Medina

Medina to pursue funding for inclusive playground at State Street Park

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2024 at 5:14 pm

GameTime design: The proposal for Medina from GameTime includes sensory wave spinning seats. “The high back molded sensory seat with handles and front pommel design helps children maintain a neutral body position while spinning,” the company states. A RoxAll SeeSaw also has high backs and side rails. “Each of the four seats on this innovative see-saw are designed to accommodate users of all abilities as they enjoy the rocking motion with their friends. The center saucer is designed for users to transfer easily to and from a mobility device and the durable, heavy-duty springs are made to last!” GameTime states.

MEDINA – The village is in the early stages to bring an inclusive playground to State Street Park, the Village Board announced last week.

The playground would be accessible to children with disabilities and mobility issues. The village is looking to partner with the Rochester Community Foundation and Ralph C. Wilson Foundation to have the new playground in Medina, Deputy Mayor Marguerite Sherman said.

The project from GameTime would be $492,321 with Medina’s only commitment to perhaps be some site work, with no direct financial contributions, Sherman said.

Mayor Mike Sidari’s term as mayor ends March 31, but he is willing to help work on the project when he retires, Sherman said.

“Right now we’re just laying the groundwork,” she said.

The proposal for an inclusive playground at State Street Park State includes PowerScape playgrounds with large decks and uprights to provide strength and capacity.

Other features include sensory wave seats, RoxAll See Saw, inclusive whirl, Bunny Spring Rider, four-bay swing frame, including two with a belt, two with enclosed tot, two with Zero G, one expression swing and one expression swing with a universal seat.

There would also be a freestanding sensory wave arch climber with sensors, four benches, geotextile rolls and wood fibers.

Mobile home left uninhabitable after fire in Medina today

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 March 2024 at 8:51 pm

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Bill Dunn looks at his boarded up home in Lakewood Village after a fire broke out there today. Medina firefighter Lt. Steve Cooley said the home is uninhabitable. The cause is under investigation.

MEDINA – A mobile home in Lakewood Village was left uninhabitable after a fire broke out at noon today.

Owner Bill Dunn had left the home about 20 minutes prior to neighbors seeing smoke spewing from the structure, when they called 911.

Lt. Steve Cooley said Medina responded first, followed by Shelby, Albion and East Shelby.

Dunn returned home after getting a call from firefighters that his home was burning. He stood and looked as his brother assisted in boarding up the windows. He said he will stay with his sister until he can decide what he is going to do. He said he was thankful his cat got out safely.

Cooley said his department was busy with several EMS calls at the same time.

Fire damage at the front of the home is extensive, although firefighters knocked it down in 15 minutes, he said.

The fire is under investigation by Medina Fire Department and Orleans County Emergency Management’s investigative team.

Dunn has lived in Lakewood Village for 24 years.

Smoke spews from Medina home at Lakewood Village

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 March 2024 at 12:25 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman

MEDINA – Firefighters from the Medina Fire Department and Shelby Volunteer Fire Company respond to a fire at 39 Lakewood Village.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at noon for reports of smoke spewing from one of the mobile homes.

No other information is available.

See video from candidate forum in Medina

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 March 2024 at 11:47 am

Photo by Tom Rivers

MEDINA –Michael Bonafede, center in back, served as moderator of a candidate forum on Tuesday at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina.

A YouTube video of the nearly 2-hour forum with seven candidates is now available (click here). Orleans Hub and The Lake Country Pennysaver sponsored the forum.

The candidates are seated at a table and include, from left: Marguerite Sherman for mayor, Michael Maak for mayor, Austin “Mat” Mosher for trustee, Tim Elliott for trustee, Debbie Padoleski for trustee, Jeff Pasnik for trustee and Mark Prawel for trustee.

The election is on Tuesday with voting from noon to 9 p.m. at the Senior Center on West Avenue.

• MAYOR – There are two candidates running for mayor on a two-year term. Current trustee Marguerite Sherman, a retired special education teacher, is on “The Village Party” line and Michael Maak, a retired Medina firefighter, is running under the “Roots of the Past, Eyes on the Future Party.”

• TRUSTEE – Five people are seeking two two-year trustee positions on the Village Board.

Current trustee Tim Elliott and retired village clerk/treasurer Debbie Padoleski are running with Sherman on the “The Village Party.” Elliott is an entrepreneur who currently works for LynOaken Farms. Padoleski retired in 2021 after a 41-year career in the village clerk’s office.

Austin “Mat” Mosher and Jeffrey Pasnik are running with Maak under “Roots of the Past, Eyes on the Future Party.” Mosher is a former Medina firefighter and Pasnik is a council rep for North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters in Cheektowaga. Mosher now works as regional safety manager for United Refining Company and Kwik Fill’s safety and compliance officer.

Mark Prawel,  a retired Medina police officer, is running under the “United Party.” He also owns an auto repair shop in Medina.

Scores posted from Medina’s Colorburst show

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 March 2024 at 9:50 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Natalie Herbert, left, and Gabriella Wilson perform with Caiden Class in back as part of the Medina varsity winter guard’s performance on Saturday at the Medina Junior-Senior High School gym.

Medina did a take on Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand” and is set to songs of the last several decades. Class depicts Dick Clark and at times played his saxophone.

There were 25 guard units competing at the event, up from 19 from a year ago at the Winter Guard Show in Medina with some in exhibition with no scores given. About 500 people attended the competition.

The scores were made available today from the show. The results include:

  • Hinsdale in Novice – not scored.
  • Cadet class – Greece in 1st place with 67.89; Victor in 2nd place at 65.85 ; Medina in 3rd with 59.95.
  • Regional A – Gates Chili in 1st with 71.35; Naples in 2nd at 67.82.
  • A1 class – Gates Chili in 1st with 74.29; Jamestown in 2nd with 68.76.
  • Scholastic A – Victor in 1st with 81.21; Orchard Park in 2nd with 76.69; Lancaster in 3rd at 74.99; and Medina in 4th with 70.09.
  • Independent A – Gates Chili in 1st with 86.32.
  • Senior class – Luminosa in 1st with 82.72; and Lakeside in 2nd with 69.05.

Victor took 1st in the Scholastic A class with a show entitled “The Vibrant City.” The scene is set in New Orleans.

Medina takes on ambitious musical with Les Misérables

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 March 2024 at 3:30 pm

Students say story of rebellion in France inspired cast and crew ‘to stand up for what you believe in’

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Jackson McGrath portrays  Enjolras, a young revolutionary, in Medina’s production of Les Misérables, a story of the 1832 June Rebellion in France. Enjolras is the leader of the student revolutionaries.

Medina will perform the musical at 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. on Sunday at the Medina Junior-Senior High School.

Arianna Lake plays the role of Éponine, the daughter of the Thénardiers (right), who is played by Caiden Class. Éponine becomes a ragged street waif and a thief like her father. She secretly loves Marius, one of the revolutionary leaders.

The revolutionaries prepare themselves for battle. “One Day More” is the eve of the rebellion.

Alex Balaban, far right, plays the role of Marius, one of the leaders of the fight.

There are 70 students in the cast and crew, from grades 7 to 12. This is Medina’s second musical production since bringing the program back to Medina after a shared program with Lyndonville for about a decade.

Rachel Trillizio and Anna Ferlito are directors of the show for Medina. They wanted to build on the success of last year’s musical, “Little Mermaid.”

They said Les Misérables is demanding musically and emotionally.

“We decided to go all out for this show,” Trillizio said during a break in a rehearsal this week. “We are proud of the legacy the students are creating.”

Students auditioned for the roles in November with three rehearsals in December to help get younger students acclimated to the demands of this show, Trillizio said.

(Left) Elaina Huntington plays the role of Madame Thenardier, and helps her husband run an inn. She is complicit in most of her husband’s crimes and schemes. (Right) Logan Trillizio plays the role Jean Valjean, prisoner 24601. He is taunted by Javert, a prison guard played by Ryder Jones.

Logan Trillizio as Jean Valjean is finally released after 19 years of imprisonment for stealing a loaf of bread. But he breaks parole, changes his identity and constantly is hunted by Javert.

Ryder Jones in the role of Inspector Javert said his character of the policeman is duty-bound to enforce the law, but it becomes more complicated when he sees Valjean may be a good man, and not just a common thief.

“He is conflicted because just because (Valjean) broke the law that doesn’t make him a bad guy,” said Jones, a junior in his first musical.

The cast in inspired by the message of the musical, of the young revolutionaries risking their lives.

“This is about standing up for what you believe in,” Jones said.

 Elaina Huntington, a senior, agrees the message has resonated with the students.

“This is a very heavy show,” she said. “Are you willing to die for your beliefs? Are you willing to stand up for what you believe in?”

Alex Balaban plays the role of Marius and Madelyn Lewis is Cosette.

They feel their newfound love slipping away. Marius decides to join his friends in the rebellion.

Courtesy of Photos by Bruce: The cast is shown on the set of Les Misérables.

New 3-Star General in Air Force has strong ties to Medina

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 14 March 2024 at 9:27 am

Provided photos:  David A. Harris holds the seal made at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES in Medina for his promotion to 3-Star General at Bolling Air Force Base. With him, from left, are Mark Traxler of Medina, VFW Quartermaster Mike Mowvzarczak, VFW Commander Pat Little, Harris’ great-uncle Jim Freas and Dan Anderson, former commander of the VFW, who met Harris when they served together in Germany.

MEDINA – Jim Freas is proud of his family’s military service.

Freas is a Marine who served two tours in Vietnam. His younger brother Jim was also in the Marines and an older brother served in the Army during World War II.

Now Jim has more reason to be proud.

Jim Freas posted this message on the sign in front of Medina’s VFW Lincoln Post 1483, celebrating his great-nephew David A. Harris Jr.’s promotion to 3-Star General. Harris is a member of the local VFW.

His great-nephew David A. Harris has recently been promoted to 3-Star General in the Air Force in ceremonies at Bolling Air Force Base.

Although Harris grew up outside of Philadelphia and now lives on Bolling Air Force Base with his wife Ashley, he has ties to Medina. While visiting Jim and Lynn Freas several years ago, Jim said Harris fell in love with the place and joined the Lincoln VFW Post. He is also friends with Dan Anderson, who he met while serving in Germany.

Harris has had an illustrious career in the Air Force, most recently as lieutenant general deputy chief of staff, Air Force Futures, Headquarters, United States Air Force, the Pentagon.

He is a master navigator and basic parachutist with 2,500 flying hours. Among many, many impressive assignments, he has served as vice superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs; deputy director of operations for Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, N.C.; and director of Strategic Plans, Programs and Requirements for Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

Prior to his current position, Harris was the deputy commander, Ninth Air Force, and deputy, Combined Air Component Commander, U.S. Central Command, Southwest Asia.

Harris’ major awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with valor device, Bronze Star medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster and Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters.

Attending his promotion to 3-Star General was Jim and Lynn Freas, Dan and Diana Anderson, Pat Little, Scott Little, Mike Mowvzarczak and Mark Traxler, all members of the local VFW.

Making the ceremony even more special was the fact Harris held a large metal seal of the United States Air Force, which was made for him by students at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES in Medina. Jim’s granddaughter is a member of BOCES’ welding class.

Jim said Harris and his wife visit Medina two or three times a year, and he expects their next visit to be in April.

Jim Freas and his wife Lynn of Medina attended the promotion of Jim’s great-nephew to 3-Star General in February at Bolling Air Force Base. From left are Freas, Gen. David A. Harris Jr., Lynn Freas and Harris’ wife Ashley.

Medina classic car shows could move to senior center lot on West Avenue

Posted 12 March 2024 at 2:57 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers: Rollin Hellner, left, and Tom Snyder speak with the Village Board on Monday to discuss moving the Friday evening classic car shows from the Canal Basin to the senior center parking lot.

By Ginny Kropf and Tom Rivers

MEDINA – A new team has stepped up to run the cruise-in nights in Medina, which typically bring in 80 to 100 classic cars.

Rollin Hellner and Tom Snyder presented an expanded lineup for the events, with many themed shows from the opening day of May 31 to the season-ending event on Aug. 30. They also want to shift the cruise-ins from the Canal Basin to the senior center parking lot on West Avenue.

They also are proposing the biggest cruise in of the season, the Super Cruise, be held on a Friday. That event has been on a Wednesday with more than 200 cars and special entertainment from Elvis impersonator Terry Buchwald.

Hellner said he and Snyder are trying to build on the success from long-time organizer David Green, who stepped down from the role at the end of last season.

“It’s already great,” Hellner said. “People love it.”

Hellner owns The Walsh across from the senior center. He said classic car owners are welcome to use the bathrooms at The Walsh. The restaurant and bar also could provide an overflow lot if the senior center gets maxed out.

Moving up to the senior center would free up parking spaces at the Canal Basin and on Main Street on Friday evenings. Some of the business owners have said the car shows draw a crowd, but have a downside in consuming many parking spots.

“This should ease some of the pressure on Main Street,” Hellner said about the shift to the senior center.

One of the classic car enthusiasts, John Pratt, told the Village Board the car owners like the ambiance by the Canal Basin, being by the water of the Erie Canal and sitting under the trees for shade.

Village Board members said they want to consider the change in location for the car show. Board members said they expect to make a decision during the next meeting on March 25.

Jason Watts, the DPW superintendent, said the Super Cruise on a Friday on a busy Main Street would be tough for the community if that street is closed to traffic. He suggested the car show shift a street away to West Avenue if it’s on a Friday.

Village Trustee Tim Elliott said having the show on Main Street makes it a better destination for the car owners and enthusiasts. He would like the car show to stay on Main Street as a once-a-year event.

The board said they appreciate Hellner and Snyder for taking the reins for the car show this year.

“Thank you for stepping up and taking this on,” said Deputy Mayor Marguerite Sherman. “A lot of people have been worried about it.”

Green, who organized the shows for nearly three decades, is glad the shows will go on, even with some uncertainty right now about the location. He coordinated the shows, starting 28 years ago with Donna Bushover and Donna Mruczek.

“I will still come to cruise nights, but I’m 81 now and it was time to let it go,” Green said. “I couldn’t have done it without all the help I had. It was a lot of work – a lot of walking that night and a lot of time spent going around and getting sponsors for door prizes and the DJ.”

The proceeds from 50/50 tickets went to the Orleans County United Way, which carried insurance for the cruise-ins.

Both Hellner and Snyder own vintage cars. They said Medina has one of the best-attended cruise-ins in the area.

“I’m happy to be involved with cruise nights,” Snyder said. “I remember back when they started and I don’t want to see them go away.”

Medina joins statewide push for more AIM funds for villages, cities

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 March 2024 at 10:44 am

MEDINA – The Medina Village Board on Monday approved joining a resolution and letter already signed by at least 370 leaders of cities and villages in the state, seeking an increase in AIM funding from the state.

The state Legislature and governor haven’t increased Aids and Incentives to Municipalities for 15 years. During that time inflation is up 45 percent and the state has imposed a tax cap of 2 percent on municipalities, according to the letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.

“This neglect from state government has led to rising municipal tax burdens and harmful disinvestment in essential municipal services and staff,” the letter states.

Medina Mayor Mike Sidari will join elected and appointed officials around the state in calling on an increase in AIM. Holley Mayor Mark Bower and Teri Woodworth, Lyndonville’s clerk-treasurer, also have signed on to the letter, which has been circulated by NYCOM – New York Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials.

The state sets aside $715 million in AIM. Cities get 90.5 percent of this money, while towns statewide receive $47.9 million, and villages share $19.7 million.

Most small cities are getting $100 to $150 per capita in aid. Medina, population 6,047, gets only $45,523 in AIM, while Albion with 5,637 residents, gets even less at $38,811. That is a per capita of less than $8 for Orleans County’s two largest villages.

The letter that the Medina Village Board agreed to sign on calls for a general overall increase in AIM, but doesn’t address the disparity to the villages.

Medina trustees Jess Marciano and Diana Baker said they will be traveling to Albany on March 20 for NYCOM’s lobby day where they may be a better opportunity to press the tiny AIM funds directed to villages.

The letter approved by city and village leaders around the state urges an increase in Aim to help pay for public safety and make communities more affordable.

“Every community has public safety needs and for many local budgets, it is the largest cost driver,” the letter states. “If the State truly wants to ensure affordability and public safety for all New Yorkers, now is the time for an increase in AIM funding for cities, villages and towns.”

Medina candidates share views on providing services, reining in taxes

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 March 2024 at 5:05 pm

7 candidates seeking 3 spots at March 19 election

MEDINA – Recent elections in the village have been quiet, with the candidates typically unopposed.

But the election on March 19 has seven candidates for three positions. Medina will have a new mayor with Mike Sidari not seeking re-election after eight years.

There will be a candidate forum at 6 p.m. on March 12 at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, an event sponsored by the Orleans Hub and Lake Country Pennysaver.

There are two candidates running for mayor. Current trustee Marguerite Sherman, a retired special education teacher, is on “The Village Party” line and Michael Maak, a retired Medina firefighter, is running under the “Roots of the Past, Eyes on the Future Party.”

Five people are seeking two trustee positions on the Village Board. Current trustee Tim Elliott and retired village clerk/treasurer Debbie Padoleski are running with Sherman on the “The Village Party.” Elliott is an entrepreneur who currently works for LynOaken Farms. Padoleski retired in 2021 after a 41-year career in the village clerk’s office.

Mat “Austin” Mosher and Jeffrey Pasnik are running with Maak under “Roots of the Past, Eyes on the Future Party.” Mosher is a former Medina firefighter and Pasnik is a council rep for North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters in Cheektowaga. Mosher now works as regional safety manager for United Refining Company and Kwik Fill’s safety and compliance officer.

Mark Prawel,  a retired Medina police officer, is running under the “United Party.” He also owns an auto repair shop in Medina.

The candidates see the village at a crossroads, facing $1.7 million for a new ladder truck, an addition to the fire hall with one estimate at $6 million, as well as a looming need to start replacing waterlines that are about a century old.

Many residents say the village taxes are already way too high. The 2023-24 budget raised Medina’s tax rate from $18.85 to $21.15 per $1,000 of assessed property, one of the highest in the region.

Mark Prawel

Prawel, 53, of North Gravel Road said he hears the concern from many of his customers at Prawel Automotive about high taxes. The tax bills have many looking to move out of the village, he said.

“The taxes are really expensive,” Prawel said. “I’d like to see someone with a business mind in there (on the board).”

Prawel retired as a Medina police officer on April 16, 2023. He worked for the village for 16 ½ years. That gave him insight into the village operations. He believes there is room to cut in the village budget and still maintain quality services to the residents and businesses.

“There are a lot of things we could look into,” he said about paring down the budget. “We could be more efficient with our money. All departments could save.”

He worries as the village looks to take on more debt.

“We shouldn’t be spending money we don’t have,” he said.

Prawel has worked as a mechanic since he was 18. He did that full-time while first volunteering and then working for the Sheriff’s Office for 15 years before becoming a Medina police officer. His job as a police officer showed him all aspects of the community.

“I’ve lived here by entire life,” he said. “There are some really nice people in our village.”

Marguerite Sherman

Sherman, Elliott and Padoleski are running as team. Sherman, 61, of Gwinn Street has been a trustee on the board for 10 years and is the current deputy mayor. She also was on the Planning Board for 10 years.

She would like to explore more shared services with the local towns. She was on a  committee with Shelby town officials looking for cost savings.

“We all have to be more money conscious,” Sherman said.

The village needs a comprehensive plan to address its water system, she said. An engineer told the board recently the village faced $30 million to upgrade aging waterlines in the near future.

She noted Medina is going to seek grants for infrastructure, blighted properties and to help with the fire truck and fire hall projects.

Despite the challenges in the village, Sherman said the community has many successes, with dedicated volunteers and business owners pushing projects. She said a $4.5 million Forward NY grant will make the downtown and waterfront areas even better.

“We are so fortunate to have so many facets working for the betterment of our village,” she said.

Residents have pushed to upgrade or create a skate park, splash pad, dog park and a disc golf course  as well as Boxwood Cemetery improvements. Volunteers also organize a summer concert series, run a visitor’s center and help coordinate planting new trees in the village.

Sherman said the village will miss the leadership of Sidari as mayor.

“Mike has raised the standards and expectations of mayor,” she said. “He has put so  much time into it. We’ve worked so hard for so many years to bring things into the village.”

Sherman, Elliott and Padoleski said a bigger share of county’s sales tax and more state aid through the AIM program would make a big difference for the village, taking some pressure off property taxes.

The village receives about $160,000 of the local sales tax that is nearly $25 million in Orleans County. The county has kept the towns and villages frozen at the same level, about $1.3 million for 10 towns and four villages, since 2001.

The village has tried for more village and state funding, but has been stymied.

“We don’t want an adversarial relationship with the county and state,” Sherman said. “But we can’t just give up (on that funding). We want our community to be thriving.”

She said growth in the Medina Business Park with expansions from existing companies and welcoming new ones also would bring in new tax revenue for the village.

Sherman said the budget process is very challenging, to be fair to the village’s 50 employees while also trying not to overwhelm taxpayers.

“It is a lot of stress,” she said. “I don’t sleep at night during the budget season.”

Debbie Padoleski

Padoleski, 62, of Erie Street didn’t expect to make a run for public office. She is uncomfortable seeing her name on political signs around the village. She was motivated to run after she received her reassessments for three properties last year, and the numbers doubled, resulting in a big increase in her tax bills.

“If everything goes up with taxes, we’re in deep trouble,” Padoleski said.

She said the village has tried for years to get more of the sales tax, but county officials have been steadfast in rejecting an increase.

Padoleski brings a deep knowledge of the village inner workings. She can use those skills as part of the village budget process.

She also said the village needs to keep speaking out about the need for more of the local sales tax and AIM funds from the state.

“It can’t just be outrage and stomping our feet,” she said about the local sales tax share and AIM money.

Tim Elliott

Elliott, 39, of Manilla Place helped the village to adopt a vacant registry law where property owners pay to be on the registry and then are assessed an annual fee for each year the sites remains vacant. That law has helped reduce the vacant sites from about 80 to less than 40.

Elliott is concerned about the tax burden for the residents and property owners. Medina is seeking grants to try to ease some of the local burden. But Elliott believes the county needs to free up some of the sales tax revenue for Medina, which he said is a prime generator of that money.

Elliott at one time owned 15 houses in the village. He has reduced that to four properties. He also owned Brushstrokes Studios, Into the Enigma and was part-owner of 810 Meadworks.

He also is a member of the Town of Ridgeway Planning Board and also the Grievance Board.

He worries the county will only take the village’s financial strain seriously if Medina is forced to cut some services. But even then he isn’t sure the county will let go of any of the sales tax revenue.

Elliott said he has never been a “one-issue candidate.” He said he brings an open mind to the position, and tries to research issues and hear from stakeholders before making a decision.

Maak, Mosher and Pasnik are running as a team. They say the current village administration should have had a better plan for purchasing the new ladder and having space for it. The village board also should have a plan for replacing water lines and other infrastructure, the candidates said.

Mike Maak

Maak, 54, of State Street retired in January 2016 as a captain after nearly 27 years with the fire department. He works full-time now as a paramedic with the Gates Ambulance. He is a past chairman of the Big Lakes EMS Council for Genesee, Orleans and Niagara counties.

Maak said the board should have had the fire hall space issue resolved before committing to a new ladder truck. The new truck is expected to be ready around Christmas 2025.

The costs for fire trucks has escalated. The ladder truck from 1995 cost $390,000, with the new one more than four times that cost. And building projects also are far more than expected, with the board looking to pare down a project that came in at an estimated $6 million.

The fire department also has a pumper from 1990 that will need replacement in the near future, Maak said.

“They’ve let things go so long eventually you have to pay,” he said. “They’ve kicked the can down the road for too long.”

Maak thinks a better solution for the fire hall addition may be a joint public safety building for the fire department and police. If it’s moved out of the historic downtown area the village would have more flexibility in the construction, he said.

Medina needs an overall updated comprehensive plan to assess the needs of the village, and work on a schedule for upgrades, Maak said.

He would also push for the village to become an incorporated city, which should result in more AIM funding for the community as well as more of the local sales tax.

Jeff Pasnik

Pasnik, 39, of North Street has worked in the construction industry as a union carpenter for 15 years. The past seven years he has been in the union leadership for a 12-county region, helping the group manage a tight budget.

Pasnik grew up in Middleport, but was part of a Boy Scout troop in Medina as a kid. He has lived in Medina the past 10 years. He is a current member of the Leadership Orleans program.

“I want to be a person of change for this county,” he said.

Pasnik said the current village board has lacked a plan to tackle so many issues in the village, from the fire trucks, to fire hall to other infrastructure.

In his job he sees other parts of Western New York much busier with construction projects, from private projects to public infrastructure. Medina should be seeking federal funds through the new infrastructure bill, Pasnik said.

“The president passed a once-in-a-generation infrastructure program,” Pasnik said. “This is our opportunity to upgrade our water system.”

Mat “Austin” Mosher

Mosher, 52, of Hedley Street works throughout the region at 160 Kwik Fill gas stations as a regional safety manager. He said his experience would be an asset to the village with code enforcement, construction and safety.

“I bring a fresh set of eyes,” he said.

Mosher said he isn’t afraid to make tough choices, even if they are unpopular. But he would like to see the public be more informed about critical decisions in the village.

Mosher said he volunteered as a youth coach and has long felt an obligation to serve the community.

“The timing is right for me to be involved,” he said.

Polls for the election will be open noon to 9 p.m. on March 19 at the Senior Center, 615 West Ave. The terms for mayor and the trustees are for two years.

Medina colorguard director also leads group from Rochester where some members have disabilities

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 March 2024 at 10:48 am

Heritage Hurricanes prove crowd favorites at competitions

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – A member of the Heritage Hurricanes waves a flag during Saturday’s Colorburst event at Medina High School, which included 25 winter guard teams from Western New York and Pennsylvania.

The Heritage Hurricanes are an all-abilities colorguard with members from Heritage Christian Services and other community members in the Rochester area.

Melissa Jaeger, front, directs the Hurricanes. She helped found the group in 2018. She works at Heritage as a day program manager.

“It gives them an opportunity to perform and create friendships in a different community,” she said.

Jaeger also is director of the Medina winterguard teams – the varsity, JV and a Colorguard Group with students in grades 3-6.

Jaeger lives in Rochester and drives to Medina three times a week to lead the school teams. Her brother, Matt Jaeger, is Medina’s high school band director.

Melissa Jaeger graduated from Medina in 2008. She said color guard teams help create friendships and bring people together.

“Winter guard is a fun a creative outlet,” Jaeger said. “It’s a way to stay and be active.”

The Heritage Hurricanes have 18 members. The group practices once a week. They perform in the exhibition class at Medina and also the North East Color Guard Circuit Championships, which will be April 6 at Gates-Chili.

Jaeger thanked Medina for welcoming the Hurricanes since the group started in 2018.

Heritage staff members and volunteers from the White Sabers Drum and Bugle Corps and other local winter guards assist the team at practice and during their performances.

The crowd gave the Hurricanes loud applause during the performance and at the conclusion.

Medina hosts 25 winter guard units for annual ‘Colorburst’ show

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 March 2024 at 7:53 pm

MEDINA – Loreli Ryan dances to “Maniac” with the Medina varsity winter guard team during Saturday’s “Colorburst” show at Medina High School.

There were 25 guard units competing at the event, up from 19 from a year ago at the Winter Guard Show in Medina. About 500 people attended the competition.

Medina winter guard members Madelyn Lewis, front, and Natalie Herbert slow down the action for a moment during Medina’s performance. Medina did a take on Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand” and is set to songs of the last several decades.

Caiden Class, a Medina senior, joined the winter guard and is depicting Dick Clark and at times playing his saxophone. MacKenzie Poynter is in front in blue.

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. Here are some photos of the teams in the RA, A1 and SA classes.

The team from Corry, Pa. performed a show called “Life at Sea.”

Gates Chili performed a show, “Illusions of the Eye.”

Members of the Jamestown winter guard performed “Paint It Black.” The began in bright yellow outfits and ended in all black.

The Jamestown team goes from yellow to black to signify a journey from a hapopy life to the dark side.

Hinsdale’s team tosses flags in the air and gets ready to catch them. Their show, “Dreams,” is designed around the dream of building a house with everything you’ve always wanted.

Orchard Park’s show of “Life Goes On” sends a message that it’s possible to move on from someone even if your heart refuses to let go.

Lancaster presented “If I Ran the Zoo” which takes the idea of a traditional zoo and reimagines it where there is no cognition and the animals run wild with juxtaposition.

Victor’s winter guard performed “The Vibrant City.” The scene is set in New Orleans.

Medina district starts new awards program for school supporters

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 March 2024 at 9:33 am

Awards also recognize community leaders, outstanding students and educators

MEDINA – The school district is starting a new program to recognize “shining stars” in the community.

The district will be accepting nominations until March 29  in the following categories: charitable giving, diversity investments and education opportunities.

Daniel Doctor

The honorees will recognized at a district event in May, said Daniel Doctor, director of Community Partnerships for the school district.

“Our community partners are silent givers, volunteers and organizations who give generously while investing in the mission and vision of our schools,” Doctor said. “The sole purpose of this event is to bring the partners’ accomplishments and or contributions to the light. The simple act of acknowledging achievement is a major boost for any individual, organization or business. And that’s why recognition is so critical.”

Nominations from the community are being accepted for individuals, organizations and businesses for the following awards:

  • Volunteer of the Year Award – Nominees must have been involved in volunteering for the equivalent of at least 100 hours over a 12-month period. Nominees must have volunteered for a legitimate not-for-profit organization, service club or community group. The communities of Orleans County must be significant beneficiaries of the nominee’s volunteer work.
  • Community Leadership Award – Nominees for this award stand out because of their exceptional professional and/or volunteer achievements in the community, which are above and beyond their role in a paid position.
  • Community Collaboration Award – Nominees for this award provide outstanding examples of collaboration within their communities. These nominees recognize the benefits that come from accessing resources and expertise of individuals, local businesses, government, non-profits or charities for positive community impact.
  • Arts and Culture Award – Nominees in this category, either individually, as ensemble or as an organization, have worked diligently and selflessly in a variety of creative, applied, and fine art genres to benefit the community. Their efforts have made a significant contribution to the cultural scene in Orleans County, while creating access and inclusion to arts and culture.
  • Organization of the Year (under 10 employees) – Organization or service club that provides outstanding programs, services, events or campaigns that support the needs of the community and its residents. Does the organization successfully raise awareness of issues affecting the community and successfully raise funds to support its mission and goals?
  • Organization of the Year (11 or more employees) – Organization or service club that provides outstanding programs, services, events or campaigns that support the needs of the community and its residents. Does the organization successfully raise awareness of issues affecting the community and successfully raise funds to support its mission and goals?
  • Lifetime Achievement Award – Awarded to an individual who, over the past 15 years or more, has made significant contributions to the community and has improved the quality of life for citizens.
  • Community Service Award – Nominees must demonstrate an ongoing community service, which incorporates leadership, social responsibility, mentorship and be a change agent. (organization, business, or individual)
  • Unsung Hero Award – The Unsung Hero award recognizes an individual(s) who have positively influenced a program or organization from behind the scenes with a positive attitude, a willingness to help in whatever capacity necessary, and a commitment to excellence.
  • Best Event of the Year – Nominees for this award have created an event or program which has made a significant impact that increased awareness and/or boosted the bottom line of the organization. The recipient of this award has worked tirelessly to ensure the quality of this event or program has left an indelible mark on their community. (organization, business, or individual)
  • Community Impact People’s Choice Award – Organization/ business that recognizes new and better ways to address a need in the community despite the many demands, and sometimes too few resources available. The efforts of this organization have a positive and meaningful impact on the broader community, resulting in clear and measurable change. Nominees in this category demonstrate a commitment to building relationships and collaborating meaningfully with the individuals and communities they serve. (organization, business, or individual)
  • Girl Scout Troop Award – Recognizes a troop that models, and are real-life heroes. The troop uses skills they’ve learned as a Girl Scouts to help fix a problem in their community or make a lasting change in their world.
  • Boy Scout Troop Award – Recognizes a troop that models, and are real-life heroes. The troop uses skills they’ve learned as a Boy Scouts to help fix a problem in their community or make a lasting change in their world.
  • Outstanding Student Award (K-2), (3-6) & (7-12) – Students are recognized for academic achievement, improvement and citizenship-positive attitude toward classmates and school.
  • Spotlight – Recognition of continued growth and improvement. Student is recognized for overcoming academic, behavioral and or social challenges,
  • Inspirational Educator Award – The purpose of the award is to recognize any staff member who educate to inspire and motivate all students to work hard to reach beyond the expected to positively impact their communities. This prestigious award acknowledges the time and dedication faculty take to be exceptional.

For more information or to make a nomination, click here.

Medina candidate forum set for March 12 at Lee-Whedon

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 March 2024 at 8:44 am

MEDINA – Village voters can hear directly from the seven candidates running for the Village Board in the March 19 election.

There will be a forum on March 12 starting at 6 p.m. at the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, 620 West Ave. The event is sponsored by The Lake Country Pennysaver and Orleans Hub.

The event is set up as a forum and not a debate. Candidates will give opening and closing statements, and will respond to questions submitted by the audience.

The candidates include two people running for mayor: current trustee Marguerite Sherman, a retired special education teacher, is on the “The Village Party” and Michael Maak, a retired Medina firefighter, is running under the “Roots of the Past, Eyes on the Future Party.”

Five people are seeking two trustee positions on the Village Board.

Current trustee Tim Elliott and retired village clerk/treasurer Debbie Padoleski are running on the “The Village Party.” Elliott is an entrepreneur who currently works for LynOaken Farms.

Mat “Austin” Mosher and Jeffrey Pasnik are running with Maak under “Roots of the Past, Eyes on the Future Party.” Mosher is a former Medina firefighter and Pasnik is a council rep for North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters in Cheektowaga. Mosher now works as regional safety manager for United Refining Company and Quik Fill’s safety and compliance officer.

Mark Prawel  a retired Medina police officer, is running under the “United Party.” He also owns an auto repair shop in Medina.

The positions up for election are all for two years.

Medina students assist with planned YMCA upgrades

Posted 5 March 2024 at 12:06 pm

Provided photos: Front row from left includes Faith Baker, Taylor Frentz, Evelyn Phillips, Emma Jacobs and Jesse Cudzilo. Back row includes YMCA board member Dean Bellack, Emiliana Batista, Jacob Rissew, Dahvid Anderson, Addison Paul, Brandon Christiaansen, Henry Winters and Camryn Eick.

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – Medina students have assisted the YMCA with some projects to make the facility better for the public.

The site, the former Medina Armory, has been a YMCA since 1997. Now residents take exercise classes, use the workout room and participate in afterschool programs at the site.

Over the years the Y has replaced the roofing, lighting and the exercise rooms. They have launched capital campaigns to modernize the facility that included a handicapped accessibility ramp, a vestibule, lobby expansion for a social space, a child watch area, two unisex bathrooms and shower areas to make the space as functional as possible.

Unfortunately, there are still areas that need to be improved and reconfigured such as the women’s locker room and a basement kitchen. The locker room space is equipped with two private showers, an oak bench and lockers, some original to the building and also made out of solid oak. Sadly, some of the lockers had been sold off over time.

“This facility is so unique and we want to make it the best for our patrons,” said Jesse Cudzilo, the Y executive director. “There is damage to the floors, the showers need to be replaced and it is somewhat of an awkward layout.  Since we are community partners, we decided to tap our community to see if we could get some help in the remodel.”

He reached out to Medina Junior-Senior High School Counselor Audralee Doll, who put him in touch with Technology and Engineering Education teacher Mike Lepkyj. He jumped at the opportunity to give his students a chance to use their skills.

“This is a great opportunity for my Interior Design students,” he said. “They will get some real-world experience and a chance to help out an organization that does so much for our community.”

On Feb. 16, the class showed up for their initial walk through of the space and took measurements of the room and the features that needed to be incorporated. The students seemed excited about the project.

When they got back to the classroom, they broke into groups to start their design process.

Brandon Christiaansen, front, and Jacob Rissew measure inside the YMCA.

Student Emma Jacobs says she has been a member of the Y for over a year and she is excited to put her vision into her proposal.

“When I go there, I am always thinking of what they could do to improve it,” she said. “I have a lot of ideas and I am really stoked to actually work on a project that is for something in the real world.”

Classmate Evelyn Phillips said she is enjoying the creative process. “It’s really fun and I am looking forward to reimagining the spaces and make them more practical.”

Mr. Lepkyj says the students will work on about five proposals to show Mr. Cudzilo and the Board of the YMCA. “What an amazing thing to be able to put on their resume,” said Mr. Lepkyj. “How many high school students can say they designed a space for a local organization?”

Cudzillo also contacted Orleans/Niagara BOCES’ Principal Nicole Goyette. She told him that the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center’s Building Trades students with their teacher Matt Anastasi would love to assist with the rehab and construction of the space.

“We are very excited about the partnerships with these classes,” Mr. Cudzilo. “It will be a lot of work. We firmly believe that when kids are invested in their community it becomes a source of pride for them. I can’t wait to see their vision for the space and I think their input will be invaluable. We are hoping that this generation coming up will embrace the history of this facility and we can pass the torch to them to keep it viable for generations to come. Our goal is to leave this building better than how we found it.”