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Medina firefighters honor Captain Young on his retirement
Photos and information courtesy of Medina Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2161
MEDINA – Medina Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2161 proudly congratulates Captain Michael Young on his retirement from the Medina Fire Department following nearly two decades of dedicated service.
Captain Young transferred to Medina from the Salamanca Fire Department in April 2007 and has spent the years since serving the Medina community.
During his career, he served as Municipal Training Officer, Lieutenant and Captain of First Platoon. He also spent many years as a New York State Fire Instructor assigned to Orleans County, passing along his knowledge and experience to firefighters throughout our area.
Today, Mike and his family were surrounded by past and present Medina firefighters and friends from departments around the county for a retirement luncheon hosted by Local 2161 and the Medina Firefighters Benevolent Association.
Local 2161 Vice President Tim Miller presented Mike with a ceremonial fire axe on behalf of the membership as a token of our appreciation for his years of service. Chief Cooley also presented him with his retired badge.
Congratulations, Captain Young. Thank you for everything you have given to Local 2161, the Medina Fire Department and the community we serve. Enjoy a long and well-deserved retirement.
Tops offering veterans, military personnel 11 percent discount on Nov. 11
Press Release, Tops Friendly Markets
Tops Friendly Markets will honor those who have served our country with an 11 percent discount on groceries this Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11. Now in its 13th year, the program has provided more than $1 million in savings to military personnel and their families.
The discount will be available at all Tops locations to U.S. veterans, active-duty military personnel, reservists and retired military personnel, as well as immediate family members residing in the same household. Customers should present proof of their own or their immediate family member’s military service to receive the discount on their total purchase that day.
“Behind every person who serves is a story of commitment, courage and sacrifice—and often a family making sacrifices alongside them,” said Ron Ferri, president of Tops Friendly Markets. “We are grateful to count so many veterans and military families among our associates, customers and neighbors. This Veterans Day, we’re honored to offer a small expression of our appreciation for all they have given to our country and continue to give to our communities.”
Tops’ appreciation for the military community extends throughout the year. The company has supported veterans’ memorials and traveling tribute walls, Honor Flight missions, and military fundraising events.
Most recently, proceeds from the Tops tents at both the Taste of Buffalo and Taste of Syracuse went to three veteran based organizations. Tops also continues to support the Stars for our Troops program, having run the program twice over the past eight years, collecting over 58,000 to present to those who have protected our freedoms.
Through participation in veteran job fairs, parades and community events, Tops continues to honor the service of military associates, customers and their families.
About Tops Friendly Markets
Headquartered in Williamsville, Tops operates a robust network of 151 grocery stores spanning New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, including one franchise location. As one of Western New York’s largest employers, and with over 14,000 associates across its entire footprint, Tops is committed to delivering sustainably sourced, premium-quality products. Beyond retail, Tops is committed to the communities it serves through initiatives focused on hunger relief, health improvement, youth education, and environmental sustainability. Discover more at www.topsmarkets.com.
Applications being accepted for 2027 Master Gardener training course
Provided photos: Katie Oakes, facilitator of the Master Gardener training program, shows students how to conduct a soil pH test.
Press Release, Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension
KNOWLESVILLE – Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension will be offering the Master Gardener training course starting in February. Applications are being accepted now until December 1st.
The Master Gardener program is a nation-wide volunteer service program, one of the largest volunteer programs in the country. Master Gardener volunteers support the mission of Cornell Cooperative Extension by “extending” the research-based information and guidelines put forth by Cornell University to their county residents.
The Master Gardener Training Course is the required first step for those who are interested in becoming a Master Gardener volunteer with Cornell Cooperative Extension.
The course in 2027 will be a hybrid of online lessons along with weekly in-person classes to reinforce key topics. The online portion is self-paced, meaning students are given a time frame within which to complete each module and they can choose when to complete the coursework based on their personal schedule.
In-person classes will be held every Thursday, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Orleans County CCE “Buzz Hill” Education Center, led by CCE Horticulture Educator Katie Oakes, the coordinator of the Master Gardener volunteers and the facilitator of the Master Gardener Training Course.
There were plans to run the training in early 2026, but Orleans CCE did not receive enough applications to continue with the course. This coming year, the course will start February 4th and will run through May 6th. The in-person classes are held every Thursday evening at the ‘Buzz Hill’ Education Center from 6 to 8 p.m.
“The Master Gardener Training Course was an excellent experience; it changed the way I garden and look at my environment. The research-based educational materials were thorough, interesting, and challenged me to think differently,” explained Sue Starkweather Miller, who completed the course in 2022.
Students in the 2024 Master Gardener Training class learn about diagnosing plant problems.
Once students complete the training program, they serve 40 hours within the next year through the MG Program to become official Master Gardener volunteers. Those service hours can include attending monthly Master Gardener meetings, helping at various Master Gardener educational programs, tabling at public events like the Home and Garden Show and the Orleans County 4-H Fair, or finding answers to gardening questions that come in from county residents.
“I love the Master Gardener program,” said Elaine Clute, a graduate of the 2024 MG Training Course. “It’s a great group of gardeners who support each other and are committed to community and outreach.”
Orleans County CCE will close the application process on December 1st, after which participants for the course will be selected and notified of acceptance into the program. Preference will be given to Orleans County residents and those who are interested in becoming long-term volunteers with the Master Gardener Program.
The cost of the course is $200. If you are interested in the course, but require financial assistance, please contact Katie Oakes directly at 585-798-4265 ext. 125 or by email at klo54@cornell.edu.
Applications can be found online at https://cce.cornell.edu/orleans/programs-and-education/master-gardener.
Join CCE, become a Master Gardener volunteer, and help your community grow!
Oak Orchard Health to reopen Lyndonville site on Nov. 16
Press Release, Oak Orchard Health
LYNDONVILLE – Oak Orchard Health, a leading healthcare provider serving rural communities across upstate New York, is preparing to welcome patients back to its Lyndonville health center, with an official reopening date of Nov. 16.
The reopening reaffirms the organization’s commitment to expanding access to quality, affordable healthcare in underserved communities and marks an important milestone for the Lyndonville community.
As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Oak Orchard Health recognizes the unique challenges rural communities face in accessing essential healthcare services. Limited transportation options, geographic barriers and provider shortages can make receiving consistent, preventive care difficult for individuals and families.
Re-establishing services in Lyndonville reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to reducing these barriers and ensuring that residents have access to trusted healthcare providers close to home.
The reopening represents more than the return of a healthcare facility. It is an opportunity to strengthen relationships with the Lyndonville community, support continuity of care and provide residents with a convenient, community-based option for managing their health and well-being. By bringing healthcare services closer to the individuals who need them, Oak Orchard Health continues to emphasize the importance of accessible, patient-centered care that responds to the needs of the communities it serves.
With preparations underway, Oak Orchard Health looks forward to sharing more about the providers and services that will be available at its Lyndonville location, offering residents a closer look at what they can expect when its doors reopen.
“Oak Orchard Health is proud to announce the reopening of our Lyndonville office on November 16,” said Marco Altieri, CEO. “This project reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring that every member of our community has access to high-quality, compassionate, and convenient healthcare services. We are excited to welcome patients back and continue serving the Lyndonville area for years to come.”
Patients interested in scheduling an appointment at the Lyndonville health center are encouraged to contact Oak Orchard Health’s Medina office at 585-765-2060.
GO Health asks for community feedback on future health classes
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) want your help planning future health and wellness classes. We want to know which programs interest you and what would work best for you.
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program – A program for people who live with ongoing health conditions. You will learn ways to manage symptoms, improve your health, and feel more confident making health decisions.
National Diabetes Prevention Program – A program for people who are at risk for type 2 diabetes. You will learn ways to eat healthier, be more active, and make healthy changes that can last.
Tobacco Cessation Program – A program that helps people quit tobacco and nicotine products. You will learn about tools and strategies to help you quit and stay tobacco-free.
We want to hear from you!
Please take our short survey to tell us what programs you are interested in and what would work best for you, including:
- Where classes should be held
- Which days and times work best
- In-person or online classes
“Community input is an important part of planning programs that are accessible and useful to the people we serve,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “We want to know which programs residents are interested in and what would work best for them.”
The survey takes only a few minutes to complete. You can also provide your contact information if you would like to hear about upcoming classes.
Help us spread the word! Share the survey with family, friends, and neighbors who may be interested. Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Classes27
For more information on GO Health programs, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your respective health department.
- Orleans County- 585-589-3278 or OCPublicHealth@orleanscountyny.gov
- Genesee County- 585-344-2580 x5555 or Health@geneseeny.gov
Eagle highlights a five under par round for Green at the Toto Japan Classic
Contributed Photo – Melanie Green
Highlighted by an eagle and three straight birdies to close, Medina’s Melanie Green fired a sparkling 5 under par 67 Friday (Japan time) on the second round of the Toto Japan Classic.
Starting on the back nine, Green rebounded from a bogey on the first hole with a birdie on 12 and then a memorable eagle on 17 to go to 2 under at the turn.
On the front nine Green had an early birdie on 2 which would offset a bogey on 5.
She then finished in impressive fashion registering consecutive birdies on 7, 8 and 9 for a very solid 5 under par round.
Green had opened the tourney with an even par round of 72.
The tournament will conclude with two more rounds this weekend.
Cannabis shop in Albion celebrating grand opening
CannaWave sells legal products grown locally in Waterport
Photos by Tom Rivers: Rick Stacey (third from left) is the owner of CannaWave at 162 South Main St. He is pictured with employees, from left: bud tender Brian Cunningham, co-manager Alyssa Winder and co-manager Jacob Shaw.
ALBION – A legal cannabis shop will be having its grand opening celebration in Albion today and on Saturday.
CannaWave opened in July at 162 South Main St. The business sells products grown locally in Waterport at Hydro-Grow NY. It also carries products from other legal producers.
CannaWave is Orleans County’s only licensed adult-use cannabis dispensary. It sells lab-tested flower, edibles, vape carts and beverages to local adult consumers.
Rick Stacey of Albion owns the business. A process engineer, he also owns RS Automation on Route 98 in Albion, and he owns a greenhouse in Waterport where the plants are grown for many of the products at CannaWave.
Rick Stacey, owner of CannaWave, is on the ground floor of the state’s emerging legal cannabis market. The name of the business ties into its close proximity to the waves of Lake Ontario.
Stacey said he was drawn to the cannabis business seeing it as a way to offer safe products to consumers. The products are all heavily tested and regulated. He has videos inside the store showing the cannabis plants being grown and harvested at his greenhouse, Hydro-Grow NY Inc.
He is happy to share the test results of all the products. An independent lab takes samples and the cannabis products need to pass state standards for residual solvents, microbials, heavy metals, mycotoxins and pesticides. CannaWave grows its plants in an enclosed greenhouse in Waterport that is conducive to the safety standards, Stacey said.
“As a local, family-run business, we care deeply about our neighbors and the community we live in,” he said. “CannaWave is built on providing a safe, professional and transparent environment where the customers can feel confident about where their products come from and how they are grown.”
Provided photo: The cannabis plants are grown at a greenhouse in Waterport, making the operation a seed-to-sale vertically integrated business.
Stacey also owns Hydro-Grow at 4015 Oak Orchard Rd. He initially was focused on cannabinoid hemp at Hydro-Grow, which started in 2019.
The state legalized adult-use cannabis for people 21 and older in 2021, and the first adult-use dispensary opened in December 2022. There are now 1,039 licensed adult-use retailers statewide.
Stacey has a license to grow cannabis plants at the 20,000-square-foot greenhouse. He uses his expertise in advanced industrial engineering in growing the cannabis plants.
Hydro-Grow features proprietary automated environmental controls, custom software integration, specialized fertigation systems and prevision HVAC chiller.
Hydro-Grow can fine-tune lighting, humidity, airflow and plant nutrients around the clock, producing clean, contaminant-free flower without heavy chemical inputs. The flower, sold in bags by an eighth of an ounce, is the top sellers so far at CannaWave.
At Hydro-Grow, Stacey said the operation merges industrial process engineering with sustainable horticultural science.
“By controlling every parameter of the cultivation environment right here in Albion, we ensure consistent product quality, strict safety testing, and sustainable energy efficiency,” he said.
These products are packaged for sale at CannaWave and include bags of fresh flower at an eighth of an ounce which are $30 each. That includes a 13 percent tax. The state gets a 9 percent tax, with the county 1 percent and the village 3 percent.
The dispensary features CannaWave-cultivated strains alongside curated selections of state-licensed edibles, beverages, tinctures and topicals.
‘There has been a lot of positive feedback,” Stacey said about CannaWave. “People don’t have to drive to the reservation, and they feel it’s safer.”
There are six employees at CannaWave, and the staff works to educate customers. Some customers use the products for anxiety and pain relief, and others are recreational users.
Stacey said the safe, transparent and approachable atmosphere helps to destigmatize cannabis products. He said the adult customers include curious first-timers to experienced patients and those seeking wellness alternatives.
CannaWave is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. For additional information, including product menus, check cannawaveny.com or the verified listings on Weedmaps.
Chamber honors business and community leaders at annual awards banquet
Photo by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce held its 28th annual awards dinner this evening at the White Birch Golf Course. About 80 people attended the event.
Pictured from left, front row: Erin Hackenberg, owner of EH Collectives in Holley, New Business of the Year; Brandon Johnson, owner of Dance Theater Premier Performing Arts in Medina, Phoenix Award; Shannon Blount, leader of Cat by Cat Inc.’s Medina Team, Community Service Award; Jennifer Thom, owner of JLThom CPA in Medina; Small Business of the Year; Kim Martillotta-Muscarella, owner of Marti’s on Main art gallery in Albion, Hidden Gem; and Kerry Panek of Panek Farms in Albion, Agricultural Business of the Year.
Brian Christiaansen, owner of three Mark’s Pizzeria locations and Tapped on main in Medina, Businessperson of the Year; Bill Bixler, owner of Seaway Insurance Associates and Albion Agencies as well as active in many community organizations; Lifetime Achievement Award; Rollin Hellner, owner of The Walsh in Medina, winner of People’s Choice Award at Taste of Orleans in August; Dana and Eric Watson of the Watson Construction Group, Business of the Year; Alan, Philip and their father Jim Panek of Panek Farms, the Agricultural Business of the Year.
Kendall to face Wilson in girls soccer regional
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Ryleigh Denning and her Kendall teammates will face Wilson in the state Class C Far West Regional Friday.
It will be the Genesee Region League vs. the Niagara-Orleans League as Kendall faces Wilson in the state Class C Far West Regional girls soccer playoff game at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Williamsville East High School.
Kendall, which is 19-1, advanced by downing rival Holley 4-1 for the Section V Class C berth in the state playoffs. The Lady Eagles had captured the Section V Class C2 championship while the Lady Hawks had won the Class C1 title.
Wilson, which is 18-0, advanced by defeating Frewsburg 3-1 for the Section VI Class C championship.
Offensively Kendall is led by the quartet of junior Ryleigh Denning (32 goals, 11 assists), senior Sophia Picardo (17 goals, 16 assists), freshman Jersie Drake (16 goals, 16 assists) and 7th grader Mackenzie Cooper (10 goals, 9 assists).
Wilson is sparked offensively by the junior trio of Addison Elia (29 goals, 12 assists). Lilly Gurski (14 goals, 35 assists) and Lucy Madan (13 goals, 5 assists).
The winner will advance to the state semifinals on November 14 at Homer High School near Cortland against the winner of the St. Lawrence Central vs. Northern Adirondack regional.
In a Class B Far West Regional on Wednesday Livonia defeated Akron 6-0.
