Press Release, Genesee Community College

BATAVIA – Genesee Community College is proud to welcome eight new full-time faculty members for the 2024-2025 academic year. These distinguished educators bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to our campus, enhancing our commitment to academic excellence and student success.

“As we welcome these talented educators to Genesee Community College, we look forward to the fresh perspectives and innovative teaching methods they will bring to our classrooms,” said Genesee Community College President, Dr. Craig Lamb. “Their arrival marks an exciting chapter in our ongoing mission to deliver high-quality education and support the success of our students.”

The faculty members include:

Ariane Bianchi, Instructor of Nursing – Bianchi comes from Golisano Children’s Hospital Pediatric Cardiac Care Center and has been a pediatric clinical instructor for GCC. She earned her associate degree in Nursing from GCC and her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Rochester. She intends to pursue her master’s in nursing education in the coming year.

Jillian Eberlin, Instructor of Mathematics – Eberlin was a Mathematics teacher at OneSchool Global North America, Rochester Campus, and has taught several semesters as a math adjunct instructor at Bryant & Stratton College. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and master’s degree in Mathematics from SUNY Brockport.

Kathryn Edwards, Nursing Clinical Coordinator – Edwards was a pediatric nurse practitioner at Stony Brook Pediatrics and prior to that worked at Golisano Children’s Hospital. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Buffalo and her master’s degree from the University of Rochester. She most recently completed her post-master’s dual certification in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at St. John Fisher University.

Metin Eroglu, Instructor of Mathematics – Eroglu has been in higher education since 2008 as a student, full-time instructor, and tutor most recently working for SUNY Buffalo and Wyzant. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from The University of Texas and his master’s degree in Statistics from Michigan State University.

Katie Jennings, Instructor of Nursing – Jennings was a Clinical Resource Nurse at Rochester Regional Health in Batavia and has been a Clinical Nursing Instructor for GCC. She earned her associate degree in Nursing from GCC, her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from SUNY Brockport and is pursuing her master’s degree in Nursing at Western Governor’s University.

Krysia Mager, Instructor of Business – Mager worked as an adjunct at GCC and is coming from Tompkins Community Bank in Batavia where she was the Assistant Vice President of Creative Content. Krysia earned her associate degree in Communication from GCC, her bachelor’s degree in Journalism Communication from SUNY Brockport and her master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Marist College.

Dr. Timothy McCorry, Assistant Professor of Social Sciences/Coordinator of Special Programs – Dr. McCorry has 25 years of experience teaching various courses in sociology, psychology, and criminal justice at the University at Buffalo, Buffalo State University, and Medaille University. This past spring, he began to adjunct at GCC. He earned his associate degree from Nassau Community College, his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from St. John’s University and his Ph.D. from the University at Buffalo.

Dr. Scott Wilson, Assistant Professor of Veterinary Technology – Dr. Wilson was an Associate Emergency Veterinarian/Urgent Care Veterinarian at the Greater Buffalo Veterinary Emergency Clinic. He received both his associate and bachelor’s degrees in Veterinary Technology from Medaille College and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University School of Medicine.

MEDINA – Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and boys from the community are invited to Medina Conservation Club for a Taste of Scouting on Saturday.

Scout campouts used to be done many years ago, said Jessica Bonham, director of the Western New York Scout Council.

“We are bringing it back in hope of making it an annual event,” Bonham said.

Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts from Medina and Lyndonville will be participating, with Troop 28 taking charge of activities for the boys.

Bonham said they are inviting any boy in the community from kindergarten through fifth grade to attend and take part in activities from 2 to 4 p.m.

“Like so many organizations, membership is down since COVID,” Bonham said. “We are hoping to renew interest and recruit more boys to Scouting.”

Saturday’s activities will include fishing, archery and making smores.

Jim Olinger, treasurer of the Conservation Club, said they plan to open the skeet fields to let the older boys shoot clay targets under supervision.

He said he was excited when Dean Bellack, a member of the club, contacted him earlier in the summer about using the grounds for an event to involve the community.

“Not a lot of kids are involved in outdoor activities these days,” Olinger said. “It’s great to get them involved.”

Medina Conservation Club was incorporated in April 1940 for the purpose of protecting and restoring America’s woods, wildlife and waters, particularly in Orleans County; to provide its facilities to the Boy Scouts of America, Cub Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America and similar organizations for camping, hiking, fishing and participation in outdoor sports and conservations programs; and other causes in regard to increasing opportunities for outdoor recreation and to safeguard public health.

The Conservation Club currently has 140 members, Olinger said. It is located at 3748 Bates Rd., Medina.

Anyone interested in becoming a Scout can contact Bonham at (585) 993-5359.

ROCHESTER – ESL Federal Credit Union will be acquiring the assets of Generations Bank, which operates a branch in Medina, the two organizations announced today.

Generations merged with the former Medina Savings & Loan in 2018. Generations is based at Seneca Falls and has nine locations including a site in Medina on Maple Ridge Road.

ESL said the acquisition allows the banking institution to significantly grow its presence throughout the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region, bringing personal banking, business banking, mortgage services, wealth management and its superior customer experience to customers throughout Seneca, Cayuga, and Orleans counties, while expanding its footprint in Ontario County.

Upon completion of the transaction with generations, ESL is expected to have total assets of approximately $9.6 billion and will increase its footprint to more than 30 full-service branches throughout the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region.

“This deal is a strong fit for ESL and Generations because both organizations are committed and dedicated to serving their employees, customers and their communities.  We look forward to our future as a stronger, growing financial institution, and bringing the superior experiences we are known for to employees and customers in new communities,” said Faheem Masood, President and Chief Executive Officer of ESL Federal Credit Union.

As part of the agreement, ESL will pay Generations $26.2 million in cash and Generations Bank will retain its equity at the effective time of the purchase and assumption transaction, less certain reductions and additions, according to a press release from ESL and generations.

The deal is expected to close late in the second quarter or in the third quarter of 2025, subject to receiving all regulatory approvals, approval by Generations Bancorp’s shareholders and other customary closing conditions.

Following the completion of the transactions and after all of the respective obligations of Generations Bancorp and Generations Bank are settled, Generations Bank will liquidate and Generation Bancorp will distribute its assets to its shareholders, likely in two separate payments.

Generations Bancorp’s shareholders are currently estimated to receive an aggregate of between $18.00 and $20.00 in cash in exchange for each share of Generations Bancorp common stock owned. Currently, Generations Bancorp has 2,241,801 outstanding shares of common stock.

“We are very excited about our new partnership with ESL Federal Credit Union,” said Angela Krezmer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Generations Bank. “The synergy created by combining these two companies coupled with the financial strength of the combined institution will assure that our customers, our employees and our communities have expanded financial services and membership benefits going forward. We also believe it reflects our commitment to enhance the value to our shareholders.”

MEDINA – On Oct. 5, the Knights-Kaderli Walk/Run will celebrate its 36th year of honoring the memory of two Medina natives.

Since 1989, the community has gathered for this event in honor of Richard Knights and Sue Kaderli, both pillars of their community who died from cancer.

“Our event will continue as an untimed walk/run so registrants can participate in a leisurely walk with family and friends, or set their watches for a 5K run,” said Stacey Knights Pellicano, Knights-Kaderli board member and daughter of Richard Knights.

This year’s event will resemble the more casual family atmosphere of the walk’s earlier years, Pellicano said.

As always, participants and the community are encouraged to support their basket raffle.

The walk/run begins at 11 a.m. at East Shelby Fire Hall. Participants may register in person beginning at 10 a.m. or online at Knights-Kaderli’s’ website prior to the race.

Lunch will be served immediately following the race and guests may eat outside under the pavilion.

Walkers/runners are encouraged to photograph their event and tag Knights-Kaderli on Facebook and Instagram at #KnightsKaderli5K for the opportunity to win some fun prizes.

Pellicano shared quotes from family members about the event.

“This is our favorite time of year. We look forward to being with all of our supporters,” one member said.

“This is one of our major fundraisers for the year,” another said. “We know the community will show up to support their neighbors who are living with cancer.”

Richard Knights and Sue Kaderli were known for their spirit of community, and the family is honored to remember them in this way.

“This foundation was founded in memory of our loved ones, Richard Knights and Susan Kaderli, two lifelong residents of Orleans County,” Pellicano said. “We raise funds through annual events and various contributions made by individuals, organizations and memorials. Funds thus far have assisted families with nutritional supplements and prescriptions, as well as medical supplies and bills. Run by a board of directors, there are no administrative costs, thereby allowing almost 100% of money raised to be used to assist Orleans County cancer patients and their families.”

Since its inception, the Knights-Kaderli Fund has helped 850 patients totaling $862,301, said Mary Zelazny, daughter of Sue Kaderli.

Anyone wishing more information or financial assistance can contact Zelazny at (585) 746-8455, Melissa Knights Bertrand at (716) 983-7932 or Pellicano at (716) 998-0977. Donations may be made through Penpal or Venmo.

Photos courtesy of Medina Central School: Raquel Russell, Bella Fischer, Justine Fitzsimmons, Cole Callard and Trenton Morley chat with Samantha Covis, assistant library director at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library.

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – Participation in Government classes at Medina Junior-Senior High School present an interesting assignment to students each year.  Teachers Jennifer Ossont and Todd Bensley invite several non-profits to the high school cafeteria for a Community Service Fair.

The students are required to do ten hours of community service with at least three organizations so they can develop civic responsibility, learn new skills and gain a sense of their strength and talents. Once their internship is done, students prepare a presentation of their experiences for class.

“Many of the organizations are long-time participants,” Mr. Bensley said. “It is nice to know that they recognize the value of our Community Service Fair in connecting them to the next generation of volunteers in the community.”

Georgia Thomas of the Medina Historical Society talks with with students Lukas Grimes and Trenton Morley. Rob Klino of Friends of Boxwood Cemetery is in back.

Bella Fischer, Justine Fitzsimmons and Raquel Russell meet with Karen Canning from the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!).

Paul Rutherford Jr. allegedly has stolen $200,000 worth of property in 2024

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office

Photos from Orleans County Sheriff’s Office

ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office announces the arrest of Paul Rutherford Jr., 51, and his nephew, Cori J. Rutherford, 27, following a lengthy investigation across multiple agencies.

In February the Rutherfords conspired with other persons whose names are being withheld at this time to steal an enclosed trailer from Lake Shore Metals in the Town of Ridgeway. This trailer contained a type of roofing machine used to make metal panels, and is valued at over $102,000. The Rutherfords are alleged to have stolen this trailer during the early morning of Feb. 18 and in the same day transported it to Conover, North Carolina, receiving $4,000 in payment.

Paul Rutherford Jr. was additionally charged for his involvement of stealing diesel fuel, pumps, hoses and other equipment from Grow Mark FS Inc. located in the Town of Ridgeway.

Both Rutherfords were arraigned in Orleans County Court on Friday, Sept. 20, following the unsealing of an indictment charging them.

Cori Rutherford was charged with Grand Larceny 2nd (C Felony) and released on his own recognizance.

Paul Rutherford Jr. was charged with two counts of Grand Larceny 2nd (C Felony), two counts of Grand Larceny 3rd (D Felony), Burglary 3rd (D Felony), Criminal Mischief 4th (A Misdemeanor) with bail set at $25,000 cash, $50,000 bond. Paul later posted bail and was released on the same day.

As part of this indictment the New York State Police have charged Paul Rutherford Jr. with a burglary and theft of diesel from Elder Trucking located in Waterport and theft of a F350 Farm Truck from Root Brother’s Farm in Barre.

Paul Rutherford Jr. has an extensive criminal history being arrested more than 28 times since 1988, and has been convicted of 4 felonies in New York State. He was previously arrested on Feb. 23, 2024 following an investigation by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office for the theft of diesel fuel from area farms, and the theft of tools from another location.

Through interagency cooperation, investigators used resources such as video surveillance, license plate readers, cellular mapping, and other digital new era tools to establish Paul’s connection to crimes in Niagara and Orleans counties.

Paul Rutherford Jr. was arraigned in Niagara County on Sept. 19, 2024 following the unsealing of an indictment by Niagara County Court. He was charged in connection to the theft of a hydraulic hammer from the City of Lockport, and the theft of diesel and a F250 Farm Truck from the Town of Newfane.

Paul has been charged with 3 counts of Grand Larceny 3rd (D Felony), two counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 3rd (D Felony), two counts of Grand Larceny 4th (E Felony). He has posted bond in Niagara County relating to his Feb. 23 arrest, and that bail remained the same at the time of his arraignment.

Paul Rutherford Jr. charges allege he has stolen approximately $200,000 worth of property since January 2024 in 8 different cases, with the possibility of additional charges forthcoming.

Multiple agencies involved across the two counties include the Orleans and Niagara County Sheriff’s Offices, New York State Police Albion and Lockport Barracks, City of Lockport Police Department, Niagara Intelligence & Crime Analysis Center, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina.

Photos courtesy of Arc GLOW: (Left) A camper eats a balanced meal of pizza with a salad and milk. (Right) Campers play in the pool while a lifeguard keeps watch.

Press Release, Arc GLOW

LYNDONVILLE — The 2024 Camp Rainbow season ended with a splash, and thanks to The Children’s Guild Foundation, the 2025 season is looking to be even better!

Thanks to a $27,172.65 grant for splish, splash, and rock and roll awarded in July, Camp Rainbow will be installing outdoor musical equipment to help with sensory processing needs. Music provides a therapeutic outlet for sensory and behavioral needs, and musical playground equipment will provide an opportunity for creative expression outdoors.

With The Children’s Guild Foundation’s generous support, Camp Rainbow will be able to install a percussion play conga trio, a percussion play alto diatonic free chimes and a flower drum.

The grant also provided support for the salaries for kitchen and pool staff and allowed Camp Rainbow to comply with Legislation S.7424/A.366A which requires “camps and youth sports programs to establish an automated external defibrillator (AED) implementation plan; requires camps and youth sports programs to have at least one person trained to use such defibrillators at camps, games and practices.”

An AED was present during the 2024 season and will be available at Camp Rainbow going forward.

“We are so grateful to The Children’s Guild Foundation for their support of Camp Rainbow this summer,” said Jen Batt, director of community services for the northern region. “Their generosity allowed us to provide a robust swimming program, provide freshly made breakfast and lunch to all campers and expand our playground with long wished for sensory items.”

Camp Rainbow, founded in 1970, is a summer day camp available to all children ages 5 to 21. While Camp Rainbow was originally designed to meet the needs of children with developmental and/or physical disabilities, it was opened to all children ages 5 to 21 in 1992. Since that time, Camp Rainbow has encouraged friendships and understanding among children with and without disabilities as well as promoting integration and inclusion.

Camp Rainbow relies on the generous support of our community, and in addition to The Children’s Guild Foundation, the 2024 season was supported by grants from the Kenlou Foundation, the Medina Sandstone Society, the Lyndonville Foundation, Orleans County Youth Bureau, the United Way of Orleans County, the Curtis Foundation, and the Rochester Community Foundation.

Residents urged to take precautions from mosquito-borne illnesses

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

A human case of West Nile Virus has been confirmed in Orleans County.

“West Nile Virus is most commonly spread by the bite of an infected mosquito,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “The best protection against West Nile Virus and other mosquito-related illnesses is to prevent mosquito bites.”

Residents are encouraged to practice the following precautions:

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellant and follow product label instructions. To find the best repellant for you, visit www.epa.gov/insect-repellents.
• Minimize exposed skin by wearing protective clothing like long sleeves and long pants tucked into socks, especially when outdoors at dusk or dawn when mosquitos are most active.
• Wear clothing and gear treated with permethrin.
• Reduce mosquito population around your home and property by removing any standing water, such as by emptying buckets, containers, pots, planters and pool covers.

West Nile Virus infections occur most often during summer and early fall. Most people who are infected with West Nile Virus do not show any symptoms. According to the New York State Department of Health, roughly 20% of infected individuals will develop mild symptoms, including fever, headache, body aches, nausea, diarrhea, and rash. Severe illness may cause high fever, headache, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, disorientation, paralysis, and, in some cases, death. Individuals over the age of 50 are at highest risk for serious illness.

For more information on West Nile Virus, visit the New York State Department of Health.

For more information about GO Health Programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at:

• Orleans County: 585-589-3278
• Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555

Provided photos

MURRAY – Organizers and volunteers of the Murray Tractor Pull on Sunday presented a check for $10,000 to the Ronald McDonald House, which provides hospitality for families with children fighting a serious illness.

The Christ family has been running the tractor pull for many years on a course they built on Groth Road. The setup includes a track, concessions stand and parking. This year’s pull was on July 22 and attracted more than 1,000 spectators.

The $10,000 is up from the $8,500 donated last year from the event to the Ronald McDonald House.

Ronald McDonald House representatives accept the $10,000 from the Murray Tractor Pull and another $300 from the Fancher-Hulberton-Murray Fire Company.

Fred Holt captured this image of a boater at the Oak Orchard Harbor on Lake Ontario.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 4, Number 29

Lake Ontario is a stunning spectacle at any time. We are invariably drawn to try to capture its more dramatic moments, mid-summer sunsets in particular.

Twilight was photographer Fred Holt’s favorite time to study the lake. He took many photographs of this particular scene, from the angle in the above photo and the one below. The photos are serene and have a timeless quality.

Frederick Holt was born in Gaines on May 13, 1900, the son of Benjamin and Frances (Bennett) Holt, who had immigrated from Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. Benjamin was a quarryman, the family lived on South Clinton Street in Albion.

These two row a boat towards Lake Ontario.

While still a high school student, Fred enlisted with the Reserve Officer Training Corps and was appointed First Lieut, Company L, 12th Regiment, New York State Cadet Corps. He graduated from Albion High School in 1919 and was later employed as Treasurer at the Marine Midland Bank.

In 1942 , he re-entered the armed forces and was appointed Second Lieut. Company L, 65th Regiment of the New York Guard. On his return to civilian life, he was appointed as the Albion office manager of the Birds-Eye Snider Division of General Foods Corporation and in 1958 was appointed manager of Hunt Foods, Inc.

Fred Holt captured Orleans County scenes for more than 60 years.

Photography was his passion. He chronicled scenes and events in Albion for over 60 years – Albion street scenes, farming scenes, parades, majorettes, school plays, a rich chronicle of the times. In 1927, he photographed scenes of the Barge Canal water break at Eagle Harbor and also the seizure on West Avenue in Albion of one of the biggest illicit distilleries in New York State. He won prizes for several of his artistic compositions.

Following his death, his wife, Anne, donated his work to the Orleans County Department of History. There are hundreds of photographs, slides and negatives, as well as the ledgers where he meticulously recorded his work.

Holt’s photographs have a luminous quality that is distinctive and compelling.

We will share other examples in future columns.

Club also making effort to recruit more members

Provided photos: The Frankfurters will perform Oct. 10 in the first Oktoberfest at the White Birch Golf.

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions opened their 2024/2025 campaign on Wednesday, September 18 with a recruitment dinner and meeting at the White Birch Golf Course.

The club saw four new applicants apply for membership to the Lyndonville Lions Club.  These individuals will become official members in an initiation ceremony planned for early November of this year.

The Lions are in the final stages of preparation and ticket sales for their inaugural Oktoberfest, planned for Thursday, October 10 at 6 p.m. at the White Birch Golf Resort in Lyndonville. The event, which is sponsored by Lyndonville Lions, is proud to announce the addition of the Genesee Brewing Company as the lead corporate sponsor in assisting the Lyndonville Lions Club in this endeavor.

Tickets remain on sale and can be purchased by contacting the Lions at Gwendolynlarge002@gmail.com. Tickets are $50 per person, or a table of 8 people for $360. Admission to the event includes a German-style food buffet and musical entertainment by The Frankfurters, a German band from Buffalo. Basket raffles, a 50/50, and a live auction are planned for the event. More information can be obtained from local ads running to advertise this event. The Lions invite everyone to come celebrate Oktoberfest and help support this fundraising event. As they say, “Prost” to all!

In further club news, the Lyndonville Lions were recognized by State Senator Robert Ortt, and Assemblyman Stephen Hawley with proclamations honoring the Lyndonville Lions Club as they enter their 50th year of continued service in and around the Lyndonville area. The Club was honored to receive this recognition and will proudly display the plaques at the White Birch, where they regularly meet. Additionally, the Lyndonville Lions Club will be donating soda to the Orleans County Youth Bureau for their upcoming Family Game Night event on October 10th at Dubby’s Tailgate in Albion.

These Lyndonville Lions Club members holding proclamations from the state include Nicole Spohr, Lynne Johnson, David Godfrey, Elizabeth Carpenter and Eric Johnson.

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Photos by Tom Rivers

ELBA – Barb Williams and her husband Tom, the Genesee County Family Court judge, walk near the finish line on Saturday with their dog Max.

They were among the participants in the 20^th annual Arc GLOW Friends and Family 5K in Elba.

Sandy Konfederath, the coordinator of Community Relations at Arc GLOW, welcomes the runners and goes over the course.

The race started outside the Arc GLOW’s Day Habilitation Center in Elba. About 100 runners completed the 3.1-mile race, with about 75 others doing a 1.5-mile walk.

Brandon Rebert of Oakfield was the first male finisher at 19:18, and Kim Mills of Oakfield was the fastest female with a time of 20:34.

After the race, there was a big party with pizza and lots of other food.

The post-race party featured music by The Buffalo Road Show with Jim Cantino and his brother, Alex “Babe” Catino. There were also kid’s activities, beverages and an award ceremony.

Local farmers also donated cucumbers, onions and other produce for the participants to take home.

The Friends and Family 5K is a memorial to Arc advocate Mary Anne Graney of Genesee County, Arc employee Terri Carr Krieger of Orleans County, and Dr. Ramon M. Rocha, a supporter of the former Arc in Livingston-Wyoming.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – The Medina Marching Band performs “Reflections” on Saturday during its home show at Vets Park for the Fall Festival of Bands.

There were nine marching bands at Medina for the two-hour competition.

The scores include:

• Small School 1: East Irondequoit, 80.45; Medina, 75.70.
• Small School 2: Northwestern, 71.65.
• Small School 3: Pioneer, 68.45; and Falconer-Frewsburg, 66.25.
• Large School 2: Webster, 77.60; Orchard Park, 76.30; Greece, 76.10; and West Seneca, 73.50.

The season for the New York State Field Band Conference concludes on Oct. 27 with the championships in Syracuse.

The Blue and Gold Vanguard marching band from Falconer and Frewsburg performed a show called, “Catch Me If You Can,” based on the life of con artist Frank Abagnale, Jr., who once evaded capture by posing as a pilot and later as a doctor.

The Pioneer Marching Panthers from Yorkshire presented a show, “Concert Blue.” About 1,000 people attended the festival.

The Northwestern Marching Band presented, “The Power of Imagination.”

Richard Schack, drum major for the West Seneca Marching Band, gets the band ready to perform.

The West Seneca Marching Band performed, “Greetings from Alaska.”

 The Webster Marching Band presented a show, “Death of a Star,” showing the life cycle of a star from the brilliant beginnings to its transformations to a black hole.

The Greece Marching Band used colorful props in its show, “What is Light?”

Orchard Park presented, “Fire in the Hole: A Coal Miner’s Story.” Zoe Curtis, the drum major, directs the Orchard Park band.

The Eastridge Lancer Marching Band from Irondequoit presented, “Paint It Black,” where the drama of the color black takes center stage.

Medina’s drum major Makenzie McGrath acknowledges the judges and crowd before the band’s performance.

Medina’s show is called, “Reflections.”

The program states: “The world is a mirror … forever reflecting what you are doing, within yourself.”

Mary Lou Tuohey has used the business to support many causes in community

File photo by Ginny Kropf: Mary Lou Tuohey started Case-Nic Cookies in 1995 and has supported many local fundraisers with the business.

MEDINA – A business that has served up delectable cookies, cakes and baked goods for 29 years will be closing at 439 Main St. in Medina on Dec. 31.

Mary Lou Tuohey, owner of Case-Nic Cookies, made the announcement on Facebook this morning. Within an hour, more than 100 people commented, thanking her for running the business for so long and giving back to many community causes..

“It is with a heavy, but happy heart that I have made a very difficult decision for myself,” Tuohey posted on Facebook and announced her impending retirement. “This has been a very, very difficult decision for me to make, but I think it is time.  Don’t get me wrong….I love my job and what I do, but I have worked for over 50 years of my life and it is time to do something other than work 12-15 hours a day.”

Before opening Case-Nic Cookies, Tuohey worked as a registered nurse.

She named the store after her two children, Casey and Nicole.

“I have been blessed with having a job that I was able to come and go and never missed one of Casey’s school activities or sports games that he played in growing up,” Tuohey said. “I never missed one of Nicole’s school activities while growing up or all of the activities she does now.  I now have 3 grandchildren and don’t want to miss them growing up.”

Nicole was born with Triple X Syndrome and has received tremendous support from The Arc of Orleans County, whoich has merged into a four-county organization, Arc GLOW. That organization has been one of the causes Tuohey has supported for years. (She made over-sized cookies on Saturday for age group winners in a 5K in Elba to benefit Arc GLOW.)

Both of Mary Lou’s parents died of Alzheimer’s, so that also has become a favorite charity. Every year, Nicole makes links out of construction paper and Tuohey sells them in the cookie shop, with all the money going to the Alzheimer’s Association. She typically sells 1,500 to 2,000 links for $1 each.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Mary Lou Tuohey, right, receives the Community Service Award from the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 19, 2023. The award is presented by Tara Thom, owner of the Town and Country Quilt Shop in Albion and a board member for the Chamber of Commerce.

Tuohey has also allowed other groups to use her front store windows for raffles and fundraisers.

“I will miss all of my customers, some of you from day one, February 11, 1995,” she said. “You have been so supportive to a small business and I am truly thankful. I will miss and am so grateful for all my employees over the years who have rolled millions of cookies and frosted millions of cookies. They have stuck by me through thick and thin and I know they have ‘rolled’ their at eyes at me hundreds of times when I asked them to do ‘just one more thing.’”

The Case-Nic Facebook page includes numerous comments, praising her for her many years of community service and running the business.

Diane Stamp: “Thank you for your generosity over the years and your wonderfully delicious cutout cookies! You will be missed, but congratulations on retiring!”

Marlene Hill: “Congratulations you deserve to retire! Thank you for all you have done for us and I hope you have a great time in the next chapter of your life.”

Shawn Ramsey: “An amazing accomplishment to be celebrated!”

Brody Hoffmeister: “Congratulations, Mary Lou. Thank you for your dedication, sacrifices and commitment to serving our community for so many years.”