Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans Renaissance Group wants to give the Canal Village Farmers’ Market a dramatic new look and make the site usable year-round as a market.

MEDINA – A high-profile corner in Medina is poised for its first major upgrade in more than 50 years.

The Orleans Renaissance Group is working on a major capital project at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market at 127 West Center St. This project was approved for $675,000 from the NY Forward grant.

But the ORG needs more funding to make the transformation of the site a reality.

The farmers’ market previously was used by a bank and also a gas station. The building will be expanded and remodeled to allow for year-round use, according to the ORG plan.

The improvements include a new standing seam metal roof, new painted steel structure, glazed overhead doors, cementitious siding, concrete base, windows, aluminum storefront entry doors, metal canopies, complementary brick masonry and new rooftop signs.

Rendering by Alderman Architect: The Canal Village Farmers’ Market would get a new metal roof and canopies, and other exterior work.

ORG announced a public appeal to help with the overall anticipated costs of $1.2 million. Chris Busch, the ORG chairman, said the organization will be seeking grants through foundations and welcomes donations from the public. The contributions are tax deductible.

“We’re moving forward on several fronts to secure some substantial amounts of money,” Busch said. “No donation is too small if people want to be a part of turning that corner into a community asset.”

The site has been used for an outdoor farmers’ market from June through October on Saturdays during the past decade. The improvement project will allow for a year-round market with indoor space.

Busch said it would open the possibility to the market being open two to three days a week, and also potentially could allow for other community uses.

The market building would be expanded going towards West Center Street.

The Orleans Renaissance Group is developing a business plan to make the site “a thriving agri-tourism venue.”

“The new construction and amenities will allow the site to become a year-round hub within historic downtown, hosting the market along with farm-to-table and agri-tourism related community and private events,” ORG states on its website about the project. “It will be a unique venue among farmer’s markets in WNY, further enhancing Downtown Medina’s reputation as a destination.”

Busch said he is hopeful construction could start in 6 to 8 months if the funding comes through with the improvements ready by 2027.

For more information, click here.

Provided photo

MEDINA – Medina’s Class of 1970 recently gathered at the Medina Theatre for their 55^th anniversary reunion.

Pictured include first row: Pat Howe and Dominic Cardone.

Second row: Pam Misiti, Shirley Newman, Bev Fackler, Mike Duckworth, Kim Houseman, Mary Catherine Ricota and Maureen Ritter.

Third row: Diana Fackler, Charlie Smith, Mike Blount, Sally Grimm, Karen Wu and Sue Motten.

Fourth row: Dan Kyle, Dave Malopsey, Scott Grimm and Scott Hagood.

Fifth row: Jonathan Incho and Bill Miranda.

Last row: Mike Flower, Brad Nudd, Bill Hungerford and Bill Vosteen.

‘Let us recognize 100 years of doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers who have walked these halls, dedicating themselves to the well-being of others’

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Guests enjoy cake celebrating Medina Memorial Hospital’s 100th anniversary. At left in photo is Jeanne Crane, a long-time nurse at the hospital. At right, staff from dietary cut the cake. (Right) Peggy Thomas of Holley took time to look over a timeline of pictures from the hospital’s 100 years.

MEDINA – For the past year, Medina Memorial Hospital has been celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding.

On Tuesday morning, the hospital had a final gathering with cake for invited guests in the hospital lobby.

(Left) Orleans Community Health CEO Marc Shurtz welcomes guests at a gathering on Tuesday to celebrate the hospital’s 100th anniversary. (Right) Lynne Johnson, chair of the Orleans County Legislature, praised Medina Memorial Hospital and said it was an honor to be there as the hospital celebrated a century of care, compassion and community.

Sharing special remarks were Lynne Johnson, chair of the Orleans County Legislature; Jacob G. Mahoney on behalf of Governor Kathy Hochul; and Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman.

Orleans Community Health CEO Marc Shurtz welcomed guests, which included dedicated team members, special guests and community supporters.

“For more than 100 years, this institution has been more than just a hospital – it has been a cornerstone of hope, healing and resilience for the people of Orleans County and beyond,” Johnson said. “Yet, as a member of the board of trustees, I know all too well the undeniable challenge this institution continually faces. Only through the hard work of our clinical staff that provides exceptional care to our residents, and the vision of administration that somehow finds a way to navigate through the constantly evolving healthcare industry, are we able to stand here today and celebrate this milestone.”

Johnson concluded by saying, “Let us recognize 100 years of doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers who have walked these halls, dedicating themselves to the well-being of others. And as we honor the past, let us look to the future – with renewed commitment to innovation, excellence and the same spirit of service that has defined Medina Memorial Hospital for a century.”

Johnson then presented Shurtz with a proclamation from the Orleans County Legislature.

“Healthcare, as we know, is not without its challenges,” Shurtz said. “But what makes this organization strong is the spirit of collaboration – the willingness of our staff, our partners and our community to come together. That collective effort has not only allowed us to persevere, but to grow and to expand the care we provide right here close to home.”

Shurtz explained over the last three years they have been able to strengthen and expand critical services. Surgical, cardiac, GI and ENT care have all been either expanded or introduced, helping us meet more of our patients’ needs locally.

“And just as important, we’ve invested in expanding access to primary care, from pediatrics to adult medicine, right here in Medina,” Shurtz said. “Our Medina Healthcare Center recently received a $1.9 million grant to support this mission – an achievement that reflects both the need in our community and trust placed in us to meet it.”

The front page of The Medina Daily Journal from September 30, 1925 celebrates the opening of a hospital in Medina.

“Today, as we mark 100 years of Medina Memorial Hospital, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and we look ahead with a drive to continue building on that legacy,” Shurtz continued. “A century strong, we remain committed to providing the very best care we can to our neighbors, our families and our friends. Thank you again for being here, and thank you for believing in Orleans Community Health. Together, we’ll ensure the next century is just as strong as the last.”

Governor Kathy Hochel was represented by Jacob G. Mahoney, who reiterated the governor’s support of Medina Memorial Hospital with the $1.9 million grant.

He said Orleans County has faced enormous challenges, and stated how fortunate they were having this facility in their backyard for 100 years.

Next was Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman, who said, “In the village of Medina, we remain thankful to have Orleans Community Health and Medina Memorial Hospital in our community. Mark Shurtz spoke about collaboration, and that is what we represent in the village of Medina. Hopefully, we can all continue to work together so as to provide these much-needed services in our village and county. I have previously served on the Orleans Community Health Foundation and have seen first-hand all of the work that goes into making this hospital thrive.”

The morning concluded with guests enjoying an anniversary cake.