809. Payment may be made at Hospice or online at www.hospiceoforleans.org/event-links.

Everyone planning to attend the event Dec. 9 must also RSVP by calling Hospice at the number above.

Ornaments may be picked up at Hospice, the day of the event at Medina Senior Center or Hospice will mail them if address is provided.

Dix said there is one gentleman who buys five or six ornaments every year for his family. A wooden snowflake ornament with space for a photo can also be purchased for $15.

Dix said Light of Life is a family event, and children are welcome. People are also welcome to attend, even if they don’t purchase an ornament, but an RSVP is requested.

There will be a hot cocoa bar and sheets for children to color. They will then be given to Hospice patients to let them know they are being thought of, Dix said.

The program will feature a short message by the Rev. Randy LeBaron, songs and readings. Members of Hospice’s Care Team will also be in attendance to remember their patients.

“We want to remind people we are here and can be a resource for them,” Dix said.

Photos courtesy of Albion Police Department: These photos show the suspect who allegedly put a skimming device on a cash register at the Save-A-Lot in Albion.

Press Release, Albion Police Chief David Mogle

ALBION – On Wednesday at 3:44 p.m. the Albion Police Department received a report of a fraudulent credit card skimming device located at Save-A-Lot, 320 West Ave.

Through an investigation of the incident and reviewing of video footage, the investigation determined the skimming device was placed on cash register 4 (closest to entrance/exit) on Nov. 14 at 2:23 p.m.

A customer at the store had noticed the key pad on the credit card machine had “new” buttons. The investigation determined a white male, camouflage hat, black headband, brown jacket, gray sweatshirt, blue jeans and brown shoes entered the store and placed the skimming device unnoticed. These skimming devices are professionally handmade and can be very hard to notice.

The Albion Police Department would like to recommend all local businesses check their Point-of-Sale machines for credit card skimmers. One way to determine is to check for “new” looking buttons or lack of security of the machine pieces.

If you have shopped at Save-A-Lot between the dates of Nov. 14 and Nov. 19, we recommend you check your bank account for any suspicious activity. The Albion Police Department is investigating this incident thoroughly.

If you have any further information regarding this incident or any other similar incidents involving the suspect, please contact the Albion Police Department at (585) 589-5627.

These photos show a credit card skimming machine.

Provided photo: Pictured left to right include Orleans County Chief Deputy James DiFilipps, Legislator Skip Draper, Undersheriff Donald Draper Jr., Nate Sanders of Elite Meal Prep, Logan Callara of Logan’s Landscaping and Sheriff Christopher Bourke.

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office

ALBION – Two brothers who own businesses in Medina are once again stepping up to provide Thanksgiving meals for first responders who are required to work on the holiday.

Nate Sanders, owner of Elite Meal Prep and his brother Logan Callara, owner of Logan Landscaping, decided last year that they would provide meals to first responders who had to work on Thanksgiving. The effort was a huge success, leading the brothers to do it again.

“Last year we provided more than 150 meals to first responders across the county who could not be with their families because they were serving our community on Thanksgiving,” Sanders said.  “It was our way of saying thank you to the women and men who protect our community.  They were so appreciative of the effort that my brother Logan and I wanted to once again be there for the people who are always there for us.”

Meals will be provided to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, Orleans County Sheriff’s Jail, Orleans County Sheriff’s Dispatch, New York State Police, Medina Police & Fire Department, Albion Police Department, Holley Police Department, and Mercy Ambulance for their personnel working on Thanksgiving. Meals are distributed through the kitchen at the Orleans County Jail.

“As I have often said, it is never easy for first responders to miss holidays and family events, but we all know that is the nature of the job,” said Orleans County Sheriff Christopher Bourke.  “So Logan and Nate are not only providing a tremendous Thanksgiving dinner to our first responders, they are letting them know their commitment and dedication is recognized by the community.”

The brothers said they also intend to provide meals for first responders working Christmas Eve and Day.

About the businesses:

Logan’s Landscaping was started by Logan when he was 13 years old. He started mowing the neighbor’s lawn using a 3-wheeled bicycle with a homemade trailer attached to haul his lawnmower. Then he rented a storage unit at Lakewood Village to store his equipment and started mowing several more lawns at Lakewood Village. After obtaining his driver’s license Logan got an LLC for his business and started doing commercial work as well. His business has grown to approximately 500 regular customers and he is maintaining over 100 properties weekly. His business consists of several trucks, trailers, machinery and smaller equipment.

Elite Meal Prep (EMP) just celebrated its first anniversary. EMP was an idea of Nick Joy and Nate Sanders who wanted to offer healthy, affordable and high-quality meal options to patrons of Nick Joy’s gyms and other local businesses. Nick has since moved on to become a first responder and Nate is running the business on his own. Nate is currently providing anywhere from 200-500 meals a week to his customers, many of whom are first responders.

Reginald Kendrick

MEDINA – A Medina man faces charges for criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree (loaded firearm) and in the third degree for having a weapon when previously convicted of a crime.

Reginald Kendrick, 50, of 301 Park Ave., Apartment 3, in Medina was charged after a search warrant at his residence. The warrant was issued as part of a investigation into the sale and distribution of cocaine in Medina, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force reported today.

Kendrick may face additional drug charges, pending forensic lab results, the Task Force reported.

He was convicted of selling cocaine in October 2016 and was sentenced to six months in jail and five years of probation as a first-time felon.

The search warrant on Nov. 12 was executed by the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force, Orleans County Special Response Team, the Sheriff’s Office and Medina Police Department.

Law enforcement seized a loaded unbranded polymer “ghost” semi-automatic 9 mm pistol with an extended 30-round magazine, scales and other drug paraphernalia, the Task Force said today in a press release.

Kendrick was arraigned in Orleans County CAP Court and was committed to the county jail on $1,000 cash bail. He is to appear in Ridgeway Town Court on Dec. 1.

ALBION/CLARENDON – The Caregiver’s Revitalize program, funded by an Exhale grant secured by United Way of Orleans County from the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, is moving full steam ahead, with more days added to the schedule to help caregivers.

The Clarendon site is now open every Tuesday and the Albion site every Thursday.

In addition, a Christmas party will be hosted from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Clarendon site. The event includes dinner, dessert and live music. There will also be live music by Ryan Klatt and door prizes. Participation is free for Orleans County caregivers and the person they care for. Space is limited and reservation are required by calling Samantha at (585) 208-4999 or Dana at (585) 209-9151.

The Caregiver Revitalize program provides a setting where both caregivers and their loved ones can get support and re-establish social connections in their community.

A caregiver is someone caring for a spouse, parent, other family member or even a friend or neighbor. Anyone who provides someone with help with medications, medical appointments, getting out of chairs or bed, showering and getting dressed, housework, shopping and preparing meals, is a caregiver.

The Caregiver’s Revitalize program offers organized activities, support and respite for caregivers with supervision for those they care for. This can give the caregiver time to run errands or just relax.

Current respite sites are from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the Clarendon Historical Society at 16426 Fourth Section Rd., Clarendon; and from 1 to 4 p.m. every Thursday at Christ Episcopal Church, 26 South Main St., Albion (use the Park Street entrance only).

Sites are closed on holidays.

Those wanting more information or wanting to volunteer should call (585) 209-9151 or (585) 208-4999 or e-mail Caregiversrevitalize@gmail.com.

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.

Two soldiers from Orleans County in the National Guard have recently received promotions.

Chandre Labuschagne from Medina and assigned to the NY Air National Guard Headquarters was promoted on Oct.1 to the rank of technical sergeant.

Air National Guard promotions are based on an airman’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.

Samantha Harvey from Holley and assigned to the Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, received a promotion on Oct. 21 to the rank of staff sergeant.

Army National Guard promotions are based on a soldier’s overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.

For more information about the New York Air National Guard or to contact a recruiter, visit https://dmna.ny.gov/ang/.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov.

ALBION – Three people were sentenced to time in the Orleans County today by County Court Judge Sanford Church.

• Richard Kress, 38, of Albion was sentenced to 364 days in jail. He could have been sentenced to 1 to 3 years in state prison after pleading guilty to grand larceny in the fourth degree.

Kress and a co-defendant, Daniel Fritz III of Clarendon, are accused of taking a safe from a  Clarendon home that had cash and jewelry inside. They will pay $5,000 in restitution to the victim.

Fritz pleaded guilty to attempted burglary in the third degree and faces up to 2 to 4 years in state prison.

Kress said he made some bad choices and was abusing drugs and alcohol. He said he has turned his life around. He apologized to the victim of the crime. He has already been in jail for 115 days.

• Christopher Doxley, 41, of Medina was sentenced to 364 days in the county jail for criminal mischief. He allegedly was in an argument at someone’s house and hit a car with a baseball bat.

He apologized to the court and his family. He also was fined $500 and needs to pay $250 in court fees.

• Charles Santiago, 37, of Albion was sentenced to weekends in jail over four months and five years of probation for criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. Santiago had a loaded Taurus handgun on April 13 without a permit.

He could have faced six months in the county jail. Judge Sanford Church said the weekends in jail will allow Santiago to keep working full-time so he can support his family.

• A Medina woman is being held in the county jail while awaiting sentencing for violating her probation.

Erica Davis, 37, also faces new charges of promoting prison contraband in the first degree and criminal possession of a controlled substance for bringing cocaine into the county jail. She snuck the cocaine into the jail through her boot, District Attorney Susan Howard said

• Devon A. Robinson, 32, of Rochester pleaded guilty in court today to criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree. He admitted to having an ATV valued at more than $3,000 that he knew was stolen. The Arctic Cat ATV was taken from Hulberton Road in Holley on July 26, 2024.

Robinson, as a second-felony offender, could have faced up to seven years in prison. As part of a plea deal today he will face up t five years in prison when he is sentenced on Feb. 18.

Mitchell Kwandrans, left, and Marcus Verratti have both been charged with criminal possession of cannabis in the first degree.

MEDINA – The Hemp House and More in Medina has been shut down by the NYS Office of Cannabis Management for possessing and selling unauthorized cannabis products.

Two people, including the Hemp House owner, also are facing charges for criminal possession of cannabis in the first degree, which are class D felonies.

The Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force, Sheriff’s Department, Medina Police Department and the NYS Office of Cannabis Management on Nov. 5 executed search warrants at the Hemp House at 409 Main St. and at 2651 Angling Rd. in Ridgeway.

Police seized over 64 pounds of high-grade cannabis flower, 264 pounds of cannabis edibles, 97 THC vapes, 106 viles of THC wax, over 6 pounds of marijuana hash, 10-1000ml containers of THC concentrate distillate, over 1 pound of mushrooms (Pslocybin), and over $96,000 in cash.

The following were charged:

• Mitchell Kwandrans, 38, of 2651 Angling Road in Medina for 4 counts of criminal possession of cannabis in the first degree.
• Marcus Verratti, 40, of 905 West Ave. in Medina for 2 counts of criminal possession of cannabis in the first degree.

Kwandrans, owner of the Hemp House, and Verratti, a Hemp House employee, were taken to the Orleans County Jail for processing and issued appearance tickets for the Ridgeway Town Court on Dec. 15.

As a result of the items seized, the NYS Office of Cannabis Management closed the store for selling and possessing unauthorized cannabis products. These illicit cannabis products can pose a threat to public health and safety due to not being tested or approved by the Office of Cannabis Management, said Joe Sacco, the supervising investigator for the Major Felony Crime Task Force.

 “New York State will not tolerate businesses selling illicit cannabis,” said Dan Haughney, Office of Cannabis Management director of enforcement. “We want to send a clear message that untested, unsafe products do not belong in our communities.”

He thanked the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, Orleans County District Attorney’s Office and the Medina Police Department for their partnership in the case.

Also assisting in the investigation were the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration and the Albion Police K9 unit.

 The investigation is ongoing and further charges are pending multiple lab results, Sacco said.

The Hemp House is the third business to be shut down in Orleans County for selling unauthorized cannabis products. The state also closed the Medina Smoke Shop at 335 North Main St. on Aug. 20 and the Albion Mini-Mart at 45 North Main St. on May 20.

Photos and information courtesy of Tim Archer

ALBION – Local resident, historian, and author Tom Taber (right) donated his book, “The Orleans Battery,” and a framed poster on the soldiers of the Civil War’s local 17th New York Light Artillery. He presented them to Albion Middle School eighth grade students Brian Patten and John Vivas, along with social studies teacher Mr. Shawn Ragonese.

The book is a history of the NY 17th created from letters sent home by several of the men, from privates to commanding officer Captain George T. Anthony, who left Medina for Kansas, and eventually was elected governor there. He was also Susan B. Anthony’s second cousin.

The poster was a Civil War roster listing the names and ranks of the men, predominantly from Orleans County, who were the original volunteers in the NY 17th. Soon after arriving in Washington in late 1862, they were offered the poster for $1.

Future classes will benefit from Taber’s extensive research for years to come.

Photo courtesy of Chris Fenton: This Santa Claus chair loaded with Christmas decorations, is waiting to be set up at Main Street Appliance and Home Furnishings. It is the original chair used for many years when Santa welcomed children at the former G.C. Murphy Five and Dime store.

MEDINA – Olde Tyme Christmas in Medina is a day organized by Medina Area Partnership, in which the entire village turns out to celebrate the holidays.

Sales in stores, Home for the Holidays 5K, a holiday brunch, giveaways, raffles, a pet parade, arrival of Santa Claus, musical entertainment and many more activities take place throughout the day, all topped off with fireworks and the spectacular Parade of Lights.

Festivities begin at 8 a.m. at Factory Espresso at 111 West Center St., in the former Newell building (now Hart House) where festive hot lattes and winter treats will be served throughout the day.

The Home for the Holidays 5K will kick off at 9 a.m. in the canal basin. Information on registering is available at www.itsyourrace.com and www.christmasinmedina.com.

A holiday brunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shirt Factory in the Hart House, 113 West Center St.

Visitors are encouraged to shop local and check out the specials during the day in celebration of “Shop Small Saturday.”

At Main Street Appliance and Home Furnishings, children can sit on Santa’s lap in the chair Santa used there for years when it was G.C. Murphy’s five and dime store.

At English Rose Tea Shoppe, a game sheet can be picked up to participate in a “Christmas Selfie Scavenger Hunt.”

Canalside Tattoo will again be collecting toys and games for the 9th Annual Parade of Lights Toy Drive.

 Santa will arrive at noon during the Santa and Pets on Parade events.

 Visitors will have to venture off Main Street for a few activities, including an open house and display of holiday stuffed animals at the Medina Historical Society on West Avenue.

At St. Mary’s Church, at the north end of West Avenue, a program of European Advent and Christmas music will be presented at 1 p.m. by Aaron Grabowski on organ and harpsichord.

Cocktails can be enjoyed throughout the day at Bent’s Harvest Bar and the Shirt Factory’s launch of its award-winning cocktail.

Many events throughout the day cater to children, including the Little Elf costume contest at Harvest Restaurant, make-and-take ornament decorating at Creekside Floral, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library and Modern Mercantile, a take-and-make craft at Author’s Note, Children’s Window Scavenger Hunt, free ornament at Filamena’ Favorites on South Gravel Road and free chocolate covered Oreo at Della’s Chocolates.

Nola’s Gaming and Crafting Café at 523 Main St. is a new business in town, where kids can make and take a free Polar Express-inspired ornament.

The day also features train rides on the Polar Express from Medina Railroad Museum. Information on ticket availability can be obtained on www.medinarailroadmuseum.org or by calling (585) 798-6106, x103.

Children can have their picture taken with Santa from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the Santa House in Rotary Park. There is a $10 charge, which benefits Decorate Medina.

At 1 p.m. children and parents are invited to the Medina Theater for a showing of the Christmas movie “The Grinch,” complete with popcorn and holiday cheer.

Another movie, “Home Alone 2,” will be shown at Bent’s Opera House at 2 p.m., also including popcorn.

From 2 to 4 p.m. children and adults can get in out of the cold and relax while enjoying the magic of Patrick Holman.

Everyone is reminded to check out the full schedule of events and activities online at www.ChristmasInMedina.com.

As always, the day is topped off by fireworks at 5:45 over Main Street and the spectacular Parade of Lights at 6 p.m., featuring an estimated 40 lighted floats.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The U.S. Mint has ceased producing pennies as of Nov. 12, 2025.

With the U.S. Mint not making any more pennies, a state legislator has introduced a bill to have merchants round up or down to the nearest 5 cents for cash transactions.

State Senator James Skoufis, a Democrat from Orange County, on Friday introduced the “New Yorkers for Common Cents Act.” It would standardize how cash transactions are handled with no more pennies being produced.

The “Common Cents” proposal wants to reduce circulation of pennies within New York state. The U.S. Mint on Nov. 12 made the final pennies.

Skoufis has proposed the following rounding system:

• If 1-2 or 6-7 cents are at the end of the resulting sum, then that amount shall be rounded down to the nearest amount divisible by 5
• If 3-4 or 8-9 cents are at the end of the resulting sum, then that amount shall be rounded up to the nearest amount divisible by 5.

“Common Cents” is based on Canada’s federal policy when it abolished the country’s penny in 2013. It would not apply to transactions paid for online or by card, electronic payment or transfer, or money order.

The proposed S8580 is currently in the Senate’s Rules Committee and doesn’t have an Assembly counterpart.

Anthony Bruce, former federal prosecutor, didn’t reside in Orleans or adjoining county

The case against a Medina man who served two years of incarceration has been dismissed after the state’s highest court ruled the special prosecutor in the case was wrongly appointed.

Anthony Bruce, a former federal prosecutor for 38 years, was named a special prosecutor in a case against Dina Callara of Medina, who was charged with grand larceny for allegedly improperly selling a vehicle that was given to him for repairs and then keeping the proceeds. He was ordered to pay $3,800 in restitution to the owner of the vehicle.

Joe Cardone, the district attorney at the time, recused himself from the case due to a relationship with the alleged victim.

Orleans County Court Judge Sanford Church appointed Bruce of Orchard Park as the special prosecutor.

The State of New York Court of Appeals stated in a decision on October 16 that it is undisputed that Bruce did not have an office or reside in Orleans County or any adjoining county, therefore not meeting the residency requirement.

Callara was convicted of a jury of grand larceny in the fourth degree and two counts of petit larceny on Feb. 22, 2022. He served 24 months of incarceration in the county jail and state prison. Callara didn’t raise the issue of an improperly appointed prosecutor until after the conviction and Callara’s attorney filed an appeal.

The Supreme Court of the State of New York Appellate Division, Fourth Judicial Department issued a decision on July 26, 2024, agreeing with Callara and his attorney, Kerry A. Conner, that the case should be dismissed.

While Bruce lives in Erie County, he has listed 39 Ellicott St. in Batavia, Genesee County, as an office. Genesee is contiguous to Orleans. But Callara’s lawyers argued Bruce wasn’t using that site as an office and sent correspondence to Callara from Erie County.

The District Attorneys Association of the State of New York, as amicus curiae or “friend of the court,” argued that it can be difficult to find qualified attorneys who are willing and able to serve as special district attorney, particularly in rural counties. And many rural counties border other rural counties, the DAs association said.

The Appellate Court – in a decision written by Shirley Troutman, Associate Judge of the Court of Appeals – said it’s up to the State Legislature to determine if the statute should be amended to accommodate the challenges faced by rural counties in appointing special prosecutors.