Provided photos: (Left) Chris Kozody, who leads the cocktail programs at Shirt Factory and Newell Lounge, recently competed in in the prestigious Meletti Cocktail Competition in New York City, where he placed fourth for a cocktail he named “At the Hart of It.” (Right) This is the cocktail “At the Hart of It,” which earned Chris Kozody a fourth-place finish in a cocktail competition in New York City.

MEDINA – Chris Kozody, who heads the cocktail program at the Shirt Factory and Newell Lounge at Hart in Medina, recently entered the prestigious Meletti Cocktail Competition in New York City, where he placed fourth.

The event featured 18 bartenders from across the state, with the majority coming from high-profile New York City bars, said his sister Alexandra Gilman.

“It’s not every day Medina is represented in such a high level competition in the state,” Gilman said.

Kozody created the cocktail “At the Hart of It,” a blend of Meletti Amaro, peach/sage syrup, citric acid concentrate, Meletti Lemoncello and egg white. Patrons at Shirt Factory will have an opportunity to try the cocktail for themselves, as it debuts on the new fall menu, which launches today, Gilman said.

“We’re proud of Chris for this accomplishment and for putting his hat into the ring,” said Richard Sarrero, co-owner of the Shirt Factory. “Competitions like this don’t just showcase individual talent, but they help to further showcase all Medina has to offer. It’s exciting to see our community represented among some of the best bartenders in the state.”

This achievement reflects the caliber and varied talents of Medina’s food and beverage scene, according to Gilman.

“Being part of this community means everything,” Kozody shared. “Participating in events like this can certainly be intimidating, but also gives us a chance to highlight Medina and the creativity of the hospitality scene.”

The Shirt Factory and Newell Lounge operate under the Hart umbrella, along with Hart House Hotel and Factory Espresso.

Shirt Factory hours of operation are 3 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, while Newell Lounge is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday.

ALBION – Mary L. Stephens, age 79, passed away May 23, 2025 at the Aurora House in Spencerport following a brief illness.  She was born August 29, 1945 in Albion to Robert and Norine (Kingdollar) Newbould and was a life-long resident of this area.

Mary was a past member of the Albion Rod & Gun Club and enjoyed going to BINGO, and the Casino plus going to brunch with the girls. She also had a special love for hummingbirds.

Mrs. Stephens was predeceased by her husband Victor, a brother Wayne Newbould and a sister Carol Burch.

She is survived by her children: Kevin (Tricia Carroll) Stephens of Albion, Doug (Kelly Jubenville) Stephens of Barre, Dan Stephens of Albion, Melinda (Steven) Peet of Holley, Jody (Steve) Brown of Texas; her brothers: Billy (Marcy) Newbould of FL, Wyatt (Mary) Newbould of Fla.; her sisters: Donna Causyn of Fla. and Patricia (Larry) Putman of Fla.; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 21 West Avenue-Albion, Wednesday May 28th from 4 to 7 p.m. only. Family and friends are invited to attend her graveside service in Mount Albion Cemetery on Thursday May 29th beginning at 11 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The Aurora House, 2495 S. Union Street, Spencerport, NY, 14559.

To share a special memory of Mary, please visit: www.mitchellfamlyfuneralhomes.com.

Beverly Earle

UPDATE: The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office reports Earle has been located.

ROYALTON – The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office said a Royalton woman, age 85, has been missing since this afternoon.

Beverly Earle left her residence on Akron Road and was last seen walking southbound on that road at about 2:30 p.m. She has dementia, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office said.

Anyone who has seen her is urged to contact the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office at 716-438-3393.

Earle is 5’02”, 104 pounds with gray hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a purple sweatshirt/jeans and gray sneakers.

Eli Sample

ALBION – The Albion Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a 13-year-old boy who was last seen by his family on Saturday.

Eli Sample is 4 foot, 9 inches tall and weighs 107 pounds, the Albion PD said.

He is white, with black hair and blue eyes.

He ran away from home on Saturday afternoon or evening, and hasn’t returned home, the Albion PD said.

It is unknown at this time what Eli was wearing when he left.

Anyone with any information regarding Eli Sample’s whereabouts is urged to contact APD at (585) 589-5627, or through the Orleans County Sheriff’s Dispatch at (585)589-5527 or 911.

UPDATE: The boy was reported by Albion PD to be located and unharmed.