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Fire chief, 3 other firefighters are leaving Medina FD
‘I can no longer work for an administration that doesn’t fully support a vision that aligns with mine.’ – Fire Chief Matt Jackson
File photos: Fire Chief Matt Jackson led tours of the Medina fire hall on March 12, 2023. He shows photos that highlight concerns in the fire hall and on the ladder truck.
MEDINA – The Medina Fire Department will soon be without its fire chief, a second long-time leader in the department, and two other firefighters.
The Medina Village Board on Monday accepted the resignations of Fire Chief Matt Jackson and two firefighters, Tiffany Petry and Dylan Schreader. Captain Jonathan Higgins also submitted a letter that he will be retiring after 18 ½ years with the Medina FD, including the past 11 years as a captain.
Jackson has been with the department for 19 years, including the past 5 ½ as the fire chief. The department has lost several new firefighters to lateral transfers where the pay is far more in neighboring counties.
But Jackson cited a strained relationship with some of the board members and reluctance by some on the board to move forward with needed infrastructure upgrades.
Jackson, in a letter dated May 21, said he will be formally resigning as fire chief on July 12.
Jackson said the past year has been “a constant battle” with some of the board members “to ensure adequate equipment and a safe work environment for our team.”
Jackson said the budget approved by the board on April 28 left the fire department too short on funds. The budget also reduced the fire department paid staff from 20 to 16.
“I cannot balance the budget this board has adopted while maintaining a safe and effective response for the department, the Village and the adjacent communities we serve, and I will not compromise my reputation, integrity or character at the cost of their health and wellness,” Jackson wrote in the resignation letter.
The work environment with the board “has remained consistently negative,” he said. Jackson has tried to adapt and engage constructively with board members, but he said he can no longer perform at the highest level in the current circumstances, nor does he see a positive path forward with the village.
“I can no longer work for an administration that doesn’t fully support a vision that aligns with mine,” he wrote.
Jackson said the decision to resign wasn’t made lightly because he values the hard work of the firefighters in the department.
He said he is committed to a smooth transition of his responsibilities.
“We have built an amazing team and an outstanding leadership cadre, and I am confident this transition will take place with minimal interruption.”
Pictured from left include Medina Fire Department Captain Jonathan Higgins, and firefighters Dylan Schreader and Tiffany Petry. The photos show Higgins and Schreader assisting youth during fire department open houses.
The board has other positions to fill in the fire department besides the fire chief.
Jonathan Higgins, a captain with the Medina FD since 2013 and firefighter with Medina for 18 1/2 years, sent a letter to the board that he will be retiring on Aug. 6 with his last day at work on July 8.
“It has been an honor working with a very dedicated and talented group of firefighters over the years,” Higgins wrote in his letter.
He also commended the village employees in the Police Department, DPW, and Clerk’s Office.
“Working with this group of individuals definitely made things much easier to provide a great service to the residents of Medina,” Higgins wrote. “I also want to thank all our neighboring fire departments for their assistance over the years. I appreciate all the opportunities that have been provided to me while being able to serve this great community.”
Tiffany Petry resigned as a firefighter, sending in a letter June 6. Her final day with the Medina FD will be June 20.
“I would like to thank you for the opportunity to have worked in this position the last 18 months. I have learned a great deal from my Officers and fellow Firefighters during my time with the Medina Fire Department.”
Petry shared with village officials that she was made sick by fumes from the ladder truck, and that carbon monoxide exposure should be a major concern for the board.
Dylan Schreader, a firefighter/EMT with Medina, also announced his resignation, effective June 22. He is joining the City of Tonawanda Fire Department. He said it is a new opportunity that aligns with his career goals.
“While I am excited about this new chapter, I will greatly miss the camaraderie, experiences and invaluable lessons learned during my time serving with the Village of Medina Fire Department,” he wrote in his letter. “I am deeply grateful for the support, mentorship and friendships I have developed here. Thank you for the opportunities provided to me, and for the chance to serve alongside such dedicated professionals.”
Mayor Marguerite Sherman said the village will put a call to civil service to try to fill the openings in the fire department.
Jackson was able to get the board to move forward with replacing a ladder truck but the board has yet to reach a decision on an addition to the fire hall. Some of the board members also have tried to rescind the fire truck purchase and see if Medina could get out of buying that truck for close to $1.7 million. The truck is due to arrive in December but the current fire hall isn’t big enough for it.
The Medina ladder truck from 1996 is shown in March 2023 when the fire department had an open house showing the tight quarters at the fire hall, especially for the ladder truck which only has 2 inches of clearance in pulling in and out of the fire hall. The ladder truck was recently taken out of service due to disrepair.
Jackson and the fire department suggested a two-bay addition and additional work on the current building which is cramped with eroding floors, cracking walls and other deficiencies. But the price tag for an addition and work on the current building would likely top $4.5 million, an engineering firm said.
The board scaled the project down to just a one-bay addition at about $1.4 million, but no final decision has been made.
Mayor Sherman said she expects she can soon announce a temporary spot for the new truck.
The board on Monday noted the current ladder truck has been taken out of service after an inspection on May 28 from Sam’s Apparatus Maintenance showed many problems with multiple exhaust leaks, a crack on right side of windshield, the need for new muffler, and left rear brake shoes are contaminated with gas and oil and will need to be replaced.
The truck also has worn tires, leaking oil, a non-functioning backup alarm, and other valve leaks.
Board members said they inquired about canceling the order for the new truck and said the village would face a $340,000 fee for that, and would be without a new truck. The village would still need to replace the 29-year-old truck. Putting in a new order for a ladder truck, waiting for an addition to be built, would likely put a nee truck at about $2.2 million in today’s pricing. That’s about $500,000 more than Medina’s contract from March 2023, and Medina might have to wait four years for the delivery with a new contract.
Sherman said having no ladder truck in service for an extended period could also affect the village’s ISO ratings and push up property insurance costs for building owners.
“Unfortunately there is no easy answer to this,” said Trustee Debbie Padoleski. She has spoken out many times about the escalating taxes in the village.
Trustee Mark Prawel said the village should still keep the old truck maintained and in service. The village mechanic will try to put together an estimated cost to get the 1996 ladder truck back in service. Board members said it may be cost prohibitive to sink a lot of money into the old ladder truck.
Sherman said there may be other financing options for paying for the new truck, including leasing that could make it more affordable for the village. She said she continues to explore options for the village.
She said she continues to seek state and federal assistance, especially with the addition, and remains hopeful the County Legislature will unfreeze the local sales tax share with towns and villages. The 10 towns and four villages haven’t seen an increase in the sales tax revenue since 2001. Collectively the 14 municipalities share $1,366,671 with Medina getting $159,630 in 2025. The county keeps about 95 percent of the local sales tax which totals about $24 million locally.
Trustee Scott Bielski said neighboring towns who rely on the village for mutual aid should be asked to help the village bear the costs of the services, especially with Medina FD going outside the village on many calls.
“We should ask for more assistance from the towns,” he said. “Do they want us showing up in a pickup truck?”
Oak Orchard showcased services at community health fair
Photos courtesy of Oak Orchard Health: The Behavior Health Team, shown with OOH CEO Karen Kinter (right), gave away stress balls and shared about the services at Oak Orchard.
Press Release, Oak Orchard Community Health
Dr. James Goetz and Oak Orchard Health CEO Karen Kinter meet two kids at the health fair. The Brockport health center is named in honor of Dr. Goetz, a long-time pediatrician.
BROCKPORT – Despite the rain, the Community Health Fair at Oak Orchard Health on May 31 in Brockport was fun for all, especially for kids and their families.
The fair was a convenient way for people to get valuable information, free screenings, and giveaways. One of the most popular was the dental screenings with Dr. Rachel Nozzi and the OOH hygienists.
Though we moved the tables and Kid Zone indoors, the Kiwanis Club of Brockport weathered the storm and served pancakes outdoors throughout the morning. Oak Orchard Health was available for blood pressure screenings, blood glucose checks, vision screenings, and provided information on healthy eating, WIC, and behavioral health. If you had questions about the OOH Patient Portal, we were there to answer them.
Thank you to UR Medicine, UR Dermatology, and URMobilEyes. They provided health screenings, including mammograms, skin cancer checks, and eye exams. The Wilmot Cancer Center table got plenty of interest on this important topic.
Fidelis Care Health Insurance was there to provide valuable information – and give away stress balls, pens, and so much more. The Brockport Community Connection was also on hand to connect residents with services, including emergency assistance.
Thank you to the Greater Rochester Health Foundation that sponsored the fair and to everyone who participated in the event.
Oak Orchard volunteers were eager participants, assisting people at the health fair.
8 from GLOW Arc graduate from Self-Advocacy Association of NYS
Photo from Arc GLOW – The eight graduates show their certificates and citations from State Sen. Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley. The graduates were recognized on May 31 during a celebration at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County.
Press Release, Arc GLOW
KNOWLESVILLE – Eight people with Arc GLOW recently celebrated their graduation from SANYS-U, a six-week course developed by the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State.
The graduates on May 31 stood proudly with certificates from SANYS-U in front of local representatives, friends and family at Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension.
This program is designed to provide people with developmental disabilities and their direct support staff with a deeper understanding of self-advocacy through engaging discussions, hands-on activities, and collaborative learning. Arc GLOW had a second cohort of five self-advocates and three self-direction assistants successfully complete the program.
Willow Baer, the newly appointed commissioner of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), had a recorded message for the graduates, and Orleans County District Attorney Susan Howard gave words of encouragement.
Sophia Roberts and B.J. Stasio from SANYS presented the graduates with their certificates with Julia Bauer, constituent relations staff and community liaison for state Sen. Rob Ortt, and Assemblyman Steve Hawley giving each graduate a citation.
This graduation was a special one as it was held on the 4th Annual Jonathan Doherty and Gladys Hopper Self-Advocacy Day, established in honor of two self-advocates and founding members of Orleans County Self-Advocacy All-Stars.
“At the time of his passing, Jonathan was deeply committed to creating a day that celebrated and empowered self-advocates. To carry forward his vision and legacy, our group came together to make his dream a reality—and Self-Advocacy Day was born,” said Andrew Johnson, President of the Self-Advocacy All-Stars and graduate of SANYS-U. “Each year, we bring together individuals, advocates, and organizations to share resources, ideas, and inspiration. We invite community partners to speak or host informational tables on a variety of topics that support independence, well-being, and advocacy.”
Johnson added the Self-Advocate Annual Talent Show raised $900, and they wanted to give back this year. They donated $200 to SANYS-U and Mercy Flight each.
Arc GLOW is a public non-profit serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties. To learn more, visit ArcGLOW.org.
Medina Marching Band celebrates conclusion of 2024-25 season, names student leaders for next year
Photo and information courtesy of Medina Marching Band
MEDINA – The Medina Mustang Band marked the close of the 2024-2025 season on Sunday with the 52nd annual band banquet held at the Shelby Fire Hall and prepared by their members.
Ric Jones offered a prayer before dinner and Dr. Mark Kruzynski, district superintendent, and Mollie Mark, High School assistant principal, were present.
The evening was spent recognizing the individuals who had contributed to the band season’s success as well as a number of scholarships awarded to several students for their special contributions and accomplishments.
Student staff members for next year’s season were named including Carmen Stalker as next year’s drum major and with Sophia Lopez and Madelyn Elliott serving as assistant drum majors.
Next year’s fall marching band show was announced as “Fragile World – The Way We Were.”
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Kendall breaks ground on new playground at elementary school
Turf instead of wood chips, and many other state-of-the-art features
Construction started on Kendall’s new playground in May, will continue throughout the summer and is expected to be complete in the fall.
Photos and information courtesy of Kendall Central School
KENDALL – Construction has started on a new playground at the elementary school on Kendall Road, and includes some features that are new to playgrounds.
The new playground is funded as part of the $12.68 million 2023 capital project, and work has been underway at the elementary and junior/senior high school buildings, as well as the transportation and building and grounds facilities.
“We are excited to bring a state-of-the-art playground to the Kendall community,” said Superintendent Nicholas Picardo. “The new location and design will provide enhanced safety and a multitude of play options for our students. I would further like to thank Campus Construction Management, LaBella Associates, and Parkitects for their collaboration with the district on bringing our vision to life.”
The playground will include turf that will replace the current woodchip base. Work will continue throughout the summer, with an official grand opening being planned for early fall. The new playground will replace one that is 30 years old.
District Superintendent Nick Picardo and elementary school principal Kevin Watson join board of education members and other officials in a ground breaking for a new playground at the elementary school.
This new space includes a wide variety of interactive stations that appeal to all elementary-grade levels. The previous structure had limited access points, often only allowing one student at a time to use specific features. Now, with a more open and varied layout—including multiple slides, see-saws, and swings—kids will always be able to find something fun and available to explore.
Many of the playground decisions were made with safety, comfort and accessibility in mind for all students and community members. The current playground is not built to scale for the tiny humans in Pre-K through first grade, as many features were simply too large or difficult for them to use. At the same time, the limited variety meant there wasn’t much that appealed to students in fifth and sixth grade. The new layout ensures that all age groups can find something engaging and developmentally appropriate.
The We-Go-Round is a modern take on the merry-go-round, with floor-level entry rather than requiring students to climb on. This makes it easier for students who use wheelchairs or have mobility difficulties to join in on the fun. It also features custom panels with seasonal photos taken by art teacher Andy King, showing off Kendall in spring, summer, fall and winter – a vibrant upgrade from the plain side paneling originally proposed.
The turf will also bring big improvements. Compared to the woodchips (which were messy and needed constant upkeep), the turf will be cleaner, safer, more accessible, and usable in more types of weather.
Kendall’s new playground will be the first school district on the East Coast to have a Volo Aire – a covered climbing tower complete with slides. There will also be We-Saws, a We-Go-Round, swings, a zipline, chill spinners, climbing mounds, and plenty of shade to protect students and equipment from the sun (no more hot metal slide summers)—as well as for grown-ups to enjoy while they keep an eye on their kids.
Finally, the playground’s new location addresses a major safety issue: previously, students had to cross an access road to reach the play area. With the removal of the nearby tennis and basketball courts, the new playground will be located further back from the road, allowing students to head directly outside without having to navigate traffic.
The design of the new playground took into consideration ideas from several focus groups made up of students and staff members. A Playground Committee was also formed to take the lead on bringing those ideas to the forefront of the planning process.
“I’d like to thank the playground committee for taking the time to help push this project further with design features, color recommendations, site visits to other schools, and their genuine passion,” said Elementary School Principal Kevin Watson. “Our committee featured the voices of older students who wished to advocate for our youngest eagles. Together, we designed the next generation of play for our community!”
The committee, which was composed of both students and staff members, took a field trip to visit three elementary school playgrounds in Orchard Park. There, students tested out the structures, noted features they hadn’t seen before, and brought their ideas back to the district.
“I knew our school needed a new playground, and I felt like I should take responsibility and see what I could do to help,” said sixth grader Kaitlyn Bunn. “I talked to Mr. Watson about it, and then I got invited to join the playground committee. We went on a trip to test out playgrounds in Orchard Park. After that, I helped give suggestions and share ideas about what I liked. I thought it was really smart that we’re going to have two different playground areas, because the larger one is too big for the Pre-K students, and they could get hurt.”
One of the first things to top the list was the type of slide. During Voting Day 2023, KES students cast ballots for either a curly slide or a double slide. Their voices were heard, the votes were counted, and the curly slide won by a landslide.
The Playground Committee members include Amy Bateman, Angela Cole, Sarah Cole, Toni Cook, Sara Dellaquila, Meghan Dill, Andy King, Taylor Kingsbury and Jackie Roberts, as well as student participants Chase Kludt and Kaitlyn Bunn, who shouldered the exhilarating task of product-testing the Orchard Park playgrounds.
GO Health warns of increased local bat encounters
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are alerting the public to a noticeable increase in bat encounters. As the weather gets warmer, bats become more active and may occasionally find their way into homes, particularly in older homes that are not properly sealed.
“If you find a bat in your home, safely capture it and immediately contact the health department,” advised Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for GO Health. “We can assess whether there was potential exposure and if the bat needs to be tested. If you are unable to safely capture the bat, call the health department for guidance on the next steps to take.”
In certain situations, a bat bite may go unnoticed. For example, if you wake up and find a bat in your room, discover a bat in a child’s bedroom, or see one near someone who is under the influence or otherwise impaired, it’s important to seek medical advice and have the bat tested for rabies.
To safely capture a bat:
- Turn on all the lights and close all the windows.
- Close the room and closet doors.
- Wait for the bat to land.
- While wearing thick leather-like gloves, place a coffee can, pail or similar container over the bat (Never handle a bat with your bare hands).
- Carefully slide a piece of cardboard under the container to trap the bat.
- Hold the cardboard firmly against the container, turn it right side up and tape the cardboard tightly to the container.
To watch a short video on how to safely capture a bat, check out this GO Health Minute.
If you do not feel comfortable capturing the bat or cannot do it safely, contact your local health department during regular business hours.
- Genesee County: (585) 344-2580 x5555
- Orleans County: (585) 589-3278
If it is after regular business hours, contact your county dispatch.
- Genesee County: (585) 343-5000
- Orleans County: (585) 589-5527
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McKenna says he has served Barre well on Town Board by asking questions, seeking answers
Editor:
I have decided to continue to run for a second term in office; to be a voice of reason, fairness, and integrity.
In my 4 years I have voted against raising the tax cap, questioned expenditures, and voiced concerns about needless spending. I have found extra revenue in exploring our previous exceedingly low interest revenues, resulting in a shift from approximately $3,000 a year, to now over $60,000 a year in additional interest revenue.
As a successful business owner of a Barre business for over 35 years, I bring a different look at spending and our budget. I have worked to get Water District 10 installed, but only if the majority of residents show interest and are able to afford it. I plan to speak against proceeding until then, while pushing for grant money to help make it more affordable.
I desire to hear from the residents of Barre and give them a voice. When I ran 4 years ago updating the comprehensive plan was a main task I ran on. I had requested and pushed for this while serving as an alternate on the planning board, as the survey (where we hear from Barre residents) was over 10 years old. Despite opposition to updating the comprehensive plan, I have represented the board and chaired the committee, and the survey was completed to hear from the residents of Barre.
I will continue to put forth the time and energy to review and actively participate in all parts of serving on the Town Board. I have continued fighting for the health and safety of our residents in dealing with New York State and Heritage Wind. I still have concerns about infrasound, shadow flicker, continuously blinking lights, decreasing property values, and visual blight that will have a negative effect on our residents.
These concerns are supposed to be offset by money coming into the town from the project. Unfortunately, the 60-million-dollar campaign over 30 years’ promise of a few years ago now stands at less than 20-million-dollars for over 20 years because of past boards who were in favor of the project or didn’t mind either way.
Additionally, the decommission costs could sit at well over 20 million dollars in 20 years. Where is the benefit? Yes, the project has been approved but with the right voices on council questions that should be and need to be answered can be demanded to be answered by New York State and not just look the other way so lease holders and residents being paid by Heritage Wind can continue to collect their money while the rest of their neighbors suffer the consequences. Questioning and ensuring that companies do what they say they will, and looking to the future can and will benefit all residents of Barre, including leaseholders.
It is probably because of these views that the Republican Committee of Barre, which is composed of three lease holders, did not endorse me. They would not provide me with a reason even after requesting one multiple times.
I am aware of the costs to the town when holding a primary and I had said that I wouldn’t force one if I were the only one running alone. Thankfully I am not running alone. Scott Burnside agreed to make the commitment of running to serve as our Town Supervisor and he truly cares about all residents of Barre.
My wife, Iva, as a strong business person, specifically in human resources, and well versed in what is currently facing the Town of Barre stepped up to run. She has attended most meetings with me for the past four years.
Iva is dedicated, understanding, empathetic and a strong leader. She also knows what it takes to serve our community as she served on the Albion School Board for 8 years. We did seek and request others to run for town council; but everyone who we asked had legitimate reasons for not seeking election.
We took the necessary steps to ensure that this is legal. No, we will most definitely not agree on everything, but we have been a good team for over 40 years, and we do have a combined residency in Barre of over a hundred years. There is no question that she will be attentive to your concerns and protect your rights. You can rest assured knowing that she will be a strong voice for you.
We request that you vote Scott Burnside for Supervisor, George McKenna and Iva McKenna for Town of Barre Councilmembers in the primary on June 24.
Thank you for your vote for a better Barre.
Dr. George McKenna
Current Town Councilman for Barre
Ortt and other GOP leaders say Hochul leads state to ‘record spending, radical mandates’
Photo from Rob Ortt’s Office: State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and other Republican state legislators, as well as Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, speak in ALabany today about the high cost of living in the state.
Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt
ALBANY – Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay, along with members of the Senate and Assembly Republican Conferences today were joined by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik at the State Capitol blasting Democrats for failing New Yorkers by ending this legislative session with more spending, more mandates, and more excuses.
“Albany Democrats are wrapping up another session with record spending, radical mandates, and zero results for struggling New Yorkers,” Ortt said. “Governor Hochul’s $254 billion budget does nothing to lower costs, but everything to drive up energy bills, grocery prices, and the cost of doing business.
“While families are getting crushed, Democrats created a $10 million legal slush fund to protect their political allies,” Ortt said. “They doubled down on pro-criminal policies and turned a blind eye to rising antisemitism, illegal immigration, and collapsing public safety. The message from Albany is clear: if you’re a criminal or a bureaucrat, you’re protected; if you’re a hardworking taxpayer, you’re on your own. Senate Republicans are fighting for a better path, one that puts law-abiding New Yorkers first, restores public safety, and makes this state affordable again.”
Top Five Takeaways this 2025 Legislative Session:
1. Affordability Crisis in New York Worsens:
New York remains one of the most unaffordable states in America. Instead of cutting taxes or easing the cost of living, Governor Hochul and the Democrats passed a $254 billion budget, a $11 billion increase from last year.
Governor Hochul and the Democrats fought to keep in place congestion pricing.
New York Democrats, led by Governor Hochul, continue full steam ahead with their reckless energy policies that have led to sky high utility bills and construction costs, such as a prohibition on natural gas and propane equipment in new buildings beginning next year.
They raised spending and pushed new regulations that make it harder to live and do business in New York.
The so-called Packaging Reduction Act is a hidden tax on everyday goods that will make groceries, household items and essentials more expensive and will cost New York households upwards of $700 per year.
The HEAT Act threatens to eliminate affordable natural gas, spike utility bills, and kill good-paying energy jobs — all while delivering no measurable climate benefit.
2. Choosing Criminals Over Victims:
Meanwhile, the Democrats’ pro-criminal agenda continues to make New Yorkers less safe. The Democrats have pushed radical legislation such as:
The Earned Time Act, which would allow inmates, even violent felons, to drastically reduce their prison sentence by up to three-fourths.
Elder Parole, which would automatically grant a parole hearing to the worst offenders in New York State’s prisons, including murderers and rapists.
Fair and Timely Parole, which would dramatically change the parole process by presuming an inmate should be released unless the Board of Parole can prove the individual is currently an unreasonable risk to public safety. This shift in presumption would lead to more violent felons being granted parole, even if they still pose a risk to the community.
Second Look Act, which would allow a prisoner to seek a sentence reduction.
These measures put violent offenders ahead of victims. That’s not justice. That’s a disgrace.
3. Antisemitism and Campus Chaos:
In the face of rising antisemitism and hate on college campuses, Democrats refused to pass legislation that provides real consequences for campus agitators who spew hate and threaten Jewish students.
4. Illegal Migrants and Public Safety:
Democrats refused to repeal dangerous sanctuary policies that protect illegal migrant criminals over law-abiding citizens.
5. Albany Democrats’ Corruption:
Democrats created a $10 million taxpayer-funded legal defense slush fund… for our corrupt Attorney General.
At a time when working people can’t afford groceries, Albany insiders made sure they are protected. That’s not leadership — that’s corruption.
“I am honored to join Leader Ortt and Leader Barclay to meet with the Republican Senate and Assembly Conferences for the last week of legislative session,” Stefanik said. “Another year, another failed, radical, reckless agenda and legislative session in New York State passed by single Party Democrat rule led by the worst Governor in America Kathy Hochul.
“Kathy Hochul and Far Left NY Democrats have once again put New York last with a massive, bloated $254 billion budget that is anti-worker, anti-family, anti-farm, anti-small business, and anti-law enforcement,” Stefanik said. “From job-killing regulations proposed like the insane 700-cow farm cap to pro-criminal policies that make our streets, communities, and campuses less safe, this legislative session continues New York down the path to catastrophe further exacerbating the affordability crisis and crime crisis.”
Senior Center of Western Orleans honors director Kelly Shaw on 20th anniversary
Photos by Sherry Tuohey-Sipple: The board of Medina Senior Center gathered around Kelly Shaw as she was presented with a cake for her 20 years as director. With her, from left are Sandy Thaine, secretary; Lynn Creasey, president; Jean Wetherbee, treasurer/membership secretary; Lee Smith, vice president; Ginny Kropf; Larry Morgott; Donna Frey; Jim Sipple; and Dave Lindsay.
MEDINA – The June dinner meeting of the Senior Center of Western Orleans was a special occasion Monday, with celebration of Kelly Shaw’s 20th year as director.
After a potluck meal, the seniors enjoyed a delicious cake made by Hans’s Bakery.
Shaw was pleasantly surprised and shared her love for the job and seniors. She answered the ad she saw in the Pennysaver, and with only two hours of training for running a senior center from former director Chris Capurso, Shaw jumped in wholeheartedly to maintain membership, add programming and create new fundraisers.
Kelly Shaw was honored Monday at the June meeting of the Western Orleans Senior Center in Medina for 20 years as director of the organization.
She had previously worked for a bank in Albion until her department shut down.
“I had also worked for 10 years in a nursing home, so I knew I would get along very well with seniors,” Shaw said.
She said what she did was just “common sense” stuff.
With small (and much appreciated) donations from the towns of Shelby and Ridgeway, the village of Medina and United Way, it was necessary for the Senior Center to have fundraisers to keep going.
Shaw introduced two basket raffles a year (which net several thousand dollars), cash drawings, rummage sales, a monthly drawing for donated prizes (which brings in $700 to $800 a year) and in recent years, a very successful chicken barbecue.
“I couldn’t do any of these things with the support and cooperation of my volunteers,” Shaw said.
Once a month, craft classes are held, and every Wednesday morning the Office for the Aging holds exercise classes at the Center.
Card games have become increasingly popular, with euchre every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. and pinochle on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
The Senior Center is open from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and noon to 4 on Friday. Day-old baked goods from Tops are available to members every day. Shaw has also provided leftover baked goods to the homeless.
Membership runs from 275, to 400 at its peak, and new members are always welcome. It costs only $10 a year to join.
The monthly luncheon meeting is a prepared meal three times a month, and potluck one week. Catered meals are provided on major holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. An annual picnic takes place every summer.
Shaw said the best part of her job is spending the day with all her friends.
“Never once in 20 years did I consider this a job,” she said.
Giant 13-foot salmon gets new name, ‘Charlie the Chinook’
Photos courtesy of Ron Bierstine
CARLTON – A familiar monster fish was featured in the Carlton parade on Saturday, but this time the fish had a name, “Charlie the Chinook.”
The 13-foot-long salmon also had new eyes and was cleaned after being covered in dust from being in storage.
The fish has been around for about 40 years. It was created in the early 1980s to promote the Rotary fishing derby. It was made by Jack Elam and Bob McGaffick, said Ron Bierstine, sportsfishing coordinator for Orleans County.
For about 25 years it was on a trailer on Route 279 in Gaines next to the Bait Barn run by the late Al Capurso. Students in the Medina FFA about a decade ago worked to bring the fish back to its original luster.
Students painted the fish a shiny silver, refurbished the fiberglass and put in a new mount. The county’s sportsfishing promotion department has taken the fish to many events since then.
Bierstine said the cleaned up fish with a name is intended to “catch” people’s attention. A banner on a trailer carrying the fish declares that Charlie is “King of Orleans County.”
Medina’s Curtis Foss has huge series with two 300’s and two 279’s in Albion league
Contributed Photo – Curtis Foss
Contributed story by Mike Pettinella
Curtis Foss of Medina came within one strike of bowling series perfection on June 6 when he rolled 300-300-279–879 in the Friday Match Play League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.
The short season “summer” league is certified through the United States Bowling Congress.
The high-revving right-hander tacked on another 279 in the fourth game on lanes 5-6 for an 1,158 four-game series which, according to USBC records, may be the second-best ever in New York State — behind Jay Diamond of Schenectady’s 1,177 in April 2005.
Bowlers in the nine-week league roll four games each night.
Foss, 37, a seven-time Genesee Region USBC Masters Tournament champion, fired 29 strikes in a row before leaving a 2-pin in the sixth frame of the third game. He converted the spare and then struck out for the 279.
In game four, he converted two 10-pins — switched bowling balls from the Roto-Grip Loco that belonged to his late father, Robert Foss Jr., to the Storm HyRoad 40 — and then strung 10 consecutive strikes for another 279.
The huge effort raised his average in the league to 247. He averaged 235 in a full season league on Monday nights this season at the Albion facility.
Foss said that bowling on the same pair with his friends Melissa Metcalf, Shelby Hollenbeck and Ashlee Salisbury “kept it fun” and helped him to relax throughout the four games.
“Bowling with them helped keep me from getting as nervous as I thought I would be,” he said. “It was more of an excited nerves than the hot sweaty nerves. I just kept telling myself to take my time, take deep breaths and only bowl when I felt ready. I think most of the time they were all more nervous than me.”
Foss, who has a remarkable 77 perfect games and 57 800 series, said he knew he got the ball to the right a bit too much on lane 6 as he went for 30 strikes in a row.
“I got out to the right with too much speed and was just hoping to catch a miracle break, which it sort of was by only leaving the 2-pin,” he said, noting that he was laying the ball down between the third and fourth arrows and sending it out to around the sixth board.
He said the pressure of recording a 900 series was off at that point. He just kept putting the ball in the 1-3 pocket and finished with six more strikes for the 879 series.
“I really felt great the whole night. The ball was reading (the lanes) so well and the pins were just falling all night. It was an incredible feeling,” he added. “Drilling my own equipment now gives me an extra confidence and motivation to do the best I can.”
Foss runs the pro shop at Oak Orchard Lanes when not bowling in leagues at Oak Orchard Bowl and Transit Lanes in Williamsville.
The 879 series is the best ever at Oak Orchard Bowl – topping Robbie Hanks’ 848 in January 2023 — and the second highest ever in the GRUSBC, behind Rich Wagner’s 899 series at Mancuso Bowling Center on Feb. 11, 2021.
Foss previously rolled a 300 game in the Friday league on May 23 and a 299 on May 30.
Medina will host the N-O League vs. G-R League Senior baseball game on Tuesday
The curtain will come down on the local high school baseball season Tuesday as Medina will host the Niagara-Orleans League vs. Genesee Region League Senior game at 7 p.m. at Vets Park.
The roster for the N-O squad (listed by school) is as follows:
Medina – Brody Fry, Tyler Kroening, Brady Christiaansen, Ryleigh Culver, Carter Woodworth and Lukas Grimes.
Albion – Andrew Boyce, Aaron Woodroe.
Akron – Vince Consiglio, Tony Consiglio, Ryan Owen.
Wilson – Tyler Johnston, Tyler Woolson, Austin Woodward.
The roster for the G-R team is as follows:
Lyndonville – Cole Moyle, Jacob Pitcher.
Kendall – Gavin Braun, Colby Hughes, Gio Rodriquez.
Alexander – Carson Leer.
Attica – Nate Killian,
Byron-Bergen – Martin McConnell, Jeremiah Romero.
Notre Dame – Chase Cummings, Liam Berger, Owen Bentley, Carson Daniels.
Oakfield-Alabama – Avery Watterson, David Schnaufer, Jack Cianfrini, Wesley Durham, Urian Perez, Aedyn Groth.
Pembroke – Jayden Bridge, Hayden Williams, Trey Newton, Kylan Ball, Landon Santini.
