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Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke
ALBION – Sheriff Chris Bourke is pleased to announce that the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with New York State and Project Lifesaver.
Project Lifesaver is a public safety, non-profit organization that provides law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and caregivers with a program designed to protect, and when necessary, quickly locate individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, Down Syndrome or another type of cognitive disorder, making them prone to the life-threatening behavior of wandering or becoming lost. The average search and recovery time of an individual enrolled in Project Lifesaver is only 30 minutes!
Project Lifesaver relies on proven radio technology and specially trained search and rescue teams. Individuals enrolled in Project Lifesaver wear a small transmitter on the wrist or ankle that emits an individualized frequency signal. If an enrolled individual goes missing, the caregiver notifies their local Project Lifesaver agency, and a trained emergency team responds to the individual’s area. First responders will then use the individualized frequency to locate the position of the individual.
Undersheriff Don Draper, Deputy Ashleigh Stornelli, and Deputy James White are currently trained in Project Lifesaver. Additionally, Deputy Stornelli and Deputy White are Project Lifesaver instructors, and will be responsible for training additional Orleans County Sheriff’s Office personnel in Project Lifesaver.
At this time, project lifesaver equipment is made available to qualified individuals, free of charge. The cost associated with the equipment is subject to change, based upon funding made available to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, through various agencies.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to, and takes seriously, the safety of our most vulnerable residents. If you have any questions, please email lifesaver@orleanscountyny.gov.
Photos by Mike Pettinella/UConnectCare: Speakers at Wednesday’s Overdose Awareness Day at Austin Park are, from left, John Bennett, Rev. Erin Martin, Lynda Battaglia, Chris Budzinack Jr., Paul Pettit, Chris Budzinack and Rob Kent.
Posted 29 August 2024 at 11:12 am
By Mike Pettinella, UConnectCare Publicist
BATAVIA – “We are best when we serve others,” said the keynote speaker at Wednesday afternoon’s Overdose Awareness Day observance, using the words of famed anthropologist Margaret Mead to illustrate how citizens can unite to save the lives of those beset by substance use.
Speaking to about 150 people at Austin Park in Batavia, Rob Kent, president of the Virginia-based Kent Strategic Advisors, LLC, and former general counsel for the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, shared the story of when Mead was asked by a student what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a society.
“The student expected her to say fish hooks, whatever, clay pots, grinding stones. But she said, ‘That’s not it,’” Kent said. “She said the first sign in ancient civilization was a femur, a thigh bone that was broken and then healed.
“And that mattered because if you broke your leg at that time, you died, you were gone. So, it showed that someone took the time to take care of that person, to heal them, to get them back to strength. She said that helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts.”
Kent suggested that those in the audience “are the signs of civilization and the reasons that we are best when we serve others.”
“In the history of the U.S., we’ve overcome wars, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, pandemics, epidemics,” he said. “We have a history of stepping up and helping others in need. We can do that here. However, we won’t succeed by always telling others what they need to do. We need to do it ourselves, and I won’t give up.”
Kent, a native of Central New York, is a longtime advocate for people who struggle with a substance use disorder, treatment providers who help and the recovery community. He previously worked for the state’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports.
Event sponsored by GOW CARES Alliance
He was one of several speakers at the annual event, which was sponsored by the GOW CARES Alliance, formerly known as the GOW Opioid Task Force. Sue Gagne and Amy Kabel, co-chairs of the alliance’s Family, Loved Ones & Allies work group, coordinated the observance along with Jay Baran, GOW CARES Alliance coordinator.
Genesee & Orleans Health Department employees Grace Marzolf, left; Laiken Ricker and Sherri Bensley assist an attendee at one of two dozen agency vendor booths.
Overdose Awareness Day is a worldwide movement to end overdose and to remember without stigma those who have died while acknowledging the grief of family and friends left behind. This year’s theme was Together We Can.
“That highlights the power of our communities when we all stand together and when we all work together,” Kent said, “As we gather on this day, I think of the people who are not here (due to an overdose death) and the people who I never got to meet who I know through their families and friends who love them.”
Concerning the potency of drugs today, Kent said, “I’m scared because having now worked in Washington in the White House, the drugs are getting more lethal and they’re incredibly effective at capturing someone.”
“And they’re not going to get less lethal. I would love to tell you they will, but they won’t,” he said. “We’re losing the equivalent of a small U.S. city every year … over 100,000 people … Fentanyl has changed everything.”
He noted that people more people are dying from drugs laced with fentanyl, and he said that society needs to hold government accountable for letting the cartels continue to flourish.
Pettit cites ‘shift in the playing field’
Locally, 145 people have died from a drug overdose in Genesee, Wyoming and Orleans counties since 2019, said Paul Pettit, public health director for Genesee & Orleans Health Departments.
Paul Pettit
“Drug overdose is the leading cause of injury mortality in the nation,” he said, reporting that there were 76 fatal overdoses in Genesee and 35 in Orleans since 2019 and 34 in Wyoming since 2020. “One is too many; 145 is unacceptable.”
Pettit said there has been “a shift in the playing field” in recent years, from prescription drugs to heroin to fentanyl and now to cocaine, methamphetamine and other “recreational” drugs.
He did share some good news in that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of overdose deaths nationwide declined for the first time last year since 2017, and that there has been only one opioid-related death in Genesee County thus far in 2024.
Pettit pointed to the numerous initiatives supported by the health department, including analysis of wastewater to see what drugs are being used, a text for Naloxone (Narcan) line, Naloxboxes in businesses and public places, and increased Naloxone access and training.
The Rev. Erin Martin, a pastor at City Church, recounted her time in Los Angeles a few weeks ago, specifically a place called MacArthur Park.
“You go down there, and it’s so evident of the overdose and substance abuse right there in the park,” she said. “And we were with a group of people that you would go there and offer hot dogs and just asked people if they wanted prayer for anything. Then, we would direct them to a free recovery program and, honestly, it broke my heart.
Martin: That’s somebody’s love one
“It opened my eyes, but it broke my heart because I have a 20-year-old son, and I kept thinking, that’s somebody’s son, that’s somebody’s daughter, somebody’s mom, somebody’s grandpa, somebody’s dad. And while only a percentage took the opportunity to go to recovery, we let them know that recovery is possible and they’re not alone.”
Martin quoted Galatians 6:2 from the Bible: Carry each other’s burdens.
“We are here to help one another. We are here on this earth to be together,” she said. “You see, everybody needs people to laugh with, people to share things with and to celebrate life with. But friendships aren’t just about enjoying the good times together. Friendships are about sharing all times together, and that includes the good, the bad and the ugly.”
Lynda Battaglia, director of Genesee County Mental Health & Community Services, said that losing someone to an overdose can have a devastating impact that ripples across the community.
“It leaves significant grief for those left behind and while we remember those we have lost, we also heighten our dedication to reduce stigma surrounding those affected by substance use,” she said. “Every single person here today has the ability to be an agent of change.”
Battaglia said family members emphasize that their loved one “should not be defined by their diagnosis or the addiction that stole them, but should be remembered as human beings.”
“I am hopeful that the collaborative efforts by the Genesee and Orleans Fatality Review Boards help raise awareness and changes the lens from which people see addiction and overdose.”
Powerful words from a “COA”
(Left) Susan Adams, left, and daughter, Jamie Torrence, are doing their part to help those struggling with substance use disorder. (Right) Animals from Josh Frega’s Funny Farm, including Bebu the Emu (pictured) as well as geese, baby goats, rabbits and chickens, participated in the event.
Chris Budzinack Jr., son of the UConnectCare supportive living counselor who served as emcee for the event, told of growing up as a COA, or child of addiction.
He said thought that the constant fighting, yelling, his father being in and out of jail, and the family’s multiple changes of address were part of a normal life.
Only when his father finally faced his demons, reached out to God and turned his life around 15 years ago, did the young man see how his upbringing was all wrong.
“Because someone was there for him and walked with him, it allowed my dad to work on himself and become a better father and a better husband,” Budzinack Jr. said. “And the more people that gathered around us, the better our lives had gotten and we grew as people at an amazing rate.”
He said he was the first of the family to graduate from high school and went to complete what he called Leadership School.
“I have a steady job now, a beautiful wife and two kids,” he said. “I can say that recovery is possible and help is available because you’re not alone.”
CEO Bennett: A call to action
UConnectCare Chief Executive Officer John Bennett said Overdose Awareness Day is “not just a day of remembrance, it is also a call to action.”
Bennett, who has worked in the substance use treatment field for 40 years, said, “We must push for policies that prioritize mental health and addiction treatment.”
“Change begins with awareness and education, and it is our responsibility to ensure that those in need of help have access to compassionate care and recovery services.”
He said that “it boggles my mind that when we advocate for more treatment and recovery options, the community comes out with pitch forks against us.”
He and the other speakers urged people to share their stories and the stories of the loved ones they’ve lost in order to break down the stigma that often surrounds addiction.
Susan Adams of Batavia is one of those people who shared the story of her stepson, Jason, who died of a fentanyl-laced heroin overdose in October 2018. Adams was attending the observance in support of her daughter, Jamie Torrence, who works for UConnectCare.
“Jason was 32 and he left two children and one unborn,” said Adams, mentioning that he struggled with drug use since he was a teenager. “We thought he was doing OK. He had a job and kids and a baby on the way.”
She said she continues to make herself available to help others overcome their problems with drugs.
“If you can help one person, it’s worth it,” she said.
More than two dozen agencies and businesses from Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties participated in the event.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 August 2024 at 10:03 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Leading Albion into the upcoming soccer season will be this quintet of seniors. From left, are Bailey Gonzalez, Rori Higgins, Cami London, Olivia Brooks and MacKenzie Snook.
Led by a group of five senior veterans, Albion is prepping to host next week’s season opening soccer tournament.
Those seniors include Cami London (Forward), Bailey Gonzalez (Midfield), Olivia Brooks (Defender), Rori Higgins (Defender) and MacKenzie Snook (Defender). London scored 10 goals last season and earned first team Niagara-Orleans All-League honors.
The Purple Eagles also return varsity experience in juniors Kailee Anstey, Julia Button and McKinley Knight along with sophomores Shayla Higgins and Ava Woolston.
“This group has shown a huge amount of improvement and we’re looking to continue to improve,” said Coach Maggie Orbaker.
The Purple Eagles graduation losses included first team All-League goalie Abigail Wittenberg and second team All-League Defender Alison Gibson.
Albion will host Pembroke and Medina will face Alexander in the opening round of the tournament on September 5. The consolation and championship games will be on Sept. 7.
The Purple Eagles will open N-O competition on Sept. 10 at Akron.
Albion went 3-7 in the league and 7-9 overall last fall.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 August 2024 at 9:23 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Veteran members of the Medina varsity soccer team include, in front, Aleks Seefeldt, Aidan Papaj, Luke Duffina and Caden Kingsbury. In back are Brady Christiaansen, Ryan Pegelow, Tyler Kroening, Cam Kenward, Cole Callard and Vinny Gray. Missing is Trenton Morley.
Finishing in the runner-up spot last fall, Medina returns its starting lineup almost intact with which to make a strong run for the Niagara-Orleans League boys soccer title this season.
That large veteran contingent is led by seven players who earned spots on the N-O All-League squad.
The senior first team All-League trio of Cole Callard (Midfielder), Tyler Kroening (Forward) and Trenton Morley (Defender) heads that group which also includes junior second team selections forwards Vinny Gray and Luke Duffina along with senior Honorable Mention picks Defender Cam Kenward and Goalie Brady Christiaansen.
Cole had 28 goals and 14 assists, Kroening 18 goals and 10 assists and Gray 9 goals last season.
That group also includes junior forwards Caden Kingsbury and Ryan Pegelow along with sophomore midfielders Aidan Papaj and Aleks Seefeldt.
“We’ve got a lot of guys back. I really like our core group that is coming back,” said Coach Steve Luksch. “We’ve got a good group at every level. Our goal is to take them one game at a time and be playing our best soccer at the end of the season.”
The Mustangs graduation losses include second team All-League honoree Alex Benz (Midfielder) and Honorable Mention pick Jason Beyer (Defender).
Medina, which went 8-2 in the league and 14-3 overall last season, will open with a pair of non league games at Pembroke on September 6 and at home against O’Hara on Sept, 7 before beginning N-O competition at Akron on Sept. 12.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 August 2024 at 9:21 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Classic car lovers strolled Main Street in Medina on Wednesday evening, admiring more than 250 vehicles on display for the annual Super Cruise to close out a season of car shows.
Milo the dog was popular, too, with the people. He is owned by Mike Evans of Lockport, right with beard. Evans brought a 1973 Volkswagon Type 181 for the car show. It was his first time in the show.
Car owners had to pay a $10 entry fee for the first time. Evans didn’t have a problem with that expense. “It helps offset some of the costs,” he said.
These cars include a 1935 Rolls-Royce owned by Rollin Hellner at left, and the 1965 Plymouth AFX owned by Greg Sanderson at right.
Hellner, one of the car show organizers, said only a few car owners spoke against the $10 fee being charged for the first time. Hellner said the fee goes towards the costs of the show, which included entertainment, advertising and trophies. He noted many other car shows charge an entry fee. This Saturday’s Olcott Beach Car Show has a $20 entry fee.
Hellner said the Medina car show was promoted on radio stations in Western New York. He also went to shows in Buffalo, trying to bring more cars to Medina for the show. He saw some first-timers from East Aurora, Buffalo and other communities.
“I want people to experience Medina who have never been here before,” Hellner said. “I’m real happy with the turnout and feedback.”
The back end of a 1965 Ford Mustang owned by Royce Stinson is in front in this photo. The cars drew lots of people to Main Street, where a section was closed to traffic.
Terry Buchwald continued a Super Cruise tradition performing as Elvis. Here he is singing and dancing to “Don’t Be Cruel.” Buchwald has been an Elvis impersonator for over 30 years.
Buchwald entered the scene on a motorcycle.
Dennis Lapp brought a 1951 Ford F1 to the car show.
This 2020 Dodge Challenger owned by Todd Pendars has a theme celebrating the super hero, “The Thing.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 August 2024 at 9:52 pm
ALBION – Village Trustee Greg Bennett wants to see the school zone, where the speed limit is reduced to 15 or 20 miles per hour, be extended from East Avenue down McKinstry south to at least the railroad tracks.
Bennett lives close by on Chamberlain Street. He sees how McKinstry is a popular spot for kids walking to school in the morning and back to home in the afternoon.
The school zone is currently on East Avenue with a 20 mph maximum. Bennett wants that slower speed limit on McKinstry, too.
He said many drivers bypass East Avenue in the morning and afternoon to avoid the slower speed limit on East Avenue. That puts more vehicles on McKinstry, when kids are on foot.
Police Chief David Mogle said a school zone may have to be on the road right in front of the school. He said more research is needed.
It’s possible the village could just post a slower speed limit on McKinstry if it can’t be designated a school zone.
Fire Chief Jeremy Graham said more pedestrians have been hit on McKinstry than East Avenue in recent years.
The board plans to discuss the issue in more detail at the next board meeting on Sept.11.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 August 2024 at 9:29 pm
ALBION – There is no one in the position of crossing guard with the new school year a week away.
The Village Board cut the position as part of the 2024-25 budget that was approved on April 25. However, Trustee Greg Bennett said that school district wasn’t notified about that until after the fact. Bennett was elected on March 19 and started April 1. However, he said he wasn’t aware the crossing guard was to be eliminated in the budget.
“It was a surprise to me and it was a surprise to them (the school district),” Bennett said during this evening’s Village Board meeting.
The village has borne the expense of the position, about $5,000 a year. The school district believes it is not allowed to legally pay for the position and it has to fall on the village.
Deputy Mayor Joyce Riley said the village can’t afford the expense and the school district should pay for the crossing guard who is at the intersection of Route 31 and McKinstry Street from 7 to 8 a.m., and 2 to 3 p.m. on school days.
Bennett said he is concerned the school year could begin without a person helping to stop traffic when kids need to cross the street.
“It’s a pivotal position in our school and community,” Bennett said. “We’re trying to find a resolution.”
The Albion Police Department has agreed to fill in the role to start the year, although the APD could be called away from the scene on other calls.
Bennett said a back-up plan needs to be in place, perhaps with the school resource officer stepping in if Albion police officers need to respond to another emergency or law enforcement call. The SRO is a deputy with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office.
Bennett said the village should have let the school know the crossing guard was in danger of being cut during the budget process, not after it was finalized.
Riley said the school district hasn’t been great at communication either with the village. She said the district didn’t let village officials know it was soliciting proposals from other law enforcement agencies when it switched from the APD to the Sheriff’s Office to start the school year in 2022.
Bennett and village attorney John Gavenda said there may be language in the law to allow the school district to pay for the position. Gavenda said it is “confusing” and may only allow for an “add-on” or a secondary crossing guard. More research is needed, he and Bennett said.
Bennett also suggested that the village and district look at splitting the costs of the position.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 28 August 2024 at 12:06 pm
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Veteran members of the Albion varsity soccer team include, in front, Donovan Braley, Matt Kania and Leo Bolton. In back are Jayden Lewis, Adrian Figueroa, Noah Marat and Tye Talbot. Missing is David Rosario.
Looking to improve on last year’s 5-5 Niagara-Orleans League record (9-7 overall), the Albion boys varsity soccer team is led by a good nucleus of eight returnees.
Seniors Adrian Figueroa (Goalie), David Rosario (Midfield) and Leo Bolton (Defender), who all earned second team N-O All-League honors, and senior Matt Kania (Defender), who received Honorable Mention, heads that veteran group.
That contingent also includes seniors Donovan Braley and Noah Marat at Midfield and Jayden Lewis and Tye Talbot on Defense.
“We’re focusing on defense,” said Coach Bridgette Varin. “That is the area we’re really working on.”
The Purple Eagles graduation losses included the first team N-O All-League trio of Finn McCue, Alonzo Figueroa-Fuentes and Dominic Mulka along with Honorable Mention selections Jason Anstey and Ben O’Connor. McCue scored a team leading 16 goals last fall.
“We lost some good players but we’ve got a good group returning,” said Varin.
Albion will tune up for the September 10 N-O home opener against Akron by competing in the Kendall Tournament on September 5 and 6. The Purple Eagles will face Holley in the tourney opener as Kendall will take on Rochester Prep in the other semi.
Provided photo: Lisa Smith shows Benny Butcher of Newfane, being help by Michelle Kulbago and Isaiah Grose of Albion how to put bows in the pony’s mane and tail.
MEDINA – Orleans/Niagara BOCES Coordinator Michelle Kulbago and her extended school year staff were thrilled when Lisa Smith of Thera-Pony brought her beloved pets to the Orleans Learning Center for the day.
Lisa Smith says she first got interested in working with ponies for therapeutic benefits when she used to work for Equistar. She just loved how these interactions between humans and ponies brought so many benefits to their cognitive, emotional, social and behavioral skills.
“I decided to start Thera-Pony Inc. because it allows kids to get up close and personal with them,” she said. “I love seeing children interact with them and it helps a lot of them to come out of their shell.”
Smith brings brushes and bows for the students to put in the ponies’ manes and tails.
“I really enjoy seeing the kids smiling and interacting with the ponies,” she said. “Many of them have never engaged with pets before and it was great to see them walk up to them, pet them and give them treats. My ponies just love all the attention!”
Kulbago says she wants to thank Smith for spending the day with the students and giving them such an exciting opportunity.
“I have to also thank my kindergarten teacher Melanie Noel, teacher aide Hailey Wilkins and counselor Amanda LaBernardo who gave a lot of energy and care to the youngsters and helped to make this visit run so smoothly,” Kulbago said.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 28 August 2024 at 8:50 am
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Veteran members of the Roy-Hart varsity soccer team include, in front, Alexis Capen, Kaitlin Mettler, Allie Trombley, Ali Ausman and Emily Duewiger. In back are Nina Santos, Macie Sidor, Maria Trombley, Kylie Churchill, Haylie Hillburn and Ruth Walker.
Anchored by a large veteran group, Roy-Hart is prepping for a huge Niagara-Orleans League girls soccer season opening game at defending champion Wilson on September 10.
Roy-Hart and Wilson have battled for the N-O title each of the last four years. The teams shared the championship in both 2020 and 2022. Roy-Hart captured the title in 2021 with Wilson in the runner-up spot. Then last year Roy-Hart finished second in the title race a game behind champion Wilson.
Leading the Lady Rams veteran contingent are seniors Kaitlin Mettler (Midfield/Forward) and Allie Trombley (M) who both earned first team N-O All-League honors along with senior Ali Ausman (Defender) and junior Kylie Churchill (M) who were both second team honorees and junior Macie Sidor (D) and sophomore Maria Trombley (M/F) who were both Honorable Mention selections. Mettler had 22 goals and 8 assists and Trombley 10 goals last season.
The Lady Rams also return experience in seniors Emily Duewiger (D) and Alexis Capen along with juniors Jaylie Hillburn (D) and Nina Santos (M) and freshman Ruth Walker (M/F).
“We return a lot and that is our strength,” said Coach Rich Jennings. “They know the system and what to expect so I think we should do well.”
Roy-Hart went 8-2 in the league and 10-6-1 overall last fall while Wilson won the N-O title with a 9-1 record.
Wilson is led by freshman forward Addison Elia who earned first tram All-League and Player of the Year honors along with second team honorees senior defender Mackenzie Elia and junior defender Bella Thrush. Addison Elia had 29 goals and 12 assists.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 August 2024 at 8:39 am
MEDINA – The Medina Village Board on Monday gave its blessing for upcoming community events, including today’s classic car cruise-in on Main Street.
The board, however, said it should have been notified sooner about the car show today on Main Street, and the plan to charge car owners $10 to be in the show. That show has always been free to display a car.
Village staff need to set up a stage for Elvis impersonator Terry Buchwald, and also close off a section of the street to traffic.
Mayor Marguerite Sherman said there have been some “newbie mistakes” by organizers Rollin Hellner and Tom Snyder with giving notice and getting approvals from the village. However, she said she appreciates their efforts in organizing the car shows this summer.
She said she was concerned about the $10 charge that was announced about a week ago. Hellner and Snyder said the show will include official judges for the first time and trophies for the top cars.
But Sherman worries the $10 fee may “sour” some of the car owners.
The board approved the car show, but board members said they would like to see how the $10 fee is used to cover expenses for the super cruise.
Trustee Mark Prawel opposed the show saying appropriate notifications haven’t been made to village department heads.
The board also approved the Sept. 28 Ale in Autumn beer-tasting event where up to 800 tickets will be sold with tastings at 24 stops. The event is organized by the Medina Area Partnership.
Check-in will be at the Senior Center at 615 West Ave. with staggered start times at 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
Police Chief Todd Draper said there haven’t been issues with the event in the past. The attendees are well behaved with no rowdiness, he said.
The board also approved use of village streets for the Hometown Wellness 5K on Oct. 19 to benefit the Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund, which supports people with cancer in Orleans County.
Hometown Wellness is organizing the event for the second year. The debut event in 2023 had 81 participants. The course includes the canal towpath, State Street Park and some village streets. The police department will assist with traffic control during the race that starts at 9 a.m.
Chief Draper said there are at least three 5Ks in the village each year. He would like to see organizers of the events add more signs that say “Race in Progress” and “Runners Ahead” to alert drivers that runners and walkers are out.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 August 2024 at 9:48 pm
ALBION – The final event in an 11-concert summer series won’t happen on Wednesday because the band Soul Street has Covid. The concert won’t be rescheduled.
The series began on June 5 with the band, Carlton Station. All of the concerts have been at Bullard, with food vendors and alcoholic beverages available.
John Grillo, the village’s recreation director, said the series has been a big success, and he is open to suggestions to make the series better next year. Comments can directed to the Facebook page for the Village of Albion Summer Concert Series.
Last year, some of the concerts were held on a closed-off section of Main Street due to the lift bridge being under construction. Concerts also were held by the canal park near the fire hall last year, as well as some of the events at Bullard Park.
Grillo and the village recreation committee this year decided to have all of the concerts at the Bullard, with the musicians playing from the amphitheater stage.
Funding administered by GO Art! helped pay for the concerts this summer, as well as sponsorship from Bidleman Ford.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 August 2024 at 11:04 am
File photo by Tom Rivers: The current fire hall is too small for a bigger ladder truck that is expected to arrive in December 2025. Currently there is only two inches of clearance from the top of the truck to get in and out of the bay in the fire hall.
MEDINA – The Village of Medina is accepting proposals from engineering firms to design a one-bay addition to the fire hall.
Those proposals are due by Sept. 12. The village will hire an engineering firm to prepare the bid specifications for the addition, which is needed to accommodate a larger ladder truck due to arrive in December 2025.
Village officials were looking at a two-bay addition and upgrades to the existing fire hall, but scaled that project back when estimates topped $6 million.
Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman said an engineering report, detailing the one-bay addition, is needed to help the village pursue grant funding to help pay for the new space. She is hopeful for state and federal assistance with the building addition.
The board needs to find an affordable solution because the new truck will be delivered in about 16 months.
“We’re going for a bare-bones building for something to put this truck in,” she said during Monday’s board meeting.
The new ladder truck will have a clearance of 13 feet. The current fire hall only has room for up to 10 feet, 6 inches in height.
The village will be replacing a ladder truck that is 29 years old with a height of 10 feet, 4 inches. The new bay in the addition is expected to be 14 feet high.
The village received some good news with the fire truck. Medina was looking at a 6.5 percent financing rate for the $1.7 million truck from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But Village Clerk-Treasurer Jada Burgess said that rate has come down to 4 percent, which would save the village significantly in interest. The final rate won’t be known until it’s time for the village to take out the financing.
