By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 May 2023 at 1:34 pm
MEDINA – The local committee tasked with identifying projects for a $4.5 million state grant will meet for the first time on Wednesday.
Medina was awarded $4.5 million from the state on Feb. 13 in a “NY Forward” grant. The village has formed a local planning committee to guide Medina through the planning process and to identify transformative projects to submit to the state.
Mayor Mike Sidari said the group is pushing to have the process complete in November. The plan will be submitted to the state and Sidari said he expects the state will green light the projects next spring, with the funding becoming available to the village and business owners.
The meeting on Wednesday is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Medina Central School district office boardroom. This will be a work meeting without public comments. Sidari said there will be public hearings at future sessions.
Members of the local planning committee include Mayor Mike Sidari, Lauren Backlas, Gabrielle Barone, Kathy Blackburn, Gloria Brent, Chris Busch, Jesse Cudzillo, Tim Elliott, David Flynn, Rollin Hellner, Mark Kruzynski, Andrew Meier, Patrick Weissend and Mark Zambito.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 May 2023 at 6:21 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Hart Hotel includes five rooms and two lofts on the third floor of 113 West Center St.
MEDINA – The Medina Village Board is again trying to go through the proper channels in the State Legislature to allow the village to impose a 2-percent occupancy tax on rooms and lodging.
The board today voted to ask the State Assembly and State Senate to allow Medina to have a 2-percent occupancy tax in the village. Medina first tried to have the tax imposed in 2018 but it has stalled in the State Legislature.
Medina Mayor Mike Sidari said the revenue would be used to promote tourism in the village and also to help cover some of the village’s overtime costs with events. The Police Department and Department of Public Works often work extra hours for the many community events in the village, Sidari said today.
The board in an official resolution today said the village wants to be a bigger tourist destination by promoting the Erie Canal, its historic downtown, agri-tourism and other attractions.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley has introduced Bill No., A.6671, to authorize Medina to collect the occupancy tax. Previous efforts to gain full support in both houses of the Legislature haven’t been successful.
Orleans County currently currently imposes a 4-percent “bed tax” that topped $100,000 for the first time in 2022. The $111,013 in 2022 passed the previous record high of $79,102 in 2021. The third most was collected in 2020: $58,438.
The county is seeing more short-term vacation rentals such as Airbnbs. A 58-room Comfort Inn & Suites opened on March 18, 2022 in Medina, giving the county its first branded hotel. Bent’s Opera House also opened 10 hotel rooms in 2021.
The county’s bed tax is used to promote attractions in the county. Medina’s tax would focus on efforts in the village.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 19 May 2023 at 3:39 pm
Photo by Ginny Kropf: The committee promoting Medina’s annual Community Garage Sale and Chicken Barbecue on June 3 are, from left, Jim Hancock, Tim Moriarty, and Julie and Chris Keller.
MEDINA – Medina Lions annual Community Yard Sale and Chicken Barbecue have been a tradition on the first Saturday in June for more than 20 years, according to event chairman Jim Hancock.
The event is scheduled for June 3, featuring yard sales throughout the village, a vendor fair at the Olde Pickle Factory and a chicken barbecue.
The day will also feature the usual “Weinermobile” traveling the village to offer hot dogs to those shoppers who don’t won’t to miss a sale. Pete Kaiser, Chris Leavitt and Matt Kreutz will be the hot dog crew.
Hancock said 30 vendors have already reserved a spot at the Olde Pickle Factory, featuring a wide variety of merchandise.
Lions Chris and Julie Keller will be running the hotdog and hamburger stand for the Lions at the vendor location.
“We have the best hamburgers in town,” Chris said.
Lions will also be on the four corners of Main Street from 9 a.m. to noon handing out maps of the village indicating the location of yard sales. The maps are free, but a donation is appreciated, to help the Lions with their projects for the community.
The deadline for residents to register their address at Lake Country Pennysaver to be included on the map is noon May 24.
Chiavetta’s will be cooking the chicken, for which pre-sale tickets are available for $14 from any Lions member, or by calling (716) 417-0079. Tickets the day of the event will be $15. Serving will begin at 11:30 until sold out.
New this year will be music by Rob Robinson. Also, this year, the Lions will be able to accept credit cards.
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Thomas the Tank Engine sits in the station while passengers board during a previous year’s Day Out With Thomas at Medina Railroad Museum. The legendary engine will be at Medina Railroad Museum for a four-day run this Saturday and Sunday, and then the following weekend, May 26-27.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 17 May 2023 at 8:21 am
MEDINA – After an absence of two years due to Covid and a shortened run last year, Thomas the Tank Engine will be back at Medina Railroad Museum, beginning this weekend.
This year’s theme, Let’s Get Colorful, will be evident in Thomas’ new paint job and the activities on the grounds of the Medina Railroad Museum.
Thomas first thrilled youngsters and their families at the Medina Railroad Museum in 2005. Annually passengers came from across the United States to ride the train of storybook fame.
Tickets to ride the train also include admission to the Medina Railroad Museum, and give riders the opportunity to earn a Color Badge, say hello to Sir Topham Hat and explore the Color Corner, formerly known as Imagination Station.
Activities this year will include carnival games, two holes of miniature golf, a color corner, play pod, corn hole hopscotch, the game of Sodor 4 (a take on Connect 4), face painting, coloring, play tables and power wheels.
The day will also feature live entertainment, a gift tent and food court across the street at the Senior Citizens Center with food trucks, kettle corn, cotton candy and more. Also in the Senior Center will be a baby changing station, nursing area, Thomas books to read and coffee for sale.
Train rides depart every 45 minutes from 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some times are sold out, but tickets still remain for other times. Tickets can be purchased by logging on to medinarailroadmuseum.org.
Grounds will open at 8 a.m. and remain open until 5 p.m. each day of the event.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 May 2023 at 12:02 pm
For 34 years the church was known as Second Church True Disciples of Jesus Christ
Provided photo: From left include Spanish Eastern Assembly of God District Superintendent Manny Álvarez joins Senior Pastors Jovannie & Melisa Canales this past Sunday when the church celebrated a new name. The Canales couple have served as the church pastors since 2017.
MEDINA – A church with a 34-year history announced it has a new name.
The Second Church True Disciples of Jesus Christ on Sunday announced it officially has a new name, Oasis Church.
The church has 45 members and they were unanimous in approving the name change at an annual meeting about three months ago.
“I would say that ‘Oasis’ is how we identify in our community – ‘A fertile place of nourishment, rest, peace, renewal, and life sustained by springs of water.’ It is similar to where the Israelites camped on their journey through the wilderness [Exod. 15:27],” church pastors Jovannie and Melisa Canales wrote in a letter to the community. “It makes the perfect location and environment for transformation. This name change makes so much sense as it effectively represents our vision, mission, and who we are as a church.”
The church holds services at 2 p.m. on Sundays. It shares a building with the Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God at 11031 Maple Ridge Rd. The two churches are independent of each other.
Jovannie Canales said the congregation at Second Church True Disciples of Jesus Christ was often known as the “Hispanic/Spanish Church.”
At Oasis, he said the church is bilingual, speaking and writing in Spanish and English. He wants everyone to feel welcome. The church attendees come from many backgrounds – Mexican, Honduran, Puerto Rican, Panamanian, Jamaican, white and Black.
“We’re a great representation of the body of Christ,” Canales said.
The church in the coming months will make changes to its signage, logo, website and social media accounts. Oasis remains affiliated with the General Council of the Assemblies of God through The Spanish Eastern District AG. Canales said the congregation isn’t changing any doctrines or practices as a church.
“Getting used to calling ourselves Oasis Church will take a while, but this is who we are,” Jovannie and Melisa Canales wrote in their letter.
The church runs an annual family fun day at Butts Parks, providing entertainment and food to several hundred people. That event will continue and is planned for Aug. 5.
Photo courtesy of Luke Kantor/Iroquois Job Corps: The Lincoln VFW Post in Medina recognized the Iroquois Job Corps on Monday with its Service Award for their support of veterans. From left are student Melody Goodwin, VFW vice president and historian Dave Berry, Job Corps operations director John Thomas and students Kee’Andra Creque and Joshua Espinal.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 16 May 2023 at 6:32 am
MEDINA – The VFW Auxiliary in Medina’s historian and vice president Dave Berry visited the Iroquois Job Corps on Monday to present the center with an award for its support of veterans.
The National Office of the Veterans of Foreign War Auxiliary’s annual Service Award was given to the Job Corps in recognition of students who volunteered to assist the Medina VFW Auxiliary serving lunch to veterans on Veterans Day. The students also made Veterans Day cards and handed them out to all the veterans, according to John Thomas, operations director at Iroquois Job Corps.
Also participating in the award ceremony were the three students who assisted with the Veterans Day lunch, Melody Goodwin, Kee’Andra Creque and Joshua Espnal.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Jonah Fisher, 5, of Albion high-fives Sparky the Fire Dog during National Night Out last year on Aug. 2 in Medina. Jonah’s dad, Medina firefighter Adam Fisher, wore the costume of the friendly dalmatian. Jack Smith of Medina is next to Jonah, ready to greet Sparky. About 700 people attended the National Night Out last year in the return of the event after it was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19 concerns.
Posted 15 May 2023 at 4:42 pm
Press Release, Medina Police Department
MEDINA – The Medina Police Department, with the assistance of the Medina Police Advisory Committee, are co-organizing this year’s Orleans County National Night Out.
We are proud to give an update on this year’s event that will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 1, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Medina Clifford Wise Intermediate School, 1016 Gwinn St.
National Night Out started in the 1980s as a way to bring law enforcement and citizens together nationwide on the same night each year. We have expanded on that principle and put together an event that focuses on bringing many agencies and organizations together for the annual National Night Out date each year.
This year NNO is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Participants in this event will include law enforcement from throughout the county, fire agencies, EMS responders, civic organizations and other groups that will be providing activities and giveaways. Some of the big hits from past events have been the “Battle of the Belts”, K-9 demonstrations, and the bike rodeo.
Our mission is simple. We want an event where families can come for a night and be entertained at no cost, eating and having fun in an environment that is free of violence, alcohol, tobacco and drugs. We hope citizens can meet members of our local organizations and get to know the services they provide to our community.
We are currently in the process of reaching out to many local organizations to coordinate participation. In the past it is the efforts, participation, and donations of these local organizations and businesses that make National Night Out possible. These sponsoring organizations will be highlighted throughout our event.
Registration and donation information is being distributed through mail, email, and social media. For more information you may contact either Heather Jackson at NNOOrleans@gmail.com or Lt. Todd Draper at tdraper@villagemedina.org.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Jason Michalski of Medina, left, buys two hanging baskets Saturday from Ronald Human and his grandson Bradley at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 14 May 2023 at 11:16 am
MEDINA – Bright sunshine and warm weather brought a steady stream of visitors to the Canal Village Farmers’ Market on Saturday.
The market has been set up all winter in the former NAPA Auto Parts Store owned by Craig Lacy, and plans to stay there for the summer. Lacy is hoping to find a use for the building, and at such time, the market would return to its former location at the corner of West Center Street and West Avenue.
The summer season officially begins June 3, and will have new features and new vendors, Miller said.
Vendors from throughout the Medina area will offer a variety of foods, entertainment and activities.
Current vendors, some of which are regulars and others which come every other week, are Baker Farm, meat eggs and garlic powder; Bower Family Farm and Greenhouse, micro greens; Catherine Street Bakers, baked goods and jams; Dot’s Pantry (every other week), specialty savory relishes, jams, dressings and chutney; Flint’s Maple Products; Gardner’s Gardens Gourmet jams, fudge, cakes, herb blends and gourmet popcorn; Heartland Organics, mushrooms, organic coffee with Lions’ Mane, dried ground mushrooms and mushroom jerky; and Human Farms, asparagus and rhubarb (in season),eggs, chicken, barbecue sauce, spices, flower and tomato plants and other seasonal vegetables.
Also, LockRidge Apiary, honey; LynOaken Farms, 810 Meadworks, Black Button Distilling, Schulze Vineyards and Wintery and Mountain Mule Ciderhouse; Panek’s Pickin’ Patch, fruits and vegetables; and Flower Fields Forever, flower bouquets.
(Left) Erica Waniecski, left, and Michael Klepp, both Master Gardeners, manned the non-profit table for Cornell Cooperative Extension at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market. (Right) Canal Village Farmers’ Market manager Gail Miller watches Chloe Hill, 10, and Tegan Hill, 8, choose a prize for completing a scavenger hunt at the market on Saturday.
Dot’s Pantry also has several favorite items, including local cheese and Buffalo pepper products, as well as taking orders for perogies.
In addition, a space is reserved each week for a non-profit which wants to set up an informational table. Oak Orchard Health, Orleans Community Health and Master Gardeners are some who take advantage of this opportunity to inform the public, and more are being scheduled, Miller said.
This week, the community booth featured Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardeners, Erica Wanecski and Michael Klepp, who provided information on spring lawn care, pollinating, insects and native plants.
Cathie Valley oversees a Kids’ Tent, which provides fun activities for young children who accompany their parents to the market. A scavenger hunt keeps children busy and provides an opportunity to win a prize for finding all the items.
Arts and crafts will also be available at the market, including Rust and Dust Fabrication, 3BeesWax, pottery and more.
Randy Reese with Canalside Radio will begin broadcasting from the market on June 10.
Local realtor Rita Zambito will sponsor music at the market, featuring local musicians and groups.
The market is sponsored by Orleans Renaissance Group. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Real estate agents working out of the new Howard Hanna office in Medina include, from left: Nicole DeRosa, Matthew Kennedy and Patty Schutt. They are located in the S.A. Cook building on the second floor at 534 Main St., suite 20.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 May 2023 at 8:35 am
MEDINA – A real estate office has opened on Main Street in Medina for Howard Hanna, a company with a big real estate presence in the northeast.
Howard Hanna has nearby offices in Lockport, Batavia and Brockport. Matthew Kennedy thought an office was needed in Medina. Kennedy was working out of Howard Hanna’s Lockport office.
The company agreed to a Medina site, and Kennedy pushed for a spot on Main Street. His late father, Don Kennedy, served as Medina’s mayor and for many years ran the Kennedy Brothers clothing store on Main Street.
“I saw the pride he had in Medina,” Matthew said during an interview at the office on Saturday, which was the grand opening for Howard Hanna at 534 Main St., Suite 20.
Kennedy’s first job was working for his father cleaning windows at Kennedy Brothers.
“He taught me to treat people right and take pride in your community,” Matthew said.
He was working for Brunner on the third shift when he decided to pursue a real estate license nine years ago. He wanted more balance in his life and work. He is thankful for his first six years with Zambito Realtors (now Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Zambito, REALTORS.).
“They were great to work with,” Kennedy said. “They taught me how to be a real realtor. I owe them a lot.”
Kennedy joined Keller Williams, the largest real estate company in the world, for two years but Kennedy said that firm isn’t well known in Medina and the nearby area.
He joined Howard Hanna in December 2021 and focused on Lewiston and Niagara County where the sale prices tend to be higher. Howard Hanna in recent years acquired two well-known WNY real estate companies, Buffalo-based Realty USA and Rochester-based Nothnagle Realtors.
Kennedy, a Middleport resident, said the prices took a dramatic turn, going way up in Orleans and eastern Niagara, improving the chances for a better livelihood for the real estate agents.
He also saw a need for an office in Medina, and pitched it to Howard Hanna. The Medina site is a satellite for the Lockport office, with Jim Watson of Medina serving as manager of the two sites.
Kennedy said the Medina office is a base for him, and two other real estate agents, Nicole DeRosa and of Kent and Patty Schutt of Medina.
They can meet with clients to review listings, prepare listings and go over contracts and other paperwork.
Kennedy also believes being on Main Street offers great exposure for the company.
Nicole DeRosa became a licensed real estate agent in July. She also was working long hours at Brunner and wanted more flexibility with her schedule.
Patty Schutt of Medina is the niece of Raymond Bates, who once ran Lyndonville Realty. Schutt said she enjoys showing houses to prospective buyers, seeing their excitement while hunting for a home.
“I enjoy the people, and helping them to find their dream home,” she said.
Although home prices are up, Schutt said there is a shortage of inventory.
“There are many buyers but not enough homes,” she said.
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Peter Castricone and Vicky Albone of Medina pose by his 1961 Olds Cutlass which he recently purchased. He will be taking it to Friday night cruise-ins in the Canal Basin, which begin June 9.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 May 2023 at 5:09 pm
MEDINA – Cruise-ins in the Canal Basin have been a Friday night tradition in Medina for more than 25 years.
Dave Green of Medina has been involved since very early on, and for many years has organized the summer event. The first one of this season will be June 9. Official start is 5:30 to 7:30, but cars start arriving as early as 4 p.m., Green said.
Boy Scout Troop 35 will be in the basin, cooking hot dogs and hamburgers during the month of August. Green is waiting to confirm who will do the cooking in June and July.
Each Friday features 50/50 drawings, half of which goes to United Way of Orleans County, the event sponsor. DJ Hank Nevins provides the music weekly.
Between 80 and 100 cars visit the Canal Basin for the cruise-ins, with as many as 300 at the Super Cruise, which ends the summer event this year on Aug. 23 on Main Street. Terry Buchwald as Elvis will return to entertain at Super Cruise. Rain date is Aug. 24.
Peter Castricone of Medina wouldn’t miss a Friday night, he said. He has owned a 1991 Camaro convertible for nearly six years, but decided it was time to trade, and recently purchased a 1961 Olds Cutlass convertible (which he calls a “ragtop”) in mint condition. He and his friend Vicky Albone are looking forward to spending Friday nights visiting with other “gearheads” in the basin.
“I try to get there every Friday night,” Castricone said. “I love talking to all the guys about all the cars. Ninety percent of our conversations are about cars.”
“Some of the cars are amazing,” Albone said.
She enjoys the evenings as much as the guys.
Green has owned a variety of classic cars. His most recent is a 1973 Cougar Convertible.
