By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 November 2025 at 11:33 am
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.
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.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 19 November 2025 at 8:05 am
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.
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 November 2025 at 3:11 pm
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 November 2025 at 1:54 pm
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.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 November 2025 at 12:06 pm
This map from the state DOCCS shows the prisons in the GLOW counties and surrounding areas. The “W” shown at the two Albion prisons stands for work release.
The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision announced today a prison will be closing in Franklin County while another in Erie County will be downsized in a consolidation.
The announcement spares any of the prisons in Albion or the GLOW counties.
DOCCS will be closing the Bare Hill Correctional Facility in the North Country on March 11, 2026 while Collins Correctional Facility will be consolidated.
DOCCS said it conducted a thorough review of operations at its 42 correctional facilities. The review was based on a variety of factors: available beds, physical infrastructure, program offerings and whether they can be relocated to other institutions, facility security level, specialized medical and mental health services, locations where there are no Correction Officer reassignment lists, and other facilities in the area to minimize the impact to staff.
All 293 DOCCS staff assigned to Bare Hill will be offered positions at other facilities, and neighboring correctional facilities will be able to safely absorb the incarcerated population into vacant beds at other institutions, DOCCS said. With over 650 vacant staff positions available in correctional facilities located in Franklin, Clinton and Essex counties, the Department will be able to ensure no staff are laid off, mitigating the impact on both
staff, their families and the community., DOCCS said in a press release.
DOCCS also will be consolidating one side of Collins Correctional Facility campus to more efficiently deploy staff and manage the facility by the end of the fiscal year.
The total incarcerated population in state correctional facilities is currently at 33,782 – a reduction of more than 38,900 individuals, or a 53 percent decline in population since the Department’s high of 72,773 in 1999, DOCCS said.
NYSCOPBA opposes DOCCS’ decision saying ‘it will deepen crisis of violence’ in prison system
The New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association, the union representing corrections officers, issued this statement:
“These closures will only deepen the crisis of violence, chronic understaffing, and unsustainable working conditions that already plague New York’s prison system.
“Since January 2023, the number of correction officers and sergeants, the frontline staff who perform the vast majority of daily duties has plummeted by 28 percent, while the incarcerated population has increased by 7 percent. Staffing levels are now at their lowest in decades. This is not a system on the brink; it is a system that has already broken.
“Closing additional facilities is not a solution, it is a reckless acceleration of the problem. Consolidating an already growing population into fewer prisons makes it harder to separate violent individuals from the general population, guarantees more assaults on staff and incarcerated people alike, and further fuels the cycle of violence and attrition.
“For our members, these closures mean life-altering choices: uproot entire families and move hours away to keep their jobs or resign and walk away from careers they have dedicated their lives to. The stress on our officers and their families is already immense; announcements like today’s only compound it and drive more experienced staff out the door.
“We have sounded the alarm for years that New York’s correctional system is at a breaking point,” said Chris Summers, NYSCOPBA President. “Closing prisons is a short-sighted Band-Aid on a gaping wound. It does nothing to address historic staffing shortages, does nothing to curb the record levels of violence inside our facilities, and forces loyal public servants to choose between their livelihoods and their families.
“Prisons are safest when they are properly staffed and when the population is spread out enough to manage risk effectively. The real solution is to keep facilities open, aggressively recruit and retain staff, and stop treating correction officers as disposable.”
“It is abundantly clear that if you commit to doing this extremely difficult and dangerous job, don’t expect the State of New York to commit to you. Since 2009, the state has closed 27 prisons, throwing thousands of correction officers and their families into chaos forcing them to sell homes, pull children out of school, and abandon the communities they swore to serve. Year after year, Albany treats our members like line items on a budget instead of the men and women who risk their lives every day to keep these facilities running. They deserve far better than this betrayal from our Governor and State Legislature. NYSCOPBA will continue to fight relentlessly for their interests and for a correctional system that is safe for staff and incarcerated individuals alike.”
Ortt: ‘Closing prisons is exactly the wrong thing to do’
State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt issued this statement:
“After firing 2,000 dedicated, hardworking correction officers earlier this year, Governor Hochul is only further exacerbating the dangerous staffing crisis in our prisons by closing and downsizing more facilities right before the holidays.
“Closing prisons is exactly the wrong thing to do. New York’s hardworking, courageous corrections officers deserve our respect, and should not be used as political pawns.”
Hawley: ‘Yet another bad decision on public safety from Gov. Hochul’
Assemblyman Steve Hawley issued this statement:
“The decision to close the Bare Hill Correctional Facility is yet another bad decision on public safety from Gov. Hochul. Over her entire tenure and specifically the last year, the governor has continually disrespected our brave correctional officers. This closure is just another example.
“What this will do is cause even more unsafe conditions in our prisons due to overcrowding. While progressive activists will claim the 60% reduction in the prison population since 1999 is the reason for this, the fact remains that violent crime is still high and the only reason the number of inmates has gone down is because of soft on crime policies of Albany. If the governor were serious about public safety, she would pull the National Guard out of prisons, reinstate all fired correctional officers and repeal the HALT Act.”
In light of your Administration’s agreement to delay implementation of the All-Electric Buildings Act and to protect all New Yorkers from skyrocketing energy bills, the New York State Senate Republican Conference is demanding that Governor Kathy Hochul convene a special legislative session before the end of the year to repeal the all-electric building mandate set to take effect January 1st.
This ideological and unfunded mandate, which has repeatedly been proven to be unreachable, will increase costs for families and businesses and cost many hardworking men and women of labor their careers if allowed to be hastily put into effect.
“Governor Hochul’s socialist energy policy has increased costs, strained the grid and removed consumer choice,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “We must repeal the unrealistic and unaffordable mandates of the Democrats Green New Scam. Our Conference supports a diverse energy portfolio that ensures affordable options for all New Yorkers.”
In a sign-on letter delivered to the Governor on Monday, the Conference warned that the mandate, which is a component of the ill-conceived Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), will worsen New York’s housing, energy, and affordability crises while placing additional strain on an already unstable electric grid.
Lawmakers noted that passage of S.1167, which is sponsored by the Ranking Republican on the Senate Energy Committee Mario R. Mattera (2nd Senate District), at a special session is the best path forward to protect state residents. The legislation is sponsored in the New York State Assembly by Assemblyman Michael Durso (A.6252).
They jointly cautioned that proposals from some Assembly Democrats to “pause” the mandate appear to be political maneuvers designed to delay consequences until after the 2026 elections, similar to prior election-year delays on congestion pricing.
“Since 2019, we have been warning the administration that the State’s reckless push toward an all-electric future would drive up energy bills and jeopardize grid reliability,” the letter states. “NYISO’s latest report confirms those fears.”
According to the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), the grid is already under significant stress, and large-scale electrification without new generating capacity threatens system stability. Homebuilders across the state also project the mandate will add approximately $20,000 to the cost of constructing a new home—on top of New York’s already high building expenses.
Construction costs in New York range from $200 to $350 per square foot, far above the national average of $162, with New York City approaching $500 per square foot. Residential electricity rates in New York are already 51% higher than the national average, and lawmakers warned that mandating all-electric homes will push those rates even higher.
“The all-electric building mandate will only worsen New York’s housing, energy, and affordability crises,” the Conference wrote. “For these reasons, we strongly urge you to call a special session before the end of the year to repeal this disastrous policy and protect New Yorkers from further economic and energy hardship.”
ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office has charged Nicholas Horn of Albion with Obscenity in the Third Degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, both Class A misdemeanors.
The investigation determined that around August 7, 2025, Horn allegedly contacted a minor in Ohio and sent unwanted, explicit images. Investigators also allege that Horn reached out to young adults after locating their phone numbers in online advertisements for services such as car detailing and lawn care.
Multiple law enforcement agencies across the United States are assisting with the investigation. Horn is believed to have contacted more than 170 individuals under similar circumstances.
The investigation remains active, and additional charges may be filed. The investigation was conducted by Investigator Brian Marsceill of the Sheriff’s Office.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 November 2025 at 9:24 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Kim Martillotta Muscarella, owner of Marti’s on Main, is shown inside the art gallery during an art show last month. She is pictured with a split leaf philodendron which she has had for 40 years.
Martillotta Muscarella has been organizing and hosting art shows the past 15 years. She announced that Marti’s has just been approved by the IRS an official non-profit organization.
She decided to have Marti’s be a non-profit to be in a better position to apply for grants to help with the building’s upkeep and for the programming at the site. Any donations will be tax deductible.
There is currently a three-member board for Marti’s with her son Jeremiah Knight as the president, her husband Neal Muscarella as vice president and Martillotta Muscarella as the treasurer.
Marti’s since 2021 has been at the former Cornell Cooperative Extension in Albion. Martillotta Muscarella and her family turned the building at 20 South Main St. into an art showcase.
The Muscarellas transformed the interior of the building into an art studio and gallery, painting the rooms in vibrant colors. Muscarella displays artwork throughout the building, including the hallways, staircase, even the bathrooms.
Martillotta Muscarella said the building needs more work, especially the windows. She is hopeful the non-profit status will secure funding through grants or other contributions.
Before it was Marti’s, the former Extension building was most recently used an outreach center for the Episcopal Church in Albion. The building was originally a house built in the 1830s.
Muscarella watched the site decline for many years, with little activity inside the doors of one of the prominent buildings in the historic Courthouse Square.
For about a decade she ran the Marti’s on Main art gallery and studio at her home at 229 South Main St. But that site, which was half of her house, was cramped to display art and accommodate groups of people.
Since 2021, Marti’s has hosted several art shows and classes a year, as well as two concerts.
The next class will be on Nov. 30 and is a chance to create one-of-a-kind ornaments with Fired Up Ready to Paint Ceramics. There will be sessions at noon and 2 p.m. Call or text 585-590-9211 or message Fired Up Ready to Paint Ceramics on Facebook for more information.
Martillotta Muscarella gives tours of the art gallery by appointment. She can be reached at (585) 590-9211 for more information.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 November 2025 at 3:56 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: This historical marker dedicated for a Revolutionary War hero was unveiled on April 14, 2021. The marker highlights Marquis de Lafayette, a French military officer who provided critical aid to George Washington in securing American independence. The marker notes a farewell tour in 1824-1825 to honor Lafayette, who traveled on the Erie Canal from Lockport to Rochester in June 1825 to great fanfare. This marker is located by the Erie Canal in Albion in between the two lift bridges.
ALBION – The state has given Orleans County $15,000 to help commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026.
The New York State 250th Commemorative Commission sent Orleans County Historian Catherine Cooper a letter on Nov. 7, thanking the county for partnering with the state Education Department in commemorating the American Revolution and also the “Unfinished Revolution.”
Cooper said she expects to have a committee in Orleans County to help direct how the county will spend the $15,000 and be part of the commemoration.
She has been leading an effort this year for the Orleans County Bicentennial, highlighting important dates, events and citizens since the community’s founding.
None of the Revolutionary battles were fought in Orleans County, but several soldiers from the war settled in Orleans County. Some of those soldiers, who are buried at local cemeteries, will be spotlighted next year, Cooper said.
People interested in being on the committee can reach out to Cooper by email at Catherine.Cooper@orleanscountyny.gov or call her office at (585) 589-4174.
New York State 250th Commemorative Commission wants to do more than celebration the period of American Revolution and the formation of the United States. That Commission wants to recognize ongoing efforts to reach the goals expressed by the nation’s founders. New York has been a significant force in those movements, including such iconic, historic stories as serving as the routes for the Underground Railroad, the abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, the labor movement, and the LGBTQ+ rights movement, Gov. Kathy Hochul said on May 14 last year when the state named members of the Commemorative Commission.
There are numerous existing sites and battlefields associated with New York’s role in the American Revolution, all of which are vital to telling this part of the history of the nation., the Commemorative Commission writes in a guide to observing the 250th anniversary.
“The Founding Fathers wrote, ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness,’ as the guiding principles of a new nation,” the Commission states. “New Yorkers continue to lead in efforts to expand these ideals to include everyone. This part of the Revolution continues.”
For more information on the NYS 250th Commemorative Commission, click here to see a field guide on the commemoration.
The state’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution isn’t just based on the country’s founding in 1776. NYS wants to highlight other significant movements, including the push for women’s rights. This photo shows three statues in Seneca Falls of prominent women’s suffrage leaders.
The statues “When Anthony Met Stanton” depict the chance encounter in May 1851 in Seneca Falls that forever altered the struggle for women’s rights. Amelia Jenks Bloomer, depicted in center, introduced Susan B. Anthony, left, to Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
The friendship that was forged between Stanton and Anthony gave direction and momentum to the 72-year struggle for women’s suffrage which was culminated on Aug. 26, 1920 with the passage of the 19th Amendment in the U.S. Constitution. Neither woman lived to see women’s suffrage become a reality. When Anthony Met Stanton was gifted to the Seneca Falls community by the Governor’s Commission Honoring the Achievements of Women on July 18, 1998.
Provided photos: Trina Lorentz of Murray, left, and Nancy Walker of Kendall, both Master Gardeners with the Orleans CCE, help 4-Hers paint pots for holiday cactus. Participants learned about the three kinds of holiday cactus before selecting and potting-up their plants.
Press Release, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County
KNOWLESVILLE – Orleans County 4-H members gathered on Saturday morning to create projects for the Holiday Faire event set for Saturday, December 6, from 12 to 2:30 p.m. in the Trolley Building on the 4-H Fairgrounds.
Holiday Faire is a long-standing 4-H tradition in Orleans County and the public is welcome to attend the event which features holiday-themed 4-H projects; tables manned by 4-H clubs, and warm comfort foods.
“Holiday Faire is a festive event for 4-Hers and their families as well as anyone who would like to stop by for holiday-themed inspiration, fun crafts and food,” says Kristina Gabalski, Orleans County 4-H Program coordinator.
McKenna Richardson,10, of Barre, places a star at the top of a holiday tree she created from upcycling old sweaters.
4-Hers enter holiday-themed projects (any holiday can be featured) which are evaluated and displayed during the event. 4-H Club tables feature fun activities and inexpensive crafts, and the kitchen is open for lunch with hearty food like chili and warm cocoa.
“We also expect some special visitors from the North Pole,” Gabalski added.
On Saturday, 4-Hers worked on projects which will be entered in the Holiday Faire. Those projects included festive paper bag snowflakes which create an indoor blizzard when hung from the ceiling; ornaments made from Scrabble board game pieces, holiday cactus planted in pots participants decorated themselves, and stunning holiday-themed wall hangings.
A paper bag snowflake dangles above Jen Batt, a CCE Orleans 4-H volunteer, during Holiday Workshops on Saturday. Participants in Batt’s workshop made the paper decorations for 4-H Holiday Faire.
Eleven-year-old Fiona Oakes of Medina is a member of several 4-H Clubs including the Abundant Harvest Club. She said she enjoyed the event, especially making holiday trees from upcycled sweaters. “I also get to hang-out with my friends,” Fiona noted.
McKenna Richardson of Barre is 10 years old and a member of the Community Capers 4-H Club. She enjoyed learning about holiday cactus plants and painting a pot in which to plant hers. “I decorated the pot with my hobbies – music notes, flowers and cats with Santa hats,” she said.
Thirteen-year-old Charlotte McGrath of Medina said she likes the fact that the crafts are easy to complete and she can make several different entries for Holiday Faire. A member of the Abundant Harvest 4-H club, Charlotte said she enjoys the Holiday Workshops event each year because, “it is really fun.”
Nine-year-old Emma McGrath of Medina painted the Grinch on her holiday cactus pot.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 17 November 2025 at 9:04 am
MEDINA – The Medina FFA has extended its deadline for ordering from its annual citrus sale.
Agriculture teacher and FFA adviser Jacqueline Jurek said the public has until Thursday to place an order.
The citrus sale has been an annual fundraiser for the FFA for many years. All the money raised goes toward providing educational experiences for FFA members, Jurek said. This includes the New York State FFA Convention, National FFA Convention, Summer Camp at Oswegatchie, New York State Fair, purchase of FFA gear and much more.
The public can order through the FFA website (click here); by calling the school at (585) 798 2700; or e-mailing jjurek@medinacsd.org.
Orders will be available for pickup the week of Dec. 8.
George E. Smith of Albion wrote and mailed a monthly newsletter to soldiers who were part of a Sunday School Class at the United Methodist Church.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 5, No. 40
This card was sent to George E. Smith of Albion in response to his monthly correspondence with servicemen during World War II.
ALBION – During World War II, George E. Smith wrote and mailed a monthly newsletter to the servicemen members of the Woods Brothers Men’s Class of the United Methodist Church in Albion.
His daughter, Aloha (Smith) Vick, compiled the correspondence into several albums which were recently donated to the Orleans County Dept. of History by his granddaughter, June (Vick) Schuck.
From Paris, France, Dec. 1944:
“Each month I look forward to receiving the Woods Brotherhood News and I appreciate very much your sending it to me. It always seems good to hear where the other boys are stationed and all about the church activities at home.”
Naturally, the albums make compelling reading. The newsletters provided seasonal information about the weather as well as tidbits of information regarding those who served. Mailed to far flung parts of the globe, this “news” helped service men feel remembered and connected.
George E. Smith wrote a total of thirty-eight issues of the Woods Brotherhood News. The final issue, the “Peace Issue” was written on Sept. 19, 1945.
Recipients of the Newsletters were very appreciative. Their return letters invariably began with expressions of gratitude. Several commented that fellow servicemen envied this correspondence and wished their churches had done likewise.
From: Somewhere in New Guinea, Dec. 1944, J.K. Shipman BKR 1/C USN:
“Your very nice Christmas greeting came yesterday, right on the proper day. I don’t see how you managed to judge the exact day to mail it.”
From Somewhere in Egypt, Nov. 1942, Gil Pritchard:
“Probably at this time, more than any other, I have come to realize how much I enjoy your letters. It may be because of the distance we are from you, or it may be because we are no longer in the States practicing but we are now playing for keeps.”
Portion of a Woods Brothers Newsletter, February 1943
Even though letters were censored, they provide compelling details:
From France, August 1944, A.M. Webber, “Lonnie”
(He operated a water-purifying unit)
Several days last week, we purified about thirty-thousand gallons of water per day. That was a lot of water to put through our small units. Of course, we worked 20 hours a day to do it.
At the present time, we are pretty close to the front line and we have lots of artillery around us. In fact, that is all they do all day and all night is shell the Germans. It is hard to sleep. There’s so much noise. The last two nites we have been shelled by the enemy. In fact, last nite, they landed a shell about 70 feet away from our foxhole and shrapnel went everywhere. We really felt the concussion from that shell, although none of us were hit because we were all in our fox holes.
I guess our boys over here are really going fast. Of course, we really have more equipment. However, the Germans are no pushover. I don’t think it will last much longer now. I would say about three months more and it will be over here.”
News from a proud new father:
Somewhere in Dutch New Guinea, Jan. 1945, Sgt. Louis Massaro, Jan. 1944:
“It may interest you to know that while I was on the boat coming over here, a baby boy was born, my son, named Thomas Charles Massaro. So you see, I have yet to see my son. My wife and son are both doing good, the last I’ve heard from them.”
P.S. Give my regards to the rest of the Brotherhood class and tell the people back home, our friends, that War is Hell.”
Newsletter writer, George E. Smith, grew up on Smith Road in Shelby. He was a state agriculturalist, and an active Mason as well as a member of the United Methodist Church. Incidentally, this is the anniversary of his death: he was killed in an accident on November 15, 1950, in Sodus, New York, when the car in which he was a passenger collided with a train.
People can protect their health by testing for radon
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. While smoking remains the primary cause of lung cancer, radon gas is the second leading cause and the leading cause among non-smokers.
Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that forms naturally when uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It can enter homes through cracks and openings in foundations and become trapped indoors. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), one in every 15 homes in the U.S. has elevated radon levels. The only way to know if your home has radon is to test for it.
“You can’t see or smell radon, but it can pose a serious health risk over time,” said Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Testing your home is simple and inexpensive, and if high levels are found, radon problems can be fixed.”
Protect your family in three easy steps:
Test your home. Radon test kits are low-cost and easy to use. You can buy short-term test kits online and or at local hardware stores. The Genesee County Health Department also has a limited number of free test kits for Genesee County residents.
Fix high levels. If your test result is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher, contact a certified radon mitigation professional to lower levels.
Retest after mitigation. Regular testing ensures your home remains safe.
Smoking combined with radon exposure greatly increases lung cancer risk. Quitting smoking and reducing radon exposure are two of the most effective ways to protect your lungs.
Veterans Service Agency Office will be closed for event at Medina VFW
Press Release, Orleans County Veterans Service Office
ALBION – Orleans County Veterans Services is teaming up with GO Health to host a Veterans Health and Benefit Fair on Monday, November 17.
The fair will be from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the VFW, located at 216 E. Center Street in Medina. The Veterans Services Office on Route 31 will be closed Monday as staff will be working this event.
The event is open to all veterans. Representatives from GO Health and Veterans Services will be on hand to discuss healthcare resources and benefits available to veterans. Free food and drink will be provided.
“We are always looking for ways to support our veterans and by teaming up with GO Health for this event, we can offer information on a wide variety of health and benefit programs available to the veteran community,” said Nik Mroz, Director of Veterans Services. “While we asked for preregistration, any veteran who missed that deadline is still welcome to attend and bring a guest.”
Cooper said she expects to have a committee in Orleans County to help direct how the county will spend the $15,000 and be part of the commemoration.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. While smoking remains the primary cause of lung cancer, radon gas is the second leading cause and the leading cause among non-smokers.
