Medina

Medina scales down fire hall addition to one bay

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 May 2024 at 12:59 pm

Village seeks engineering proposals to design project

Photo by Tom Rivers: Medina Fire Chief Matt Jackson listens to a speaker during Monday’s Village Board meeting. Jackson said he favored a smaller addition to the fire hall to accommodate a new ladder truck that is expected in December 2025.

MEDINA – The Village Board has scaled down an addition to the fire hall to one bay so the Medina Fire Department has space for a new ladder truck that is expected to be delivered in December 2025.

The village was looking at a two-bay addition, but an engineering firm said the costs could top $6 million. That is far too expensive for the Medina, Mayor Marguerite Sherman said.

The Village Board may deem a one bay addition is cost prohibitive, too. It doesn’t have a precise estimate on the cost.

The board voted to seek proposals from engineering firms on a design of the project and estimated cost.

The board discussed having Barton & Loguidice do a feasibility study for three options: one bay and two bay additions, and also an option of digging down in the floors and driveway to make more space for the ladder truck. B & L said it would look at the feasibility of all three for $26,000, which is money not budgeted by the board.

The village officials decided to drop the feasibility of the three options, and instead go to an engineering report for the one-bay addition. The board felt the two-bay addition is well beyond the village’s means right now.

The option of digging into the concrete floors, which are already shifting and in disrepair, could have costly unintended consequences, the board and Fire Chief Matt Jackson said.

He suggested doing the one-bay addition as a bare bones option to house the new truck. The new truck is too big by about 2 feet in height to fit in the fire hall.

“I feel a single bay is the most cost effective and the safest,” Jackson told the board.

Board members met with B & L staff to tour the fire station on April 29, and trustees wondered if it was possible to change the order for the ladder truck to a smaller truck that would fit the existing building.

Jackson checked with the manufacturer, and other fire truck makers, and the special order smaller ladder trucks aren’t an option. Board members also wondered about the possibility of canceling the order for the $1.7 million truck. Jackson said there would be a penalty at $172,000 or 10 percent of the truck’s cost and would still leave Medina in need of replacing a ladder truck that is 29 years old and often not reliable.

To then reorder the truck again in the near future would result in a bigger bill, perhaps over $2 million.

“We need a ladder truck no matter what,” Jackson said. “It’s a danger to us and the community.”

Mayor Sherman said she would reach out to state and federal officials for funding assistance with the truck and fire hall addition, and try again to see if the County Legislature would loosen up any of the local sales tax revenue. The county has kept the village and towns frozen at the same level since 2001.

Mike Maak, a mayoral candidate in March and a retired Medina firefighter, urged the board to look long-term and not put too much money in the current fire station, which was built around 1930 originally for the DPW. The floors weren’t intended to hold such heavy fire trucks, Maak said.

“This is not a new problem and it’s not going away,” Maak said.

He believes the village should look to build a modern public safety building for the fire and police departments, a facility that could serve the community for the next hundred years. Putting it outside the historic district also would give the village more flexibility in the design, Maak said.

But Sherman said the village doesn’t have the money for a big new building.

“We have to shake the trees for money,” she said. “There has to be someone who can help us achieve.”

‘Medina Oscars’ celebrate outstanding community leaders, organizations

Photo from Medina Central School: The Medina Oscars was a chance to dress up and celebrate people and organizations making a big difference in the school and community.

Posted 21 May 2024 at 10:50 am

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – Medina Central School District on May 16 hosted the first Medina Community Oscars at the historic Bent’s Opera House with 170 people in attendance.

The grand ballroom was simply fashioned with golden gunmetal banquet chairs, flowers that draped the apron of the stage adorned with two life-size Oscar statues. As the elevator opened a red carpet ran through the center of the venue, allowing all to have their moment on the “Red Carpet.”

The sold-out event quickly filled. Daniel Doctor, Community Partnership Director for the Medina Central School District, took the stage to welcome attendees and to congratulate all nominees. He then graciously turned the microphone to Julie Webber, Curriculum Director of Instruction for the Medina Central School District who was the Mistress of Ceremony for the remainder of the evening.

The purpose behind the event came to fruition. All individuals, businesses or organizations that either got nominated or won were most deserving. To enhance the excitement of the “opening of the envelope” to unveil the winners, the audience found the musical performances more entertaining.

Ava Blount, a poised and graceful sophomore at Medina and performer at West Side Academy of Performing Arts and Dance, got to repeat her performance of “I Dreamed a Dream” from the 1980 musical Les Misérables.

Joseph Mangiola, an alumnus of Medina and worship leader at Calvary Tabernacle, took command of the stage focused on low tones and soaring vocals. He sang, “Music of the Night” from Phantom of the Opera.

Holly Lederhouse, a third alumnus of Medina and performer with BGB Studio, provided the audience with her powerful soprano vocals singing “Never Enough” from the film The Greatest Showman.

And the final performer Brandon Noreck, song writer, R&B, Pop and Soul recording artist and alum of Medina Central School District, showed the audience regardless of what happens, “The show must go on.” He sang “Maria” acapella, due to internet failure. The song is from the 1957 Broadway musical West Side Story, sung by the lead character Tony which he portrayed for the Medina Musical Theatre Department when it was under the direction of Daniel Doctor. Noreck did not miss a beat nor note as he effortlessly floated his high tenor voice.

Guest speakers in attendance included Mrs. Kathy Valley, a retired teacher from Medina who addressed the audience on the importance of volunteering and charging them to, “Think about it first, then do.” Mrs. Noori Bibi, a volunteer from Project Life, also gave a message, informing the audience of the work that is done in the Medina community to support children who are in need of receiving an education, medical support and restoration to lost childhood of victims of war and natural disasters. Funds raised at this event will go to Project Life to continue the support for Ahmed, a 9-year-old Medina student with several health challenges.

This Medina Community OSCARS was a win! And the winner goes to…

Spotlight Award: Viviana Neroni
Community Impact: Shawn Ramsey, owner of Canalside Tattoo
Outstanding Service to Veterans Award: Jennifer Thom
Boy Scout/Girl Scout Troop Award: Mindy Cogovan of Troop 82096
Arts and Culture Award: Medina Central School District
Community Collaboration: Todd Eick
Outstanding Student Award (K-2) – Hollis Green and Landyn Dorgan
Outstanding Student Award (grades 3-6) – Lauren Allis
Outstanding Student Award (grade 7-12) – Roosevelt Mitchell
Volunteer of the Year: Melissa Valley
Event of the Year: Parade of Lights, chairman Jim Hancock
Inspirational Educator Award: Krista Duhow, Medina Jr./Sr. High
Community Service Award: Medina Rotary Club
Organization of the Year (under 10 employees) – Case-Nic Cookies, Mary Lou Tuohey owner
Organization of the Year (more than 10 employees) – Medina Central School District
Community Leadership: Daniel Doctor
Unsung Hero Award: Nicole Tuohey
Lifetime Achievement Award: Roger Hungerford
Thank You: Kathy Valley

New interpretive panels added at State Street Park for WWI monument, Burroughs family

Photo courtesy of Chris Busch: Interpretive panel No. 12 was recently installed at the World War I monument in State Street Park, describing the British field gun situated there.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 20 May 2024 at 7:59 am

MEDINA – Medina’s trail of interpretive panels just became a little larger with the addition of two new panels in State Street Park.

Installing interpretive panels throughout Medina’s downtown historic district was a project conceived more than 10 years ago by the Orleans Renaissance Group and The Print Shop owner Ken Daluisio, said Chris Busch, ORG’s president.

Medina was seeing a growing number of tourists and it was felt something was needed to provide visitors with a more meaningful experience, according to Busch. The interpretive signs would tell the story of historic people, events and architecture – interpreting local history and giving visitors a further reason to explore downtown and the village, Busch said.

The 2013 project was spearheaded by the ORG and Print Shop, with backing from the former Medina Business Association, now Medina Area Partnership. Several sponsors paid for the sign bases and The Print Shop donated the panels. The panels themselves were researched and designed by Busch.

Since then, visitors from around Western New York and the country have been observed lingering over the 11 sign panels, immersing themselves in the rich history of Medina’s people, events and architecture, Busch said.

The panels, now 10 years old, were beginning to show signs of wear and needed to be replaced. Again, ORG, working with Daluisio and The Print Shop tackled the job, ensuring the story of Medina’s culture and history would continue to be preserved and told. ORG has underwritten the cost of replacing the panels with fabrication being done by The Print Shop and installation by the Medina Department of Public Works.

“The new panels will be exactly as the originals, with a few minor corrections,” Busch said. “It’s really gratifying to have seen so many visitors enjoy them over these past 10 years. The panels tell the incredible story of a 19th century boom town on the Erie Canal – and that is a story worth telling. People who visit Medina and experience that remarkable story will come away from their visit knowing this place truly matters.”

This interpretive panel just installed in State Street Park, tells the story of Silas Burroughs Jr. and his contributions to Medina and Orleans County.

In addition to the 11 original panels on the trail, Panel No. 12 recently installed in State Street Park features the World War I monument and field gun. Panel No. 13 describing the Burroughs family and estate which once existed on the site, will be installed soon.

“These two new panels tell the story of the British field gun and World War I memorial, along with the remarkable story of the Burroughs family, whose mansion once stood in what is now State Street Park,” Busch said. “The story of the Burroughs family’s contribution to the history of our state, nation and the world is one of Medina’s little known, but greatest tales.”

Each year, the panels are removed for the winter and reinstalled in the spring by the DPW, Busch explained.

“To save on wear, tear and damage throughout the winter months, the signs are removed and stored by the DPW until they are reinstalled in the spring,” Busch said. “The guys take great care of the signs and we’re extremely grateful for it. Their efforts have added years to the life of these signs.”

Over the past 10 years, the signs have generated tremendous community pride and have boosted awareness of Medina’s historic, architectural and cultural resources – all of major significance, Busch said.

The panels, now numbering 13, feature a wide scope of the village’s history – its sandstone; Erie Canal and railroad prowess; its notable characters, entrepreneurs and community leaders; the impact of immigrants who worked on the canal, in the foundries and in the quarries; and now the World War I monument/British field gun and the Burroughs family story.

“This is one of the best projects I have ever been associated with,” Daluisio said. “It’s been an absolute success and I think people have been quite pleased, not only with how they look, but with the incredible stories they tell. They illustrate how Medina matters in both our regional and national history. It’s a point of community pride.”

Sponsors of the original 2013-14 project include the former Medina Business Association, Gabrielle and Andina Barone, Andrew W. Meier, ORG, David and Gail Miller, Hartway Motors, Rita Zambito/Zambito Realty, Medina Sandstone Trust, the late Marcia Tuohey, Christopher and Cynthia Busch and the Medina Fire Department Local 2161.

The new World War I monument panel was sponsored by Butts-Clark American Legion Post No. 204, under commander Jim Wells. The Burroughs family panel was sponsored by the Medina Sandstone Society, Christopher and Cynthia Busch and the Hon. James P. Punch.

Text and photos for the Burroughs panel were contributed in part by British author Julia Sheppard, who has authored a book on Burroughs.

Information Busch shared from lutterworth.com states, “Julia Sheppard graduated in history from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and has spent her career working with military and medical archives. She was recently chair of the British Records Association, and as head of the research and special collections at the Welcome Library, she was instrumental in the acquisition of Burrough’s papers. He has fascinated her ever since.

“I am personally grateful to Julia, not only for her contributions to this project, but for her encouragement and support,” Busch said. “Her assistance was invaluable. She was a true champion of this project and of the Burroughs story.”

More information on ORG can be found at medinaalive.com.

The Burroughs family home is pictured on one of the latest interpretive panels to be installed in State Street Park, site of the former Burroughs estate. The mansion was considered one of the finest residences in Medina.

Food truck with smoked meats new addition to farmers’ market in Medina

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Scott Gypson recently acquired this high-tech smoker, in which he smokes brisket, pork and chicken. He learned the technique while living in Tennessee. In the background is his new food truck.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 20 May 2024 at 7:42 am

MEDINA – When Medina’s Canal Village Farmer’s Market moves from North Main Street to its summer location on West Center Street and West Avenue and the end of the month, it will have a new business to serve customers.

Scott Gypson of Gasport will be there selling breakfast sandwiches and smoked meats.

Gypson is a native of Middleport and son of Lowell and Wendy Gypson, having grown up there and graduating from Royalton-Hartland Central School. He entered Roberts Wesleyan College to study music, and for several years, playing bass in a band was his livelihood.

He had started taking violin lessons in third grade, but switched to bass to play in Roberts Wesleyan’s band. He played music all over the country during the summer of 2008. He returned to college and was sitting in algebra class, when the thought came to him, “What am I doing here?”

Scott Gypson of Gasport stands in his food truck, which he recently started to sell his smoked meats. He will be set up at Medina’s Canal Village Farmers’ Market for most Saturdays during the summer.

He had visited Nashville and fell in love with city, and in 2009 he moved there, where he played music for 14 years. He also was on Broadway and made some recordings.

Gypson comes by his musical talent naturally. His mother was music teacher at Roy-Hart and was accompanist for all their musicals. His dad was pastor of Hartland Bible Church.

Gypson’s wife Brooke was his high school sweetheart. They were married in March 2018 after breaking up for 10 years and then reconnecting. They moved back to New York in December 2022 and now live on Earnest Road with their two children.

“When you grow up in the country, like Middleport, and then live in an urban city like Nashville, you can’t get out of there fast enough,” Gypson said.

They moved back to the Middleport area in October 2023.

Gypson became familiar with smoked meats while living in Nashville.

“I started it as a hobby after a weekend barbecue in 2014, and fell in love with it,” he said.

His first efforts were using a pellet smoker, but in 2016 he acquired an offset smoker, which burns real wood, rather than pellets.

“How peaceful it is, to get up early in the morning, tend the fire and smell the aroma of the big hunks of meat,” he said.

When he took some smoked pork shoulder into work one day, it was such a hit he knew he had something big in the works.

“That was my ‘ah ha’ moment,” Gypson said. “Here I was in Tennessee serving pulled pork sandwiches off the tailgate of a pickup truck and everyone raved about it.”

In 2018, he started taking orders. His favorite meat is brisket, but he also smokes beef short ribs, pulled pork, pork ribs and chicken wings.

He started pursuing smoking seriously as a job in 2019, doing catering and serving meat from his driveway. Then Covid hit and he had to wear a mask.

“Tending a fire wearing a mask in the intense heat was terrible, but it was fun,” Gypson said.

In 2020, he began visiting farmers’ markets.

“It was always my dream to grow a barbecue business,” he said.

His smoker is built from a propane tank and it took him a year to get it working, he said.

Gypson said Brooke, who is a wealth planner, is incredibly supportive of him.

He is also grateful for connecting with Chris Busch, president of Orleans Renaissance Group, who offered him the opportunity to set up at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market, which ORG sponsors. It turns out Chris’ wife was Gypson’s kindergarten teacher and now she is their son Hans’ pre-K teacher.

In addition to being at the farmers’ market on most Saturdays, Gypson will be at various summer festivals and once a month plans to do a collaboration pop-up at Terroira General Store on Market Street in Lockport. Last month there, he said the line was out the door for his menu of barbecued beef shortribs, French onion soup and pulled pork. On Memorial Day, he will be set up at Middleport’s parade.

With his menu of smoked meat, he offers two sides, such as macaroni salad and broccoli salad.

Anyone who wants to order smoked meats can contact Gypson at www.tnsmokehouse.com.

Author will discuss and sign Civil War book with scenes in Niagara, Orleans

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 19 May 2024 at 6:34 pm

Tim Wendel will give presentations May 28 at Author’s Note

Rebel Falls is a book of fiction based on actual facts and people in the Niagara Falls area. Tim Wendel, a Lockport native, will be in Medina for a book talk and signing on May 28.

MEDINA – A Lockport native and noted author will launch his newest book at a book signing May 28 at Author’s Note in Medina.

Tim Wendel grew up in Lockport, where his parents lived on Canal Road, and graduated in 1974 from Royalton-Hartland Central School. He has always loved to write and during high school he was correspondent for the Niagara Gazette.

Now a resident of Charlottesville, Va., Wendel is writer-in-residence at Johns Hopkins University and the author of several books, including Summer of ’68, Cancer Crossings (featuring cancer doctors at Roswell Park), High Heat and the historical novels, Castro’s Curveball and its sequel Escape from Castro’s Cuba.

Rebel Falls is fiction, set in the late summer of 1864 and based on actual, yet long-obscured events and people of the Civil War in the Niagara Falls area, including Medina, Orleans and Niagara counties, Wendel said.

He became interested in the Civil War after reading Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Team of Rivals and Carl Sandberg’s Lincoln. Wendel discovered while most of the fighting was going on in the south, espionage and spying was taking place all along the Canadian border. At the center of it were two spies, John Yates Beall and Bennet Burley, whom President Lincoln had refused to pardon for their crimes.

Their goal was to seize the USS Michigan, the only warship left on the Great Lakes, and create enough dissension that people would blame Lincoln and he would lose the election, which was to take place the day after the spies planned crime. They also planned to bomb Buffalo, Cleveland and Toledo.

Wendel said he was a history buff, yet he had never heard of Beall and Burley.

“The more research I did, the more I realized there was more going on than what history has reported,” he said.

He also learned John Wilkes Booth had been accepting money from a bank in Montreal, and a bank note was found in his pocket when he was apprehended about two weeks after assassinating President Lincoln.

Wendel’s book also hits on the role the Cataract Hotel played in the Underground Railroad in Niagara Falls.

The author said it took him three years to write the book. He said Niagara Falls is such a beautiful area, he is considering to focus it in his next book.

Author’s Note has scheduled two sessions with Wendel on May 28. One is at 6 p.m. and the other at 7 p.m. Anticipating a large turnout, Author’s Note owner Julie Berry said they are selling tickets for $5 each to reserve a seat at either presentation. The $5 will then be deducted from the cost of purchasing a book. She encourages purchasing tickets in advance at the store or online.

Attendees are asked to be in their seats 10 minutes before their scheduled session. Those not there by five minutes before will lose their seat.

Those unable to get a ticket can still come and meet Wendel and have their book signed. They are asked to arrive just before 6 or just before 7 so if anyone couldn’t make it, a seat might be available. People waiting for just the signing will be allowed in at 7:45 p.m. Berry said Wendel will only sign books purchased at Author’s Note.

Wendel will also give his presentation at 6 p.m. May 29 at Woodward Memorial Library in Le Roy.

Medina Rotary donates $500 of meat to food pantry

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 May 2024 at 5:03 pm

Provided photo

MEDINA – The Medina Rotary Club donated 125 pounds of meat worth about $500 last week to the Medina Food Pantry.

Pictured form left include Rotarians: Gary Lawton, Gloria Brent, Edee Hoffmeister, Cindy Hewitt, Peter Bartula, Joel Payne, Ben McPherson and Bill Bixler.

Rotary Club members also volunteer twice a month at the food pantry which is located at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church on West Avenue in Medina.

State announces $4.5 million for 8 projects in Medina

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 May 2024 at 9:31 am

Transformed Canal Basin parking lot, expanded farmers’ market get largest grants in NY Forward funds

Photo by Tom Rivers: The north end of Main Street in Medina is pictured in September. A $4.5 million state grant will pay for eight projects in the downtown area, including apartments at 409-413 Main St., the light green building at left.

MEDINA – Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced this morning how the state is divvying up a $4.5 million NY Forward grant in Medina.

The money will go to eight projects, with one of them a Small Business Fund that will assist small business owners with façade improvements, window repairs and smaller projects. A redesign of the Canal Basin parking lot is the biggest project at more than $1.3 million of the grant.

“The Village of Medina is very appreciative and excited to be selected as a recipient of this year’s New York Forward grant,” Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman said in a news release from the Governor’s office. “The transformations, upgrades, and renovations will enhance Medina‘s ability to meet its goals in recreation, business, and housing for residents, visitors and businesses. The future is bright and promising in our beautiful historic village. I wish to thank everyone who played a role in making this happen. We can’t wait to get started!”

Medina officials and a committee of community volunteers worked last year to identify projects that would be submitted to the state for a final review. Medina’s committee had more than $9 million in considerations in the downtown and canal waterfront. The state whittled the list from 22 projects to eight that are approved for funding.

The eight projects include:

• Transform Canal Basin Park into a Waterfront Gateway – $1,345,000

Renderings from Empire State Development and Governor’s Office

The parking lot along the Erie Canal will be turned into a “waterfront gateway” complete with green space, seating areas and boater/cyclist amenities.

• Expand the Canal Village Farmer’s Market – $675,000

Upgrade the Canal Village Farmer’s market campus by modernizing the existing building, constructing a pole barn for additional vendor space and beautifying the site with green space.

• Redevelop the Walsh Hotel – $560,000

Convert the upper floors of the former Walsh Hotel into studio and one-bedroom apartments.

• Upgrade the Hart House Hotel – $500,000

Upgrade the Hart House Hotel with new amenities including an enhanced outdoor courtyard space, a gourmet gastropub, a hotel guest lounge, a new front porch and an improved facade.

• Develop Arenite Brewing Company on the Canal – $500,000

Create a microbrewery with tasting room and outdoor seating overlooking the canal, complete with a rooftop solar installation.

• Rehabilitate the Upper Floor Apartments at 409-413 Main Street – $370,000

Renovate the second floor into a mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments.

• Establish a Downtown Small Project Grant Fund – $300,000

Create a pool of funding to support business and property owners with smaller-scale projects like facade improvements, window replacement and other repairs.

• Install Downtown Wayfinding Signage – $250,000

Implement a system of directional, informational, and interpretive signage to direct visitors to key locations and destinations throughout downtown.

The NY Forward program favors upper-story redevelopment in buildings for housing and additional commercial space rather than new construction. The state guidelines prioritize elevating cultural, historical qualities that enhance the feeling of small-town charm. The state also made the program focus on a tight commercial activity area with an opportunity to enhance cultural heritage.

The governor’s announcement this morning also included $10 million of projects in the Village of Perry for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and $4.5 million in Geneseo for another NY Forward community in the Finger Lakes Region.

State Senator Robert G. Ortt said, “It’s wonderful to see New York investing in local businesses throughout our rural parts of the state. The Canalside Village of Medina has seen a recent explosion of new stores, restaurants, and other local businesses and the recently awarded $4.5 Million in NY Forward grants will ensure economic growth and revitalization efforts continue to steam ahead in Medina for years to come,” said Senator Ortt.

Assemblymember Stephen Hawley said, “I’m proud to see the Village of Medina secure these projects through the NY Forward Program. This community has long been one of Western New York’s greatest hidden gems and these projects will help bring improvements for education, transportation and overall quality of life. This is a great step in the right direction to provide our upstate community and I look forward to seeing the impact it will have on the region.”

National Night Out returns Aug. 6 in Medina

Photo by Tom Rivers: A law enforcement team competed in the Battle of Belts during the National Night Out on Aug. 1, 2023. The four team members rotate in the four car seats and have to fasten their seatbelts as fast as they can. Pictured include State Trooper Doug Rich, Sheriff’s Deputy James White and Medina police officer Felecia Holtz. Albion police officer Chris Glogowski also was on the team. Todd Draper, Medina police chief, served as the official in back. The law enforcement team completed the challenge in 1 minute, 14.93 seconds.

Posted 14 May 2024 at 9:25 pm

Press Release, National Night Out Committee

MEDINA – The Medina Police Department, with the assistance of the Medina Police Advisory National Night Out Sub-Committee, are collaborating again for 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, August 6, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Medina Clifford H. 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 principal and put together an event that focuses on bringing many agencies and organizations together for the annual National Night Out date each year.

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: to offer a free event where families can come and have fun in an 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. 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 – Committee Chairperson, at NNOOrleans@gmail.com or Medina Police Chief Todd Draper at tdraper@villagemedina.org.

We will also be providing regular updates through our Facebook pages: National Night Out – Orleans and Medina Police Department.

Orchard Rehabilitation honors moms, celebrates Skilled Nursing Care Week

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Marguerite Sherman, mayor of Medina, reads a proclamation on Mothers’ Day at Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility, celebrating National Skilled Nursing Care Week. (Center) Jamie Murphy, activities director at Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility in Medina, chats with resident Kenny Draper, who reminisced about celebrating Mothers’ Day when his wife was alive. (Right) Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility honored mothers on Sunday with coffee and donuts. Clockwise from left front are activities aide Laurie Seager, activities director Jamie Murphy, and activities aides Melissa Gates and Tyesha Robinson.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 13 May 2024 at 1:57 pm

MEDINA – Marguerite Sherman, the mayor of Medina, paid a visit to Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility on Mothers’ Day to read a proclamation proclaiming May 12 to 18 as National Skilled Nursing Care Week.

“I am so happy to have Orchard Manor here,” Sherman told the residents, before reading the proclamation.

The week’s theme this year, “Radiant Memorials: A Tribute to the Golden Age of Radio,” celebrates the rich tapestry of stories and experiences of those who reside and work within skilled nursing care centers, recalling an era cherished by many community elders, the proclamation states.

Sherman continued to read, “Skilled nursing care providers play a pivotal role in delivering compassionate care to America’s elderly and individuals with disabilities. This week serves as a testament to the essential role that skilled nursing care plays in our communities and in the lives of many individuals and their families.”

In celebration of Mothers’ Day, the facility served coffee and donuts to all residents and their visitors.

Resident Kenny Draper, 88, made sure to wish activities director Jamie Murphy a happy Mother’s Day. He said it wasn’t the same without his wife and he was missing her, but he thanked God for all the nurses.

“I’m still alive because of all of them,” he said.

Sherman and Murphy took the opportunity to talk about their memories of the facility.

Sherman recalled when Lois Hilger was activities director and her daughter and Sherman used to come in and play their flutes for the residents, while Hilger accompanied them on the piano. They were 12 years old, Sherman said.

Murphy announced she would retire from her position on June 14.

“I’ve been here almost 35 years, and it went so fast,” Murphy said. “Tom Morien hired me. There have been a lot of changes through the years.”

Murphy said in honor of National Skilled Nursing Care Week she solicited downtown businesses, who very generously donated gifts, which Murphy will give to staff. Events during the week include a coffee truck for staff today (Monday), and lunch on the grill.

Each day has a special theme. Today is “Rock Your Favorite T-shirt Day; Tuesday will be “Beach Day;” Wednesday is Resident and Staff Twin Day (a day to pair up and dress alike) and “Random Act of Kindness Day; Thursday will be Country Western Day with an ice cream social for residents and staff; and Friday will conclude the special activities with “Embrace Your Favorite Decade.”

Each day of the week will also feature different entertainment activities, beginning with karaoke on today, Magician Patrick Holman on Tuesday, bingo on Wednesday, the ice cream social on Thursday, music by Brian Beaudry on Friday and entertainment by the Hot Country Liners Dance Team on Saturday.

Medina school district proposes $42 million budget with 2% tax increase

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 May 2024 at 5:36 pm

District has stayed under the tax cap last 15 years; transportation will be available to all students next year

MEDINA – The school district is proposing a $42,162,921 budget for the 2024-25 school year that increases spending by 5.2 percent or $2,067,106 from the $40,095,815 in the current school year.

The budget proposes a 2.0 percent tax increase, up from $8,814,697 to $8,990,990. This is the 15th consecutive year Medina is under a state-imposed tax cap of about 2 percent, said Dr. Mark Kruzynski, the district superintendent.

The budget and the election for two board of education members goes to a vote from noon to 8 p.m. on May 21 at the District Office, 1 Mustang Drive.

The budget maintains all academic, extra-curricular and athletic programs, including modified sports and clubs, Kruzynski stated in a letter to the community.

Medina also will keep all support positions established with a federal stimulus grant and will make transportation available to all students in the 2024-25 school year.

The district for about a dozen years has had a single bus run in the morning and afternoon, with an expanded walk zone – 2 miles for students in middle and high school, and 1 mile for those in elementary school. The district made that decision during a budget crisis when the state made steep cuts to school districts in 2010-11.

The district is in a stronger financial position now. Medina will add more busses next year and continue with the one morning and afternoon bus runs. It will cost about $525,000 with district reserves covering the cost in 2024-25. After that, state aid will pay 90 percent of the cost, Kruzynski said.

There are some staff cuts in the proposed budget and those are being made through attrition with several retirements in the district.

“Our board members have worked diligently with the administrative staff to create a fiscally responsible budget, and one that exemplifies excellence in education,” Kruzynski wrote in a letter to the community about the budget.

There are two candidates for two open seats on the board. Alissa Mitchell and Jennifer Buondonno are both current members of the board.

Mitchell, the board vice president, is a first grade teacher at Brockport. Buondonno is an assistant branch manager at Tompkins Community Bank.

Scouts, Medina Lions Club team for cleanup effort at park by canal

Posted 6 May 2024 at 10:05 pm

Photos and information courtesy of Medina Lions Club

MEDINA – The Medina Lions Club on Saturday teamed up with Scouts and their leaders from Troop and Pack 28 for clean up at Lions Park by the Erie Canal in Medina.

Each year the Lions clean and mulch the parks, trees and flower beds. Mulch is provided by the village of Medina and brought onsite for the work.

This year seven Lions Club members and approximately 12 scouts pulled weeds, spread mulch, and cleaned the area. Each worker was treated to a hot dog lunch when the work was done.

The Medina Lions wish to give special thanks to Todd Draper and Tim Miller, the adult leaders from Troop and Pack 28, for mobilizing the help.

The Lions motto is “We Serve” and we greatly appreciate the help from the community to allow us all to enjoy a nicer area.

Joe Brueckner of Medina becomes an Eagle Scout

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 May 2024 at 10:07 am

Provided photos

MEDINA – Joseph Andrew Brueckner became Troop 28’s newest Eagle Scout on Sunday during a ceremony and celebration at Glenwood Park in Ridgeway.

In the photo at left, Brueckner thanks people for their support during his scout journey, including Todd Draper in back. In the photo at right, Brueckner celebrates with Scoutmaster Tim Miller.

Brueckner has been a scout since the 1st grade. His Eagle Project consisted of adding 2 benches and 10 birdhouses at Glenwood Lake.

This photo shows a group of all Eagle Scouts. From left Scoutmaster Tim Miller, Steve Miller, Joe Brueckner, David Vanderwalker, Todd Draper and Eli Pask.

Brueckner is a senior at Medina High School and is in the AME program at BOCES. He works as an intern at Amada Tool America in Batavia as well as helping with his family’s restaurant and catering business. He plans to continue his education after high school but is uncertain which school he will choose.

Joe Brueckner is shown with his family, including father Matt Brueckner, mother Kim Brueckner and brother Brandon Brueckner.

Joe Brueckner does a trust fall with Eagle Scouts Tim Miller, Eli Pask, Steve Miller, David Vanderwalker and Todd Draper (not shown in photo).

Medina murder mystery event had people hunting for clues at 17 businesses

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 event Saturday, “When Push Came to Shove.” (Right) From left, Tami Siffsinger of Lyndonville and Carol Bellack and Robin Wehling of Medina dressed for the era during Medina Area Partnership’s murder mystery event on Saturday. Here, they prepare to enter Author’s Note, hoping to find a clue.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 5 May 2024 at 9:56 pm

MEDINA – The past weekend was a busy one in Medina, with many stores offering specials, welcoming an influx of visitors and staging a murder mystery to solve.

Saturday was the Medina Area Partnership’s fun murder mystery event, “When Push Came to Shove.”

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.

Christine and Chris Blowers of Lockport participated in MAP’s annual murder mystery event on Saturday for the first time. They are checking their notebooks here at a lily & a sparrow.

The scene is set in 1904 and all the local people of importance attended the ribbon cutting, which was followed by tours of the cold storage and refreshments. Everyone (they thought) finally cleared out, except Austin Franks, who offered to do a final check of the building.

Later, when the night watchman did his rounds, he found Franks dead at the bottom of the elevator shaft.

Each participating business was given a script listing how the “actor or actress” knew each character involved and how they knew Austin. Each actor had three clues to give out.

The day began with check-in at the Medina Senior Center, where attendees received a wristband, investigator’s booklet, snack and a goodie bag. They had until 4 p.m. to visit all participating locations, then had to decide who the murderer was and e-mail their answer to Medina Area Partnership.

The correct answers were then entered in a drawing to win a gift basket filled with prizes worth more than $250. Winner was Andrea Walton of Medina.

Many participating individuals dressed in costumes of the early 1900s, including Tami Siffsinger of Lyndonville and Carol Bellack and Robin Wehling of Medina.

They were encountered on Main Street as they made their way into Author’s Note, “investigator’s” notebooks in hand.

“We know there’s a lot of hanky panky going on,” Wehling said.

“There’s illicit love, so it could be a woman who did it,” Bellack speculated. “Regardless, it’s a gorgeous day to be out, and we’re supporting the Medina Area Partnership.”

Siffsinger was happy about the gift bag they received, which included their investigator’s notebook and coupons for participating stores. They also had a wine tasting at Main Street Liquor and sampled sweets at Della’s Chocolates.

Chris and Christine Blowers of Lockport were at a lily & a sparrow, checking their notebooks and asking questions. This was their first time taking part in such an activity.

“We always liked to do adventures and this is something different,” Chris said. “We enjoy watching mystery shows on TV, but here we have real life clues.”

Brody George, collections manager at Medina Railroad Museum, played the role of Mayor E. Lou Sieve. He didn’t realize when he volunteered to be an actor, he would be the murderer.

When people came in looking for clues, he said he “loosely made stuff up.”

Overall, it was nice to see all the businesses who participated, he said.

Medina welcomes donations for flowers in downtown

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 5 May 2024 at 9:32 pm

MEDINA – The Medina Area Partnership will continue to implement beautification projects in Medina’s downtown business district with the annual placing of flower pots.

MAP is seeking monetary donations to assist with the cost of flowers, soil and other products needed to achieve those initiatives.

Cost to sponsor a flower pot is $75, and anyone interested is asked to send a check payable to Medina Area Partnership to Mary Lewis, Creekside Floral, 509 Main St., Medina. Lewis is chair of MAP’s Beautification Committee.

Those who sponsor a pot will be recognized on a sign in a flower pot, as well as on the large sign outside of city hall and on the MAP website. Larger donations are also welcome to assist with other beautification projects, where the objective is to make the downtown community and greater Medina area an attractive place to visit.

YMCA offering new Judo class for home-schooled teens

Provided photos: Marie Delobbe-Scott is instructor of the new Judo class for teens at the Orleans County YMCA.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 May 2024 at 2:55 pm

MEDINA – The Orleans County YMCA is piloting a new teen homeschooling program, which took effect April 30.

The program, which will continue through June 11, will run simultaneously with the current Younger Children’s Home School Extension Program from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, according to Noori Bibi, vice president of the YMCA board.

Teens in grades seven through 12 may still sign up for the teen program by contacting the YMCA at (585) 798-2040. Cost is $50 for members and $70 for non-members.

Katie Hill is spearheading the teen program, which was started to support homeschooling families with teens.

“This program is high quality, which is why I put my kids in it,” Bibi said. “The children love it and look forward to it every week.”

The program includes physical education, music and art.

For seven weeks, the Tuesday sessions will include one hour of instruction, provided by a seasoned personal trainer. Teens will be given the tools they need to build their own strength training program, learn how to use the weight machines at the YMCA, set personal goals, learn proper eating habits and understand the science behind the number of reps and sets performed for what they are trying to achieve physically (strength, power, flexibility, etc.), Bibi explained.

In addition to this, teens will be provided with a 45-50-minute ART/STEAM/Self expression program tailored to the interests of the teens enrolled. There will also be a 30-minute Free-Write/Free Draw Expression class, where teens can interact socially with each other to build lifelong relationships, work on personal projects or tutor each other.

“Our vision is to launch this first session and gain insight from the local homeschooled teens as to what skills and classes they desire,” Bibi said.

Marie Scott leads the Judo sessions, while Hill is the art and music instructor.

Katie Hill leads a special session for homeschooled kids at the Orleans County YMCA. A new program is geared for teens.