By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 April 2025 at 12:50 pm
MEDINA – The Medina Police Department has released the name of a woman who was fatally struck while crossing the intersection at West Center Street and West Avenue on Saturday.
Kellie Staschak, 55, was struck by a pickup truck at about 11:40 a.m. Police and citizens providing first aid at the scene and then a Medina ambulance soon arrived to provide advanced treatment. Despite those efforts, Staschak was pronounced dead at the scene.
The preliminary investigation shows that Staschak walking eastbound through the crosswalk on the south side of the intersection. A pickup truck was traveling westbound on West Center Street and turning southbound onto West Avenue, said Medina Police Chief Todd Draper.
Following the incident, the intersection and surrounding streets were closed for approximately three hours for the on-scene investigation. The State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene and is assisting with the investigation, Draper said.
“Witnesses confirm the pickup truck had a green light and law enforcement confirmed that cell phone use was not a contributing factor in this incident,” Draper said. “Further information is still being collected and the investigation is ongoing.”
The Medina Police Department would like to thank the Medina Fire Department, Medina Public Works Department, State Police and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance.
“We would also like to commend all of the first responders, dispatchers, and civilians who assisted in all stages of this tragic incident,” Draper said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 April 2025 at 4:48 pm
MEDINA – A pedestrian was struck by a car and killed today in Medina at the corner of West Center Street and West Avenue.
“Tragically the pedestrian involved in the accident was pronounced dead at the scene,” the Medina Police Department posted on its Facebook page. “We will release further information pending notification to family.”
The State Police accident reconstruction unit is assisting with the investigation.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Brody George, collections manager at Medina Railroad Museum, portrayed mayor E. Lou Sieve in the Medina Area Partnership’s murder mystery in 2024, “When Push Came to Shove.” It was set in 1904. (Right) From left, Tami Siffsinger of Lyndonville and Carol Bellack and Robin Wehling of Medina dressed for the era during last year’s murder mystery. Here, they prepare to enter Author’s Note, hoping to find a clue. Seventeen businesses and 132 people participated in the event, which entailed visiting all participating businesses, talking to the character portrayed in that store and then deciding who killed Austin Franks, an owner of the Franks and Bettor Cold Storage after its grand opening.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 April 2025 at 8:37 pm
MEDINA – Medina Area Partnership is kicking off the spring season with two very special events.
First is the annual Easter Bunny and Golden Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
The event will include the Easter Bunny, who will be stationed at Rotary Park from noon to 2 p.m. Kids will be able to visit with the bunny, take a picture and get a chocolate bunny sucker. There will also be 12 golden Easter eggs hidden in the windows of various downtown businesses (chosen at random), as well as five colored eggs that will be hidden up high. Last year’s eggs were hidden near street signs and in trees, etc.
The second exciting event will be the third annual murder mystery. Murder on the Orleans Express will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 3. Those attending will be asked to sign in at the Medina Senior Center by noon.
This event is gaining in popularity every year, said Ann Fisher-Bale, event coordinator for MAP. She said they tried to incorporate elements from Medina’s history when planning the event.
As background for the event, Murder on the Orleans Express is a 1940’s-themed murder mystery. The Pickle Factory, a processing facility of the largest pickle producer in the state, has been run for years by Noah Lott. It is now time for him to retire, and to celebrate his successful leadership of the Factory and for Medina, his secretary Mary Nade has arranged for a special train excursion on the Orleans Express.
All the important people from the Factory and Medina, his family and, hopefully, people from the parent company itself will be joining the luxuriously fabulous expedition. Mary has arranged for a meal on the train, entertainment and multiple presentations to laud her boss.
As the speeches drone on, everyone is toasting Noah Lott, and the glasses are refilled time and time again. The fifth speaker is Beau Degas, owner of the local grocery mart. As Beau finishes speaking and everyone imbibes one more time, Mary collapses.
Someone has murdered the secretary extraordinaire.
Businesses and attendees are encouraged to dress up in 1940’s era garb and have fun at this event.
Tickets are $20 and provide participants with an Investigator’s Booklet, which can be used to compile notes and clues.
The event is also Kentucky Derby Day and participating businesses are being urged to run suitable specials or features that day.
Fisher-Bale said MAP hopes the event will bring several hundred people to downtown Medina to enjoy a fun spring day, visit the local businesses and maybe catch a “killer.” After deciding who they think committed the murder, attendees can e-mail their answer to MAP the next day. A winner will be drawn from the correct answers and will win a gift basket with a value of at least $200.
Photos courtesy of Chris Busch: This is the interior of St. Mary’s Church where a service of Tenebrae will take place at 7 p.m. Friday.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 April 2025 at 8:03 am
MEDINA – St. Mary’s Church (Holy Trinity Parish) will host a Tenebrae service at 7 p.m. Friday. The service is an idea of the church’s principle organist and director of music Aaron Grabowski.
Lifelong church member Chris Busch explained the meaning of “Tenebrae.”
Aaron Grabowski is the principal organist and music director at St. Mary’s Church (Holy Trinity Parish).
“In the Roman Catholic Church, the word refers to a unique and solemn Lenten liturgy dating back to the ninth century and having its roots in medieval tradition,” Busch said. “Seven candles are extinguished, evoking the darkness associated with the crucifixion and death of Jesus, as psalms are chanted and Scripture read with somber ritual. As the final candle is extinguished, a loud strepitus (Latin for ‘great noise’) is sounded symbolizing an earthquake or thunder at the death of Christ. All depart in silence.”
The St. John Paul II Schola Cantorum, directed by Steve Quebral, is an a capella choir dedicated to preserving, promoting and performing sacred choral works from the great treasury of music of the Catholic Church, Busch said.
The Cantorum’s repertoire ranges from Gregorian Chant to masterpieces of sacred polyphony from the Middle Ages to modern times. Their stated ambition is “to learn and perform the great masterpieces of Catholic choral repertoire, focusing on a cappella works for mixed voices and keeping in mind the great purpose of sacred music of the Catholic Church: ‘the Glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful.’”
“The tenor of this liturgy is one of sorrow and desolation as those attending contemplate a world with the light of Christ,” Grabowski said. “We’re pleased and excited to be able to present this incredible Lenten spiritual opportunity.”
The setting is a darkened church, Grabowski added. While the mood is one of sadness and grief, it is at the same time a beautiful opportunity to contemplate Christ’s sacrifice with Scripture, chant and some of the most magnificent sacred music ever written, he said.
The service will run for approximately one hour and is not exclusive to Catholics. According to Grabowski, Tenebrae is observed by many Christian denominations and all are welcome to attend and experience it.
“Tenebrae has its origins in the Roman Catholic Church, but it is also celebrated in the Lutheran, Anglican, Episcopal and Methodist churches, as well as some Western Rite Orthodox churches,” Grabowski said.
Some of the music to be featured by the Cantorum include Benedictus (Josef Rheinberger 1839-1901), Ego Sum Panis Vivus (Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina 1525-1594, Ave Verum Corpus (Camille Saint-Saens 1835-1921), In Monte Oliveti (Anton Bruckner 1824-1896 and Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs (Karl Heinrich Graun 1704-1759).
Also heard will be several psalms chanted in the traditional manner.
Grabowski’s concluding thought is “Tenebrae is a powerful, reflective experience for any Christian. If you’re looking for an opportunity for spiritual and contemplative enrichment this Lent, please join us.”
A free will offering will benefit Schola Cantorum.
MEDINA – The annual meeting of the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library will be held at the library on Monday, May 12 at 7 p.m.
Agenda items include voting on a trustee position, the presentation of the annual report and the presentation of the proposed budget.
Trustee Cynthia Kiebala is seeking re-election to the board for a five-year term.
The board has prepared another conservative budget for 2025-2026 and continues to stay below the mandated 2% tax cap. The proposed property tax levy is $602,339.
This budget vote is for the library’s annual operating budget and does not pertain to the library’s capital project. The library always holds a public vote for its budget whenever the levy amount is changed. Copies of the proposed budget are available on the library website or at the library.
“Costs have risen in every aspect of our operations and so we must ask for an increase in order to maintain current levels of service,” said Kiebala, the board’s president. “We are proud of our staff and our high standards of service.”
Residents of the Medina Central School District are invited to attend this public meeting. The Library’s Annual Budget Vote will take place at the library on Tuesday, May 13, from noon to 8 p.m. As in previous years, absentee ballots were mailed out to those who had previously registered for them with the county.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Bonnie Heck stands at the doorway of the infrared sauna in Herbalty Cottage. (Right) Bonnie Heck steps on the vibration plate, which provides a variety of healing benefits.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 April 2025 at 1:28 pm
MEDINA – A serious car accident in 2008 would lead Bonnie Heck down a path to health and wellness and ownership of a specialty shop called Herbalty Cottage.
This year, Herbalty Cottage is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Heck’s road to recovery from an automobile accident would take several years, during which time she was often bedridden.
“During that time I was taking the usual treatments and they were not working,” Heck said. “That included physical therapy, a Tens unit and soft collar. My head was like a bowling ball. I couldn’t keep it up.”
She progressed to teaching piano lessons, sitting propped up in a chair, but couldn’t turn her head up or down or side to side.
“A year after the accident, I fell and locked my pelvis, and couldn’t take a step or move,” Heck said. “My husband and daughter had to roll me over in bed.”
She sought chiropractic help, which got her mobile, but not pain free. A year later, her chiropractor put her through a purification program, which limited her eating.
“I went through a couple days of detoxification and on the third day I felt like I was 20 again,” she said. “I walked around the block for two miles, gardened and cleaned my house from top to bottom. I jumped in the pool and swam five laps and went for a bike ride. I called my chiropractor to tell her I was pain free.”
She eventually went to work in her chiropractor’s office, and after five years of watching patients who struggled to get in there and seeing how they progressed, “I knew they needed extra help. Like I needed extra help. But there was no place in Orleans County to get it.”
She was going to Rochester to buy organic foods and herbs for extra support. Then both she and her daughter started growing herb gardens.
After taking her first walk alone around the block, Heck said she thanked the Lord, but going forward she couldn’t do it on her own. One night teaching a piano lesson, her student’s mother said she had just purchased some property in Lyndonville that would be great for someone who wanted to start a small business.
“It was just down the street from my house,” Heck said. “But the village refused to zone it for commercial use. Now that I had gotten the idea, I had to do something. Tom and I walked the streets of Medina and Albion to see what was available. I had always known the building on Main Street in Medina as Lockport Optical. On one of our walks, we saw the ‘For sale’ sign.”
They toured the building and of all the buildings they had seen, this one needed the least amount of renovation.
“It seemed doable,” Heck said. “But we were too late with our offer by an hour. I began to think maybe this was not the right time and I needed to take a break.”
Almost a year later she talked to a friend in real estate again about what buildings were available. She was looking into a building on the west side of Main Street when she looked out the window and saw this building at 415 Main St. A friend knew the owner and knew it was going to become available.
“A year later I got the opportunity to purchase it,” Heck said.
Bonnie and Tom Heck stand in front of a display of herbal flavored oils at Herbalty Cottage, which is celebrating 10 years in Medina this year.
On Sept. 22, 2015, Heck opened Herbalty Cottage, a business which focuses on health and wellness and provides a place of peace for those who come in, Heck said.
She started with bulk organic herbs, Himalayan salt lamps and products, supplements, essential oils, extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars.
Then Heck earned her certification as an herbalist.
Shortly after, her daughter Lindsay Uderitz joined her to provide reflexology, acupressure, manual lymphatic drainage treatments, dry bushing, Indian scalp massage, Nerve mobilization therapy and aromatherapy. She is close to being certified as a naturopath.
In 2017, Heck added a far infrared sauna, which is certified commercial medical grade approved by the FDA. Another sauna and salt cave were added in 2019. At the end of 2019, Nancy Rose joined to provide nutritional therapy by creating personalized nutrition and supplement plans specific to an individual’s need.
In 2024, one sauna was retired and red light therapy and a vibration plate were added. Heck explained in earlier years astronauts returning from space were put through red light therapy, before they re-entered public life. She said the National Institute of Health has written more than 3,000 articles on the benefits of red light therapy.
Herbalty Cottage’s products provide relief from almost any malady, including respiratory problems, stress, arthritis, anti-aging, cancer, healing of wounds, and much more. Tom, Bonnie’s husband, adds his support as “jack of all trades,” filling in for his wife when she is out and manning the farmer’s market in Lockport on Saturdays.
Herbalty Cottage is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Extended hours are available until 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays for the salt room and sauna clients.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Bartender Chris Kozody of Medina, left, and sous chef Jake Muessigbrodt of Middleport stand at the bar of The Lounge in the Shirt Factory.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 31 March 2025 at 6:32 pm
MEDINA – The newest business to open in the former Newell Shirt Factory is described as an “early mid-century lobby bar, featuring intimate table seating and comfortable lounge for relaxing and enjoying a drink.”
Local attorney Andrew Meier purchased the former Newell Shirt Factory building in 2005, and began what would become two decades of renovations and improvements.
The first renovations saw opening of the Shirt Factory Café and remodeling of the second floor for the law offices of Webster, Schubel and Meier. Third-floor renovations which followed now accommodate hotel rooms called the Hart House.
Last year, Meier and his husband Rich Sarrero completed renovation of the east end of the building for Factory Espresso, a coffee bar/café which is open seven days a week.
(Left) A short rib served with potato puree, roasted root vegetables and gremolata is one of the menu offerings at The Newell, a lounge open from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday in the Shirt Factory on West Center Street. (Photos by Alix Gilman – Right) Andrew Meier, owner of the building formerly known as Newell Shirt Factory with his husband Rich Sarrero, traveled to the Carolinas to purchase this ornate mirror which hangs over the bar in The Newell.
The Shirt Factory Café has closed and has reopened as the Shirt Factory, a craft cocktail bar offering typical fresh and modern bar food. They are open from 3 to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, featuring a “boozy brunch.”
At The Newell, a menu of cocktails, including classic favorites and their signature Sunrise in Montego are available, along with a choice of unique menu items.
“A lot of places are closed on Sunday and Monday, and now there is another option where people can go and eat,” said Alix Gilman, head of marketing for the Shirt Factory.
Chris Kozody, Gilman’s brother, is general manager and bartender. He delights in mixing up a traditional daiquiri, martini, Manhattan or marguerita, as well as a variety of old classics and their signature drink he developed – Sunrise in Montego, featuring dark rum, coffee liqueur, pineapple and egg.
(Left) Framed clothing made at Newell Shirt Factory and historic old photos are grouped on a wall in the new intimate, 25-capacity lounge called The Newell, an intimate 25-capacity space just opened in the building. (Right) A photo of Robert Newell, who owned the famed Newell Shirt Factory for many years, hangs in the recently opened lounge called The Newell.
Food items include crab cakes with pickled watermelon radish; Newell’s plancha, with cured meats, cheese, olives and pita chips; calamari, breaded to order with marinara; beet deviled eggs with goat cheese; frites, greens and vegetable of the day; saku tuna poke bowl; short ribs; and a burger blend of brisket, sirloin and ribeye, lettuce, tomato and onion with aioli and chimichurri on a Costanzo hard roll.
The food menu was developed through consultation with local chef Lionel Heydel and head chef David Gawron. Sous chef is Jake Muessigbrodt of Middleport.
“You would expect to see a lounge like this in the city,” Gilman said. “It has amazing food and delicious cocktails, and it’s five minutes from home.”
The Lounge is also available to rent for private parties of up to 25 people on the days they are not open to the public.
The Lounge is located in space formerly occupied by 810 Meadworks.
Photos and information courtesy of Medina Band Boosters: The Medina varsity winterguard competed Saturday at Gates Chili in the North East Color Guard Circuit’s championships.
ROCHESTER – The Winter Guard season came to a close on Saturday when the held their championships at the Gates Chili High School.
The Medina varsity came in fourth in A1 and the Medina JV was second in Cadets.
There were 30 guards performing in competition in various classes coming from around New York State, Pennsylvania and Canada. Approximately 1,000 spectators were there to cheer them on.
The winners in each class are as follows:
Novice – Gates-Chili with a score of 62.71
Cadets – Ventures with 72.45; Medina JV in 2nd with 70.74
Regional A – Marcus Whitman with 83.93
A1 – Jamestown Express with 80.14; Medina Varsity in 4th with 74.31
Scholastic A – Victor with 91.86
Independent A – Gates Chili IA with 87.74
Senior – Luminosa with 86.51
Independent Open – Gates Chili IO with 89.90
The Medina JV winterguard competed on Saturday and came in second in the Cadets division.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman explains details of Medina’s Downtown Small Project grant to members of the Medina Area Partnership on Wednesday morning at City Hall.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 27 March 2025 at 8:03 am
MEDINA – At an informational meeting Wednesday morning Village of Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman announced hiring of a project administrator for Medina’s Downtown Small Project grant and offered suggestions to members of Medina Area Partnership on how to apply for a grant.
Several MAP members attended the meeting, where they learned of the hiring of Lauryn DaCosta with LaBella Associates, who will administer the grants.
Marguerite Sherman takes questions from members of MAP during an informational meeting Wednesday morning.
Sherman explained a requirement of their $300,000 Small Projects Grant (part of the $4.5 million NY Forward grant announced for Medina last year) was to spend $30,000 on hiring an administrator.
Sherman said two firms replied in their search for an administrator, and they chose LaBella because they had worked with them before and were satisfied with their relationship.
Sherman went on to say that grants are wonderful but business owners have to be prepared and do everything required on the grant application.
She asked for suggestions on the best way to get pertinent information to business owners. Shawn Ramsey, the owner of Canalside Tattoo, suggested notices in water bills. Other suggestions were Zoom meetings, door-to-door meetings, e-mails and yard signs.
The Small Projects Grant will provide funds for small business owners, who must provide a 25% match. Eligible use of funds includes building renovations, business assistance (permanent commercial machinery and equipment), public art (such as murals and sculptures) and soft costs (architectural and design, engineering and environmental testing).
Sherman handed out a list of ineligible projects, which included acquisition, new construction, demolition, religious organizations, site work, inventory and more.
The new administrator will develop applications, Sherman said. Applicants will have to show up front they have the match and the full amount to complete their project.
Projects will be selected by a non-biased committee chosen by the village.
Sherman said it was very important for business owners to first go through the code enforcement officer and planning board when preparing to apply for a grant.
It is very important to check the regulations for making improvements to a façade in the historic district before starting the work, Sherman said. She cited instances of changes being made without permission and then the owner begging for forgiveness.
“That isn’t going to happen anymore,” she cautioned.
Business owners have 22 months from the kickoff meeting with the village to complete projects.
“It can be very frustrating when applying for a grant, but if you follow the rules, it can be very rewarding,” Sherman said.
Laura Gardner of a lily and a sparrow, center, and Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman welcomed members of MAP to a meeting Wednesday to discuss applying for a Downtown Small Project grant. Bonnie Heck from Herbalty Cottage s seated at left.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Dave Miller, a member of the Medina Sandstone Society, speaks during the Oct. 17 Hall of Fame induction ceremony inside City Hall. Miller served on the Hall of Fame Committee since it formed in 2013. The group inducted 43 sandstone structures during Miller’s tenure.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 March 2025 at 8:30 pm
Sandstone Society President Matt Holland, left, presents Dave Miller with an award in appreciation for his years of service to the society. The award included a chunk of sandstone on the plaque and thanks Miller “with sincere appreciation for your 13 years of outstanding leadership, commitment and dedicated service to the Medina Sandstone Society.”
MEDINA – One of the most dedicated members of the Medina Sandstone Society has retired from his volunteer service with the organization.
David Miller, a past president of the group, has helped the society in many ways, said current president Matt Holland.
Miller created a database with about 300 sandstone structures, including photos and details of most of the sites. He created a Wikipedia page with many details about sandstone history and its prominence for the mundane – sidewalks and curbing – to the magnificent – cathedrals, mansions, libraries and other great public buildings.
“I really wanted to know how many sandstone buildings are out there,” Miller said. “I wouldn’t have guessed when we started we’d have 300.”
He found impressive sites from Erie, Pa. to Albany and many spots in between, especially in Buffalo.
Miller pushed to create a kiosk with loads of sandstone history and information that is available in the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame in the City Hall. That kiosk can be moved to taken to other locations.
Wit the Hall of Fame, Miller has been on that committee since the first class was inducted in 2013. The hall now includes 43 structures, many of them the most treasured buildings in their community.
Miller became involved in the organization in 2010 when the late Bob Waters asked Miller to create a promotional video for the Sandstone Trust. Miller agreed and stayed very active in the group for 15 years.
He said he wants to travel more with his wife Gail. She runs the Canal Village Farmers’ Market in Medina and her husband is a steady presence there as well.
During the annual meeting, the Sandstone Society named Matt Holland the president, Jesse Cudzilo the vice president, Peggy Schreck as secretary and Craig Lacey as treasurer for 2025. Board members appointed to new three-year terms include Mary Zangerle, Craig Lacy, Tom Rivers and Matt Holland.
Orleans County Historian Catherine Cooper spoke during last week’s annual meeting of the Medina Sandstone Society at Bent’s Opera House.
Cooper highlighted 2025 as the county’s bicentennial. She asked trivia questions and highlighted trails to local attractions created about 50 years ago.
The county officially turns 200 on April 15. For most of the county’s existence, the birthdate was thought to be Jan. 1, 1826. But the date was proven to be April 15, 1825. That is when the State Legislature established Orleans County, which separated from Genesee.
Former County Legislator Frank Berger learned of the true birthdate and he led the charge to have it be officially recognized as 1825 about 30 years ago.
“Two hundred is a long time, but 200 years also isn’t a long time,” Cooper said.
The Bicentennial Committee has embraced the ox as a mascot to help highlight the toils and tribulations of the early pioneers, who needed oxen to pull wagons, clear lands and help plant crops.
“We appreciate what the people who came before us endured and went through,” Cooper said. “The oxen are a reminder of where we came from.”
MEDINA – The Medina Rotary Club has $2,500 available for a scholarship for either one Medina senior or it will be shared with two recipients at $1,250 each.
The award is based on a combination of academic achievements, community service, and work within the community. Conor Crandall was the recipient of the 2024 scholarship.
The club in 2022 boosted the scholarship amount from $500 to $2,500. The deadline to apply is June 30. The award of the scholarship(s) will be determined shortly thereafter.
Completed applications can be submitted via email to: medinanyrotary@gmail.com or by dropping off in person at Rotary Club of Medina, c/o Jennifer Hill at Art Hill Excavating, 4040 Bates Rd., Medina, NY 14103. Click here to see the application.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2025 at 10:25 pm
James White
LYNDONVILLE/MEDINA – Voters went to the polls in two villages in Orleans County today.
Lyndonville elected a write-in candidate, James White, over Steven Colon, who was on the ballot for a two-year trustee term.
White, a deputy with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, received 53 of the 78 votes cast. Colon received 19, followed by 2 for Thomas Goetze, and 1 each for James Smith, Valerie Wells and Dennis Seekins.
White will fill a vacancy on the board created when Terry Stinson stepped down as trustee in August.
White’s term starts on April 1.
James “Scott” Bieliski, left, and Jess Marciano
Medina had two positions up for election but only James “Scott” Bieliski turned in enough petitions to be on the ballot. He was elected today with 201 votes.
The other two-year trustee position was determined by write-in ballots. Jess Marciano, an incumbent with nearly four years on the Village Board, was elected with 90 write-in votes, followed by 30 for Mike Maak. Others received one or two votes, said Judy Szulis, chairwoman of the election inspectors.
“I am very excited to serve the people,” said Bieliski, co-owner of a communications services business for hospitals and the healthcare system.
The trustees will be faced with putting together the village’s 2025-26 budget by the end of April. Bieliski said he is eager to get to work and join the board when the term starts April 1.
“I’ve already gone over the village budgets,” he said. “I have a good overview of where we’re at.”
Marciano didn’t circulate petitions to run for trustee. She instead was considering going for the Ridgeway Town Board. But she said she is happy to have two more years as a village trustee.
“I’m incredibly excited for the next two years,” she said.
Marciano won’t be pursuing the Ridgeway position this upcoming election “because that would be a disservice to the 90 people who voted for me today.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 March 2025 at 3:17 pm
Marciano also mounting write-in campaign for other trustee position
James “Scott” Bieliski
MEDINA – Despite the packed-out board meetings in recent months for the Medina Village Board, only one candidate will be on the ballot in Tuesday’s election.
Two trustee positions are up for election, but only James “Scott” Bieliski turned in petitions to be on the ballot. Candidates needed to turn in petitions signed by at least 100 registered voters in the village by Feb. 11
Bieliski will be the only name on the ballot in the election. He is running under the “For the People” party.
Voting is from noon to 9 p.m. at the Senior Center, 615 West Ave.
Two of the incumbent trustees, Diana Baker and Jess Marciano, didn’t turn in petitions for re-election, but Marciano now is seeking election as a write-in candidate to help keep experience and continuity on the board. The trustee terms are for two years.
The two top vote-getters, whether through a mark on the ballot or write-in, will get two-year terms that start on April 1.
Bieliski, 56, has lived in the Medina community his entire life. He is co-owner and chief operating officer of Maza Communications, which provides communications services to hospitals and the healthcare system. The business takes him all over the state and region.
“My intention is to be solution-based,” he said. “For every problem we have to find a solution.”
Bieliski has considered running for the Village Board before, but believed he was too busy, until now. He is stepping back a little form his business and has the time to devote to the position, he said today.
He owns seven houses in the village, and he said the village taxes have been a big concern for many residents. They have shared those worries when he went door to door to get petitions signed.
Bieliski said he is proud of the village and Medina community, especially with a vibrant business district and professional village staff. But he said village taxpayers bear too much costs for those services.
He wants to see the towns of Shelby and Ridgeway contribute more to Medina’s services, and he said it is long overdue for the county to share more of the local sales tax with the village.
“I want to keep what we have, but we need help from towns,” he said. “Everybody benefits from the village of Medina but the village pays the entire bill.”
Marciano also has made a push for more sales tax sharing as a focus, saying the village needs to keep the pressure on the County Legislature to significantly increase how it shares the local sales tax. The county hasn’t increased the amount to the local towns and villages since 2001, despite the sales tax revenues more than doubling in that time.
The village will get $159,630 of the sales tax in 2025 out of a total expected to be around $23 million this year. That is less than 1 percent for Medina of the total local sales tax in the county.
Bieliski said Medina generates a big share of that sales tax.
“It’s peanuts what we get back,” he said. “We make the county beautiful. We are putting it on the map. We capture that dollar and the person coming in.”
More of that sales tax would bring down village taxes, and allow Medina to continue with full-time fire and police protection.
He said additional revenues from county and the towns is critical for the village. He also said he will take a detailed look at spending, and work with the village employees to identify what they need to do their jobs to serve the community.
“I don’t want them in subpar working conditions,” he said about firefighters, who expressed their concern about an out-of-date fire hall, aging fire trucks and equipment and the proposal for a one-bay addition for a new ladder truck. Firefighters said a two-bay addition and overhaul of the current fire station would best serve the community.
But the board balked at a $6 million price tag, and is now looking at $1.1 million for the one-bay addition.
Bieliski sees the addition as a “band aid” solution to a bigger problem. He thinks there could be other options for housing the ladder truck and doesn’t want to commit just yet.
“We can think our way through this,” he said.
Bieliski has confidence in a quality staff of village employees. He has worked with village DPW, water and sewer, code enforcement for work on his properties.
“I don’t want any of our employees to think they are not valued,” he said. “Ultimately it’s what’s fair for our employees and what’s fair for our tax dollars.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 March 2025 at 8:30 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – The Medina Jr./Sr. High School Musical Theater Program is performing Mamma Mia! The first show was Friday evening with more performances at 7 p.m. today and 2 p.m. on Sunday at the school auditorium. Tickets are available at the door.
The top photo shows three friends who used to be in the singing group, Donna and the Dynamos, returning to performance with “Super Trouper.” From left in front include Arianna Lake as Tanya, Madelyn Elliott as Donna and Lyla Page as Rosie.
Ava Blount, center, plays the role of Sophie Sheridan, Donna’s daughter. She reads her mother’s old diaries and realizes three people could be her father. She shares this discovery with her best friends, Peyton Kennedy as Lisa, left, and Makenzie McGrath as Ali. They sing, “Honey, Honey.”
Sophie invites the three men noted in the diary to her wedding so she can find out who is her father. The possibilities include an American architect named Sam Carmichael, an Australian writer and adventurer named Bill Austin, and a British banker named Harry Bright.
This is the third year for Medina’s musical program since it returned to Medina after a shared program with Lyndonville.
Medina takes on ambitious musical with Rachel Trillizio and Anna Ferlito are directors of the show for Medina. The school performed “Little Mermaid” in 2023, “Les Misérables” in 2024 and now “Mamma Mia!”
Sophie (Ava Blount) meets Harry Bright (Logan Trillizio) and Bill Austin (Ryder Jones), who fly in for her wedding. Sam (played by Riley Tompkins) also is in the scene and they sing, “Thank You for the Music.”
Donna (Madelyn Elliott) greets Sam (Riley Tompkins) on his return. Donna is surprised to see her three ex-lovers. She didn’t know Sophie invited them to the wedding.
Donna struggles with running her tavern and also is jolted by seeing the three ex-boyfriends. Her best friends, Rosie (Lyla Page) and Tanya (Arianna Lake), help Donna to get her groove back. They are singing, “Dancing Queen.” The musical includes songs by ABBA.
Jackson McGrath plays the role of Sky, who is engaged to marry Sophie (Ava Blount). He sings, “Lay All Your Love On Me.” There are about 50 students in the cast.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 March 2025 at 10:43 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – The Medina school district hosted ColorBurst 2025 on Saturday with 23 winter guard teams performing in the high school gym. The event draws about 500 spectators to Medina. The Medina guard is shown in the top photo.
Winter guard is a hybrid artform and sport that combines elements of music, dance, choreography and military-like precision in a competitive arena. Winter guard is touted for benefits for participants that include teamwork, fitness, timing, planning, responsibility, coordination, and goal-setting.
Medina competes in the SA class and presented its show, “Tidal.” Medina portrayed the power of water, and how the pull from the moon and natural events can disrupt the typically serene element into a powerful tidal wave.
There are 16 students in Medina’s varsity winterguard. The Medina JV also performed a show, “Going Up.”
Here are the top scores for the different divisions on Saturday:
Novice – Gates Chili with a score of 52.45.
Cadets – Ventures with 60.38
Regional A – Naples with 70.84
A1 Class – Ventures in A1 class with 71.18
Scholastic A – Victor Blue Devils in Scholastic with 83.5
Independent A – Gates Chili at 81.87
Seniors – Luminosa with 80.05
Independent Open – Gates Chili at 83.60
Greece Regional A presented its show, “Dancing Queen,” and featured music by Cyndi Lauper, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” and Billy Elish’s “What was I Made For.”
Marcus Whitman performed “Tightrope” with music from The Greatest Showman. The show explores the power of trust and collaboration. ‘Life’s challenges are best faced together,” the Marcus Whitman Winterguard said in a message in the program. “Join us as we discover the strength found in walking side by side.”
The Victor Cadet Winterguard performed a show, “Singing in the Rain.” The cadets range in age from grades 5 to 8.
The crowd gave an enthusiastic response to the Victor cadets.
The all-abilities colorguard, Heritage Hurricanes, include performers from Heritage Christian Services and other community members in the Rochester area. They perform to the “Let’s Groove” by Earth, Wind and Fire. The group is directed by Medina native Melissa Jaeger.
The Hinsdale Headliners performed to a full moon poem, set in a deep dark forest. The show celebrates the moon and seeks to bring peace.
Ventures did a show, “The Overview Effect,” that reflected on the cognitive and emotional shift astronauts experience when viewing the Earth from space. It was set to music from “It’s A Wonderful World.”
Victor’s varsity guard did a powerful show, “Fragments of Forever.” The show included childhood photos of the guard members, who performed to Adele’s song, “When We Were Young.” They invited the crowd to walk down memory lane and revisit childhood memories.
