ALBION – The Coleman brothers have released the latest installment in their short horror films, and this one was shot in Albion, starring Santa. Click here to see “Merry Christmas Harold and Mabel” which is 8 minutes, 50 seconds.

Harold, a serial killer played by Michael Ciesla, plays a department store Santa at the Downtown Browsery. He is filling in for Nicholas, another Santa who is out sick. When Nicholas returns, Harold isn’t happy to give up a job he enjoys.

Stephanie Harlowe plays the role of Mabel who dresses as an elf and is very friendly with Harold. She creates a job opening for Harold by disposing of Nicholas. Harlowe has several millions views on her YouTube channel several million views on her YouTube channel exploring true crime and mysteries.

Liz Groat, one of the vendors at the Browsery, was impressed by brothers James and Vincent Coleman and their production.

“It is amazing to watch the process of creating the appearance of such murder and mayhem,” she said. “They wash off the fake blood, look to see if they needed another take, and then on to the next scene.”

The short film also includes a scene at the home of Charles W. Howard, a founder of a school for Santa Claus. Harold is shown by the historic marker about Howard, and walking to the front door of Howard’s former home now owned by John Kurtz and Brian Quinn. Harold also is shown taking a smoke break on Beaver Alley.

The Downtown Browsery provided the setting in a new short horror film by the Coleman brothers from Rochester.

About the Coleman Brothers

Coleman Brothers Films was started in 2013 by James and Vincent Coleman. They began their journey as filmmakers at the young age of 9 and 10 making numerous short experimental horror films. They went on to study cinematography through school and numerous film sets. This led to their fan film “Halloween Inferno” eclipsing over 1 million views and gaining them 10,000 new subscribers on YouTube. With the success of “Halloween Inferno” the Coleman Brothers wrote and directed the feature film “The Burned Over District.”

They took home multiple awards in several different categories including Best Feature and Best Cinematography at Horrorhound, Days Of The Dead and The Thing In the Basement film festivals in 2023.

James Coleman and Vincent Coleman, known professionally as the Coleman Brothers are Americans who write and direct horror, thriller, and short films. The brothers were raised in Rochester. They began making films in the second grade using a borrowed VHS camera which then turned into a Hi8 video camera gifted by their parents.

By Chris Busch, a parishioner and trustee at Holy Trinity Parish in Medina

Photos courtesy of Chris Busch: The sanctuary high altar at St. Mary’s in Medina is ready for Midnight Mass.

MEDINA – As is the case in communities throughout WNY and all over the world, stained-glass church windows will be aglow on Christmas Eve as the faithful prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Fr. Michael Rennier of St. Louis, Missouri reflects on Christmas Eve, stating on aleteia.com: “On Christmas Eve the atmosphere is charged with a rare sense of aliveness, as if on this night the entire world is enchanted and creation strains in anticipation.”

This year on Christmas Eve, the windows at St. Mary’s Church in Medina will glow at the midnight hour– later than they have in recent years. An age-old Christmas tradition is returning to St. Mary’s – the celebration of Midnight Mass.

In recent years, due to Covid and other mitigating circumstances, Midnight Mass has not been celebrated as it traditionally has been.

This year however, when the clock strikes midnight on Christmas Eve heralding the arrival of Christmas Day, the Catholic faithful will joyfully gather for Midnight Mass at St. Mary’s. It is the only worship site in the newly formed Orleans-Niagara East Catholic Community (known as ONE Catholic) that will be offering this unique and treasured liturgy.

During his long pastorate at St. Mary, former pastor Fr. Daniel Fawls always began his midnight homily: “There’s always something very special about coming out at this dark hour of the night to gather in this place and welcome the newborn Savior.”

Many of the parishioners agreed and annually attended the late-night liturgy as a matter of family custom and tradition. It is the only liturgy celebrated during the year at the midnight hour and for many, it is a singular spiritual and liturgical experience.

How did this unusual late-night tradition start? The story is quite actually interesting. The celebration of Midnight Mass finds its origins long ago during the Medieval period.

According to “Christmas 2021: What Is Midnight Mass? Know All About Its History & Significance”, ABP News Bureau, December 2021:

It is said that Midnight Mass services was started in the Western World from about 430 AD under Pope Sixtus III in the Basilica of St Mary Major. Midnight Mass became widely popular by the twelfth century.

The tradition was first initiated by a German woman Egeria who, during her pilgrimage to the Hold Land, noticed how in Bethlehem, the early Catholics of Jerusalem celebrated the Christmas mystery with a vigil during midnight.

The tradition was then picked by the Western World in 440 under Pope St. Sixtus III who, because of the long-standing Christian belief that Christ was born at midnight, celebrated Mass at midnight that year – a custom that he followed year after year.

As the celebration of Christmas traditions continued to evolve, the custom of celebrating three Masses for Christmas took root, with Midnight Mass becoming known as “The Angel’s Mass.”

Gretchen Filz, author of “The Symbolism of The Three Christmas Masses” December 2020, catholiccompany.com, writes:

Christmas is the holiest day of the year. Just as we celebrate Easter with a triduum of liturgies (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil), Christmas is celebrated with a “triduum” of Masses.

There are three Masses celebrated on Christmas Day: one at midnight, one at dawn, and one during the day. Each Mass is distinct and highlights a different aspect of the Christmas story.

According to tradition, Jesus was born in Bethlehem at midnight.

The Church celebrates the first Christmas Mass at midnight to honor the very hour that our Savior came into the world to save us. The darkness of midnight also parallels humanity’s condition of spiritual darkness as the world awaited the radiant birth of the promised Messiah.

The Responsorial Psalm for this Mass proclaims the joyful tidings of the Angel: “Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.”

The Gospel reading for this Mass tells the first part of the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke, when Baby Jesus is born and the Angels herald the Good News to the shepherds tending their flocks. That’s why the Midnight Mass is traditionally referred to as “The Angel’s Mass.”

The Roman Missal officially refers to Midnight Mass as “Mass During the Night.”

By the twelfth century, the of offering these three Christmas Masses spread and became the widely practiced custom for the Catholic faithful throughout the world.

Today, the Roman Missal officially refers to Midnight Mass as “Mass During the Night,” and as such may be celebrated over a range of times.

So, why would anyone want to venture out into the cold, dark night to attend Midnight Mass when there are other seemingly more convenient daylight options readily available?

There are many reasons why one might choose this Mass above others. Fr. Michael Rennier reflects on his own personal experience with Midnight Mass. He writes in “Why all parents should let their kids experience Midnight Mass”, December 2018, aleteia.com, and sums it up nicely:

As if you needed another reason to skip the crowds at the vigil, here’s why Midnight Mass is worth the effort.

Years ago, before I became Catholic, I heard about their funny habit of staying awake and attending midnight Mass. I was intrigued by the mystery of why seemingly sensible people would choose to go to so much inconvenience instead of attending church earlier in the day. Out of curiosity, I stayed up late and went. This was the first Mass I went to as an adult. The memory lingers. At that midnight Mass, the incense soaked into my skin and became a part of me, forever cementing the emotions that came with that night, a physical reminder that, even if we enter the Mass as strangers, we are all intimately connected to each other through prayer. On Christmas, God comes not for a select few but to reveal His love to the whole world.

The chance to return this love is the reason so many crowd into the church. Who knows how God touches each individual soul, but for me, it’s enough to simply be in the presence of a love so strong that it exerts a gravitational pull on shepherds and kings alike. The feeling of being awake and praying while the rest of the world is asleep is a loosely kept secret shared by those who have journeyed to what is essentially a living manger scene. These are people who have heard the angels exulting and made haste to discover the reason why. Inside is light and candles and warmth, outside is cold and snow. Midnight Mass draws us to our spiritual home and is the perfect way to wait through the night and allow Christmas day to reveal itself.

There are times for all of us when life isn’t going well and even holidays can be stressful, or we find ourselves in a dark place spiritually, or simply struggle to make it through each day. Midnight Mass is a light in the dark, a beacon of hope that there is a love so strong that even in our darkest moments God is with us. And so, like shepherds bundled up against the chill of the fields, we arrive as pilgrims to an unknown destination. Whatever it is a person thinks will be found at midnight Mass, we know that we will find the God who has made His home in each of our hearts.

“The feeling of being awake and praying while the rest of the world is asleep.”

I believe this is what Fr. Fawls was getting at when he annually declared, there is indeed something very special about gathering at the midnight hour to welcome the newborn king.

Fr. Rennier seems to agree as do many of the local faithful. By local tradition, the midnight hour has long been cherished for Christmas Mass and has been so for time immemorial.

Come midnight on December 24, the magnificent stained glass windows of St. Mary Church will be aglow beneath a cold, star-lit winter sky, and this joyful tradition will again be celebrated here and all over the world.

One final thought from Fr. Rennier: “If the Savior of the universe can be born under a sky such as this, who knows what other miracles are possible in my life or yours?”

Perhaps we’ll find out at Midnight Mass.

Photos from Niagara County Sheriff’s Office

WHEATFIELD – A Niagara County man is accused of purposely driving into a Niagara County Sheriff’s patrol car in a head-on collision on Saturday at Mapleton Road in the Town of Wheatfield at about 5 a.m.

Schuyler P. Johnson

Schuyler P. Johnson, 52, of Cambria also allegedly then grabbed a gas can from the back of his pickup truck and poured gas on the patrol vehicle, and then ignited it.

Deputy Sikora, who was driving the patrol vehicle, used an extinguisher to put out the fire. Sikora wasn’t injured, Niagara County Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti said.

Johnson fled from the scene in his truck, going north on Shawnee Road.

Other patrol units started towards the area of Shawnee Road to assist and look for the fleeing vehicle. Johnson was located by a Sheriff’s patrol supervisor on Shawnee Road overturned after it was involved in another accident.

Captain Grainge located Johnson and engaged with verbal commands to surrender. Johnson not only refused the commands but advanced towards Captain Grainge with a knife. Grainge deployed his Taser on Johnson which was unsuccessful in stopping him.

At one point during this encounter with Grainge, Johnson dropped the knife he was holding, rearming himself instead with screw driver and continued to advance towards Grainge, who then deployed OC spray on Johnson, causing him to surrender, the Sheriff’s Office stated in a press release.

Johnson was transported by Tri-Community Ambulance to ECMC for injuries sustained in the two vehicle accidents. He has been released from medical care at ECMC and remanded to the Niagara County Correctional Facility awaiting arraignment.

He is charged with arson 3^rd, menacing a police officer, criminal mischief 2nd, menacing 2nd – weapon, reckless driving, and multiple vehicle and traffic violations.

Press Release, Celeste Morien, count compiler for Oak Orchard Swamp Christmas Bird Count

BASOM – It’s time again for the Oak Orchard Swamp Christmas Bird Count! The count began in December 1968. The National Audubon Society has been sponsoring Christmas Bird Counts since their inception.

Count compiler and Medina resident Celeste Morien would like the public to be alert for counters with spotting scopes and binoculars who will be out and about December 27th on local roads, searching for birds in fields and at bird feeders.

Here is the map showing different sections for the Oak Orchard Swamp Christmas Bird Count. One of the recent count totaled 20,843 birds in 73 species.

Filling bird feeders now and keeping them stocked ahead of the count helps fulfill the count objective of counting all wild birds seen and heard within the circle. The Oak Orchard Swamp count is centered at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge on the Orleans and Genesee County line at Route 63.

Count volunteers follow specified routes through a designated 15-mile diameter circle, which includes more than the refuge and state wildlife areas, counting every bird they see or hear all day. It’s not just a species tally—all birds are counted all day, giving an indication of the total number of birds in the circle that day.

According to the Audubon website, “Prior to the turn of the 20th century, hunters engaged in a holiday tradition known as the Christmas “Side Hunt.” They would choose sides and go afield with their guns—whoever brought in the biggest pile of feathered (and furred) quarry won.

Conservation was in its beginning stages in that era, and many observers and scientists were becoming concerned about declining bird populations. Beginning on Christmas Day 1900, ornithologist Frank M. Chapman, an early officer in the then-nascent Audubon Society, proposed a new holiday tradition—a “Christmas Bird Census” that would count birds during the holidays rather than hunt them.

So began the Christmas Bird Count. Thanks to the inspiration of Chapman and the enthusiasm of 27 dedicated birders, 25 Christmas Bird Counts were held that day. The locations ranged from Toronto, Ontario to Pacific Grove, California with most counts in or near the population centers of northeastern North America.

From December 14 through January 5 each year tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas brave snow, wind, or rain, and take part in the effort. Audubon and other organizations use data collected in this long-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations, and to help guide conservation action.

The data collected by observers over the past century allow Audubon researchers, conservation biologists, wildlife agencies and other interested individuals to study the long-term health and status of bird populations across North America. When combined with other surveys such as the Breeding Bird Survey, it provides a picture of how the continent’s bird populations have

changed in time and space over the past hundred years.

The long term perspective is vital for conservationists. It informs strategies to protect birds and their habitat, and helps identify environmental issues with implications for people as well.

If you are interested in participating in the count for December 2024, to do so please contact celeste.morien@gmail.com.

Please consider donating to the Christmas Count here since the Audubon Society no longer collects fees from each participant. (Click here for more information.)

For past results of any Christmas Bird Count, the National Audubon Society website is an excellent resource.

Provided photo: Santa Claus is wheeled into Medina Memorial Hospital for his annual physical, before beginning is long journey Christmas Eve.

MEDINA – Staff at Medina Memorial Hospital have announced the successful yearly physical of Santa Claus on Thursday. The physical was completed by members of the Ambulatory Services team.

“Santa is ready to go,” said Kim Gray, chief nursing officer and director of Surgical Services at Orleans Community Health. “Our team ran several routine tests and there is no reason for concern. We’re excited for him and his big day.”

For those who are wondering why Santa Claus selects Medina Memorial Hospital as the location of his yearly physical, there are several reasons, said Scott Robinson, director of marketing for Medina Memorial. Most importantly is the little-known reason that Santa Claus used to help in Medina’s Imaging/Radiology Department during his off season.

“While we don’t typically release the information on patients, Santa Claus signs a waver with us every year because of the importance of this visit,” Robinson said. “It is again our honor to announce he is ready for the big day. The flight should be a little easier than the one he faced in 2022.”

NORAD (click here) will begin tracking Santa and his sleigh just after midnight on Christmas Eve. It is estimated that he needs 36 hours to complete his journey.

Provided photo: Santa meets Carrigan Martindale during a stop at the VFW in Medina on Dec. 9.

Press Release, VFW Lincoln Post 1483 in Medina

MEDINA – Santa paid a visit to the VFW Lincoln Post 1483 in Medina on Dec. 9 to share some presents and a Christmas story with approximately 50 children.

The children enjoyed baked goodies provided by Case-Nic Cookies. The party was sponsored by the VFW Lincoln Post 1483, the VFW Auxiliary to Post 1483, and WJ Gallagher Veterans Memorial Club.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – A fire in the living room of a house at 450 East State St. caused smoke damage to the home.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 11:34 p.m. Collin Aquina, the owner of the house, had just returned from working the second shift. He came home to a house with lots of smoke.

Aquina, 22, just bought the house in October.

Albion Fire Chief Jeremy Graham said firefighters were able to knock the fire down quickly and keep it from spreading. Graham said there is a lot of smoke damage. The photo shows fans in the doorways and open windows to try to ventilate the building.

Albion code enforcement officer Chris Kinter was on the scene at about 12:30 a.m. to assess the condition of the house.

Association of Counties worries local races will take backseat to state, federal elections

Gov. Kathy Hochul today signed legislation that would move many of the local town and county elections from odd-numbered years to even ones when there tends to be a much bigger voter turnout for state and federal races.

But the New York State Association of Counties, which opposed the change, said the local races will now get less attention from many voters.

“At a time when we should be keeping the divisiveness at the federal and state levels out of our local communities, this bill does the opposite, burying the local issues that impact New Yorkers’ daily lives at the back of exceedingly long ballots,” said Stephen Acquario, NYSAC executive director.

Gov. Hochul said the change will result in a much bigger voter turnout for residents to be heard on local issues and candidates, while reducing some costs for holding elections.

“Every eligible New Yorker deserves the right to participate in the democratic process without unnecessary barriers,” Hochul said in a statement. “By signing this legislation, we are taking a significant step towards expanding access to the ballot box and promoting a more inclusive democracy. This is a meaningful first step and I would support a constitutional amendment to align all election years, to save taxpayer dollars and avoid voter fatigue.”

This legislation impacts all elections for which the dates can be changed through legislative action, Hochul said. Changing election dates for certain offices, including judgeships and offices in any city in the state, must be done through a constitutional amendment.

Hochul announced her support for a future amendment to the New York State Constitution that would align elections for all offices, which she said would be a fiscally responsible approach that would reduce the taxpayer cost of election administration by avoiding the need for elections to be held every single year.

By consolidating more elections in even-numbered years when most voters are already planning to participate in an election, this change will increase voter participation in important local races, Hochul said.

Voter participation in elections held in even-numbered years in New York State is substantially higher than participation during odd-numbered years. For example, millions more New Yorkers participated in elections in 2020, when approximately 64 percent of eligible voters cast their ballots, than in 2021, when just 25 percent of eligible voters turned out to take part in local elections around the state, she said.

“Moving local elections to even years will boost turnout, reduce voter fatigue, and minimize stressors on the local Boards of Elections,” said Common Cause Executive Director Susan Lerner in a press release from the governor’s office. “It’s a win for the voters, who will hear directly from local candidates about local issues. We are thrilled Governor Hochul signed this pro-voter reform in law.”

ALBION – After painting and donating 45 Christmas ornaments for Hospice of Orleans’ annual Light a Life fundraiser, local artist Carol Culhane wanted to do something for the staff at Hospice.

Early in her career, Culhane worked in the nursing field and continues to have a lot of compassion for those who are ailing and their caregivers, especially at Hospice.

This year Culhane decided to paint enough ornaments for the entire staff at Hospice, and she delivered them on Wednesday.

“I’m hopeful this will encourage people to consider a donation to Hospice, perhaps when a loved one dies, instead of sending flowers, send a donation to Hospice or purchase an ornament in their loved one’s name,” Culhane said. “This is a nice way to remember a loved one and help a worthy organization.”

Reigle said Hospice is very grateful for what Culhane does for them.

“She is so generous to our organization,” Reigle said. “When one gentleman in Florida got the ornament he ordered, it was broken, and Carol came here and painted another for him. But to do this for all our staff is amazing.”

Culhane explained painting the ornaments is a labor of love. She said she lines them up like a production line and it takes her about 30 minutes to paint each ornament.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Olivia and Omar Peterson hug after not seeing each other in nearly a year since he left to begin a four-year commitment with the Marine Corps. Their grandparents, Eddie and Rose English, are in back.

ALBION – Olivia Peterson was called down to the high school office at 2 p.m. today. It was the last day of school before Christmas break.

Olivia, a freshman at Charles D’Amico High School in Albion, made the trek through the hallways and down the stairs.

When she was near the office, she caught a glimpse of a familiar person outside. She took off running and bolted outside to hug her brother.

Omar Peterson, 21, has been gone since February. He was first at the Marine Corps boot camp at Parris Island in South Carolina. Since boot camp he has been stationed at Camp Pendleton near San Diego in California. The private first class is a data administrator.

Olivia has missed her brother in the 10 months he has been gone. She sends him text messages throughout the day, and he stays in touch, and tries to pump her up with encouraging words.

“She is my only sister and she is my best friend,” Omar said. “I text her every day.”

Olivia and Omar Peterson are looking forward to the holidays. Omar is on leave until just after New Year’s Day.

The two have been through a lot together. They cared for their late mother Angela while she battled cancer. She passed away from cancer on Oct. 19, 2020.

Omar said he is proud of his sister for keeping good grades. When he was at Albion, he was the goalie for the soccer team and a swimmer.

“She is way smarter than I was in school,” Omar said.

“Except for science,” Olivia interjects.

Olivia said she had a feeling her brother might be coming home for the holidays. She saw some clues in his text messages.

She is glad he stopped by the school instead of waiting until she got home.

Omar said the Marine Corps has been a great fit for him.

“I’m loving it,” he said. “I’ve grown up a lot.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Elliott Michki, the high school chorus teacher at Albion, directs the Select Choir in singing “Jingle Bells” today at the Albion Walmart.

The choir and the brass ensemble stopped at several stores, the Hoag Library and downtown area on its annual caroling day, the last day of school before Christmas break.

The brass ensemble, led by high school band teacher Mike Thaine, performs “O Come All Ye Faithful” in one of the Albion entrance ways.

The students added some merry music to Walmart at about 10:20 this morning. They made several stops in the Albion community.

‘Go-to guy’ Helenbrook honored for 20 years

Provided photo: UConnectCare recognized 11 employees with longevity awards this week. Seated from left, Sheila Rolle Smith, Jeff Helenbrook and Barb Bowman. Standing from left, Allison Parry-Gurak, Lauren Swimline, Trisha Allen, Judy Pratt, Nicole Anderson. Others honored were MaryLou Szewczyk, Peter Whyman and Jocelynn Congdon.

Press Release, UConnectCare

BATAVIA – For two decades, Jeff Helenbrook has been the go-to guy when it comes to maintenance, repairs and related responsibilities at UConnectCare (formerly Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse).

Helenbrook was honored for his 20 years of employment at the nonprofit agency this week – receiving a standing ovation from his fellow employees at a reception at Terry Hills Restaurant.

He and 10 other employees were recognized with longevity awards by UConnectCare Chief Executive Officer John Bennett.

“Jeff started with the agency on a part-time, temporary basis after his antique store was hit by a semi and destroyed,” Bennett said. “He came to work at Atwater (Community Residence) and was only going to stay on until he got the insurance money.”

As it turned out, the settlement took about eight years so Helenbrook stayed on at the agency, keeping the buildings, according to Bennett, “in tip-top shape.” Helenbrook’s job title today is facilities director.

An antique car buff, Helenbrook received the original catalogs of the 1930 Franklin and 1936 Pierce Arrow, two of the several vintage autos that he owns.

Others recognized at the luncheon:

• 15 years – MaryLou Szewczyk, counselor; Peter Whyman, residential tech.
• 5 years – Allison Parry-Gurak, director of Residential Services; Barb Bowman, counselor; Jocelynn Congdon, grant/data coordinator; Judy Pratt, counselor; Lauren Swimline, intake coordinator; Nicole Anderson, counselor; Sheila Rolle Smith, case manager; Trisha Allen, Reentry Project director.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Robert Brown, president of Lake Ontario Fruit, speaks during Thursday’s meeting of the Orleans County Planning Board.

ALBION – The Orleans County Planning Board gave its blessing to an expansion at Lake Ontario Fruit, an apple-packing business on Route 104.

The company, which packs and distributes about 1 million bushels of apples each year for more than 30 local farms, is working on a 28,070-square-foot addition of controlled atmosphere storage, a $5.5 million project that would mirror a similar expansion in 2013.

The County Planning Board recommended the Town of Gaines approve the site plan for the project and also a height variance. The building is proposed to be 36.2 feet high, just above the town limit of 35 feet. The 36.2 feet is same as other buildings on site and Lake Ontario Fruit wants to maintain that continuity.

The warehouse will also be 140 feet wide and 200 ½ feet in length. The new space is needed because many of the new apple trees that were planted in recent years are coming into maturity, with a full crop expected next fall. The new addition would allow the company pack about 220,000 more bushels, said Robert Brown, president of Lake Ontario Fruit and co-owner of Orchard Dale Fruit Co. in Waterport.

The project will disturb about 2 acres, with construction taking about 10 months. Brown told the county planners that Lake Ontario Fruit is working to upgrade its stormwater management system, which includes storm sewers and a pond behind the buildings that is designed to slowly release water into Proctor Brook. The company is working with the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the Town of Gaines on the stormwater management plan.

Lake Ontario Fruit has 71 employees and will add 10 more jobs as part of the controlled atmosphere storage expansion at 14234 Ridge Rd. The project was backed by the Orleans Economic Development Agency with nearly $600,000 in incentives, including sale tax abatements of $240,000 on construction and $156,000 on fixtures and equipment.

The EDA also approved a 10-year PILOT that gradually phases in the taxes on the new addition. Lake Ontario Fruit would get a 100 percent exemption or $34,496 off in property taxes the first year, and then 10 percent will be added each year until it’s at 100 percent in year 11. That PILOT will save the company $189,729 in property taxes over the 10 years. Lake Ontario Fruit also will be paying $155,233 more in taxes during than 10 years than is currently paid on the existing buildings.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Karen Kinter, CEO of Oak Orchard Health, speaks during a celebration for a new warming center at Christ Church, an Episcopal congregation at 26 S. Main St., Albion.

The site has cots, coffee, tea, soup and hygiene kits when the temperature drops below 32 degrees at night.

Oak Orchard Health is taking the lead on the warming center, in a collaboration with other churches, organizations and the county Department of Social Services.

Kinter noted Oak Orchard provides medical, dental and behavioral health services, and pushed to have the warming center for people in a housing crisis because of the impact on their health.

Hoag Library in Albion is a designated warming center from Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The site at Christ Church will open when needed during the hours when Hoag is not open.

For information on the warming center, call (585) 895-4090.

Julie Carasone, warming center coordinator, is in a room at Christ Church with cots, meals ready to eat, hygiene kits and other supplies. She praised religious organizations and non-profits for donating the materials to get the warming center going.

A state grant also is helping to cover the cost of per diem staff. David Starkweather will be the supervisor and will have two other paid staff. At least one will stay overnight when the center is open. It had a person stay overnight on Tuesday and Wednesday nights so far this week.

“We saw a need in unhoused people who needed a place to stay,” Carasone said. “We are officially open and people are welcome here. We do it without judgement. We accept people with open arms.”

The staff doesn’t pry into why people are in a predicament without housing. Carasone said Oak Orchard and the collaboration of others just want to make sure people are not out in the cold.

The Rev. Joseph Kozlowski, the Episcopal priest in charge at Christ Church and also St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Holley, offered a blessing during the official opening. He prayed for those who will take shelter at the warming center and those providing hospitality.

Kozlowski said the church leadership embraced making space available for the warming center. It is in the fellowship hall which for many years was the community kitchen until about two years ago.

“We have the space,” said Kevin Doherty, one of Christ Church’s leaders. “It is God-given space so we should use it for something good.”

Oak Orchard is providing the staff for the warming center, as well as the insurance.

This group, led by Karen Kinter, cuts the ribbon on the new warming center. There are representatives from Oak Orchard Health, the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern, Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, United Way of Orleans County, Orleans County government leaders, the Medina Area Association of Churches, Christ Church, Hoag Library, Assemblyman Steve Hawley and a representative from State Sen. Rob Ortt.

Holli Nenni, commissioner of the Orleans County Department of Social Services, said more than 100 people are currently in emergency housing, often in hotel rooms locally or in nearby counties. The warming center is another option for people without a place to stay.

Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature, presented certificates of achievement of Oak Orchard Health and Christ Church for their efforts in opening the warming center.

Johnson noted the county has been in a state of emergency for several months due to the rising number of people in emergency housing.

“We have never in the history of Orleans County had as many homeless as we do now,” she said. “The need is great and they (Oak Orchard Health and Christ Church) rose to the occasion.”

Nyla Gaylord, executive director of the United Way of Orleans County, helped bring the different organizations together to work on the warming center, which she said is part of a bigger overall housing crisis in the county.

A shortage of stable housing has negative health impacts for many in the community, she said.

The United Way convened the first housing meeting in February, and a warming center was among the issues. Gaylord said the United Way just secured a grant to hire a consultant to help develop a plan for more housing in general, as well as emergency and low-income options.

That consultant will gather input from developers, agencies, and local government officials.

Gaylord praised the faith community, government leaders, and non-profit agencies for making the warming center a reality.

“This is a triumph of the community collectively,” she said. “And we’re going to do so much more.”