Facebook

Medina

Medina resident wants upgrades to skate park

Photos by Tom Rivers: Alex Feig, left, shows some of the deterioration to the equipment and cracks in the asphalt at the skate park to Mayor Mike Sidari, and Joe Perry, superintendent of the Department of Public Works.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 August 2018 at 9:32 pm

Skate Jam on Sept. 15 may indicate if community interest in skate park improvements

Alex Feig shows one of the long cracks in the asphalt at the skate park that can cause people to tumble off their skateboards.

MEDINA – Alex Feig sees a revamped skate park as another draw for the Medina community, enhancing the quality of life for local residents and also bringing visitors to the village.

Medina has site for skateboarders at Butts Park. But the site, built on a former tennis court, has cracks in the asphalt and the 20-year-old ramps, ledges and quarter pipes are showing their age.

“We have the space but right now it’s being underutilized,” Feig said about the skate park on South Main Street at Butts.

Feig, 32, would like to see the asphalt, which is prone to deterioration, be replaced with a concrete surface. The tennis courts are also too big. A smaller area would be better, Feig said. He’d like to see the fences removed so it’s an open area. If he had his wish, he would like to see bowls that skaters would go down and pick up speed and then be able to do different skating tricks.

Other communities have opened skating parks, including Amherst just last month. The Alix Rice Peace Park has a series of deep concrete bowls and other challenging features.

Feig has reached out the Tony Hawk Foundation, which has matching funds to develop new skate parks.

“If we dream big it could become a tourist attraction,” Feig said. “Skate parks can draw a lot of people in.”

Feig has planned a skate jam on Sept. 15 at the skate park at Butts from 1 to 4 p.m. The event is led by the Medina Skate Society with the Orleans United Drug Free Communities Coalition a sponsor. Orleans United for eight years held a skating competition and demonstration at the park.

The Sept. 15 event includes a competition for the best trick. There will also be free food and music, and a skateboard and helmet giveaway.

Feig also wants to use the event to gauge interest in upgrading the skate park. It would take community fundraising to improve the site.

Alex Feig meets with Mayor Mike Sidari at the site today. Feig said concrete would be a better surface than asphalt. Feig also said the fences should be removed and area made smaller. A big goal would be to have bowls that people could skate in.

The village already is using about $500 given in memory of Luke Nelson, a skateboarder from Middleport who often used the park. He was 23 when he passed away on April 22, 2017. The money given in his memory went towards a repair kit for the cracks in the asphalt.

Luke’s mother, Terri Nelson, said she would like to see a bench at the park for parents to sit while they watch their children. She brought her son to the park numerous times because there wasn’t a designated spot in Middleport where skateboarders felt welcome.

Feig, who works at WBTA radio station in Batavia, said skateboarding was popular when he was a kid 20 years ago. He got away from it as a young adult but now is back at it.

“It’s a physical activity, but it’s also an artform,” Feig said about skateboarding. “Everyone goes at their own pace.”

Skateboarding will be a sport in the Olympics for the first time in 2020. He expects the sport will get a boost from that, drawing more participants.

Terri Nelson, Alex Feig and Pat Crowley, director of the Orleans United Drug Free Communities Coalition, hold a banner promoting a skate jam on Sept. 15 at Butts Park.

Return to top

Donations allow Medina Fire Department to purchase new boat

Photo courtesy of Medina firefighter Jacob Crooks: Firefighters Tim Miller and Adam Fisher and Captain Matt Jackson try out the Medina Fire Department’s new inflatable boat in the Canal Basin.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 19 August 2018 at 8:31 am

MEDINA – The Medina Fire Department has a new boat, thanks to the efforts of a local businessman and the generosity of the community.

Jeff Lyons, owner of Lyons Collision, was at the scene with his tow truck where a man had driven into the canal on Aug. 17, 2017. He noticed the condition of the fire department’s row boat, when they tried to carry divers out to the submerged truck.

Photo by Tom Rivers: A boat for the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department marine patrol was brought from Lake Alice in Carlton to help locate a submerged truck in the Erie Canal on Aug. 17, 2017. That boat didn’t have working sonar. A magnet was tied to rope to try to locate the truck.

“Our boat couldn’t handle the divers and their tanks,” said fire chief Tom Lupo. “It was a 1963 with a 1954 motor.”

As a result, the Orleans County sheriff’s boat had to be called, which resulted in a wait of more than an hour.

Shortly after that day, Lyons went to businesses and individuals in the community and secured $7,000 in donations, which was enough to cover the cost of the Inmar inflatable boat and 25 hp Suzuki motor, with a little left over.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Medina Fire Department captain Jonathan Higgins, firefighter Joe Simmons and Mayor Mike Sidari take a ride in the fire department’s new inflatable boat, which was launched to escort the Corning Museum of Glass Barge into the canal basin on Aug. 9.

With the extra money and only $300 out of the village budget, firefighters Jacob Crooks and Joseph Simmons were able to rebuild the fire department’s existing trailer.

“They did a terrific job, and so inexpensively,” Lupo said. “It was way cheaper than buying a new trailer.”

The boat made its maiden voyage on Aug. 9, when it was launched to escort the Corning Glass barge into the Canal Basin for its weekend visit with the schooner, Lois McClure.

Lupo said the engine had to be properly broken in, idling it for an hour, then running it at a low speed for two hours.

Return to top

With new waterfront plan, Medina aims to dream big

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 August 2018 at 10:03 am

Waterfalls access, more canal amenities, more downtown businesses, and revamped playgrounds

Photos by Tom Rivers: Kimberly Baptiste, project leader of the Medina Local Waterfront Development Plan, meets with committee members on Wednesday during the kickoff meeting for the project. Baptiste works for Bergmann Associates, a firm hired to help Medina create the new plan. Committee members pictured from clockwise by Baptiste include Lisa Tombari, Tim Elliott, Chris Goyette, Marty Busch, Debbie Padoleski, Mike Sidari, Chris Busch and Kathy Blackburn.

MEDINA – A committee tasked with reimagining the Medina waterfront met for the first time Wednesday evening as part of an initiative to better capitalize on the Erie Canal, Glenwood Lake and other nearby assets, including the historic downtown.

The Village of Medina was awarded a $37,500 state grant in December to develop a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program. The LWRP is critical for developing a plan, both short-term and long-term, for the waterfront and also to help Medina pursue public and private investment for projects to make the waterfront and nearby areas more attractive.

Many state grants, for example, want to know if projects are in line with a LWRP. Medina currently does not have that kind of plan and it has hurt the community’s chances for funding, including a $10 million downtown revitalization grant. That money last year went to the City of Batavia. Medina isn’t applying this year partly because it doesn’t have the LWRP in place, Mayor Mike Sidari said.

He is on the LWRP group which includes members of the Village Board, Planning Board, Medina Business Association and other community members.

The committee said the village has come a long way in the past 20 to 30 years, with a vibrant downtown, other projects completed, and many well-attended community events. However, the Canal Basin is falling short of its potential for local residents and for attracting more visitors.

“Twenty years ago we did a lot on the waterfront and then it stopped,” said Marty Busch, the village’s code enforcement officer. “We have to keep going.”

Medina has a wide basin at the canal and it has docks for boaters and bathrooms by the canal. But Busch said it needs a launch for boaters and kayakers.

Mary Lewis, owner of Creekside Floral and a committee member, said a top priority for the LWRP should be a plan for making the Medina Waterfalls more accessible to the public. Many people take a treacherous path on private property right now to see the falls. Lewis and other committee members said the waterfalls should be safely accessible to the public. That site, if publicly accessible, would be a big draw for the community.

Lewis has her floral business on Main Street. The first floor shops are mostly full in the downtown, but Lewis said there is room for more small businesses in the downtown buildings. She would like to see the total number double or triple in the downtown, to make the business district an even greater draw. The LWRP should include ideas to boost more entrepreneurs in the community, she said.

The Hydrobikes and kayaks for Pedal and Paddle Medina are docked in Medina’s Canal Basin. Some members on a committee to develop a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program want to add a launch for boats and kayaks.

The plan should also address the need to upgrade village parks with new playground equipment, and perhaps walking trails and other amenities. (Mayor Sidari and Village Trustee Tim Elliott said new playground equipment will be installed at Butts Park in September.)

Chris Busch, chairman of the Village Planning Board and also the Tree Board, said some community members had big dreams for Medina 20-30 years ago. Back then the pessimists made it more difficult to get projects in motion, but some optimists persevered.

“People don’t realize what we have,” Busch said. “There’s defeatism.”

The Medina Waterfalls are one of the most striking sights in Orleans County, yet there isn’t public access that gives a good look at the natural wonder.

Busch and others on the current committee said naysayers remain vocal in the community, and they need to be swayed about Medina’s assets and the community’s potential.

“Many have said, ‘We’re not Fairport,’” Busch said. “They act like this is our lot in life and we need to accept it. But we’ve come a long way and we have more to go.”

The LWRP will do an inventory of the assets in the community and look for ways to better capitalize on those resources, and also add more amenities.

The committee will meet again in September and October, and there will be at least three public meetings for residents to provide input.

The goal is to have a draft plan complete in March, and to send it to the state Department of State for approval. That document can then be used to help Medina pursue public and private financing for identified projects.

Orleans County also received a $62,000 state grant in December to develop a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program for the canal communities outside the Village of Medina. That includes the towns of Shelby, Ridgeway, Gaines, Albion and Murray, and the villages of Albion and Holley. That project is expected to start soon.

Return to top

Medina restaurant pays homage to canal, while showing confidence in community’s future

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 August 2018 at 11:48 am

Photos by Tom Rivers: There isn’t an obvious sign on the storefront that says Mile 303. Look for this sign with the horse. Tim Hungerford, the owner, said he enjoys discovering bars and restaurants that aren’t always prominently marked.

MEDINA – A new restaurant in downtown Medina honors the community’s connection to the Erie Canal, while trying to “push the envelope” culturally with the food, alcohol and artwork.

Tim Hungerford opened Mile 303 on May 5 at 416 Main St. A long blue table is a sculpture designed to represent the canal. The sculpture also serves as the bar and the table tops.

Hungerford’s brother Brian, an architect in Chicago, designed the sculpture and Tim built it in a course of a year, using maple wood.

The wall facing the bar also includes a mural with a canal theme, featuring celestial horses pulling a canal boat. Even the name of the establishment, Mile 303, is connected to the canal. Medina’s mile marker by the lift bridge is 303. The canal runs 363 miles from Buffalo to Albany.

Hungerford and his wife, Teresa Misiti, bought the building five years ago and created a loft apartment for their family on the third floor. The second floor is used for their work offices.

Hungerford is a software developer and his wife has her doctorate degree and works as an environmental engineer. They have three daughters.

“We bought the building to be part of the effort to push Medina forward,” Hungerford said.

Tim Hungerford and his wife Teresa Misiti are pictured inside Mile 303 with their daughters, from left: Lou, Netta and Elsie.

As a kid Hungerford picked up cigarette butts and other trash at the Curry Building on Main Street, which is owned by his father, Roger Hungerford.

Tim has experienced his father’s commitment to Medina and Tim wants to make his own contributions to his hometown. Roger owns the Olde Pickle Factory and is working to turn the old high school into apartments and renovate the Bent’s Opera Hall. He also led the Sigma International company in Medina before selling it to Baxter in 2012.

Tim Hungerford was eager to leave Medina when he graduated at 18. After living in several major cities including New York City, Chicago and San Francisco, Hungerford wanted to come back home in 2013.

He and his wife, also a Medina native, were expecting their first child. They wanted to be close to family and contribute to downtown atmosphere and rebirth of Main Street, and bring some urban ethos.

They bought the building at 416 Main St., and set about a major transformation of the site.

Alex Shepherd of Kenmore created the mural. Hungerford said he has plans for two more murals.

The first floor at 416 Main St. had most previously been home to FastFitness, which moved to West Avenue across from the library in September 2013. The top floor hadn’t been occupied in about 70 years. The second floor hadn’t been used, except for storage, for about 30 years.

The building renovations were a major effort and involved filling 38 dumpsters holding 2 ½ tons. The items were all carried out by hand.

With Mile 303, they wanted to create a cultural experience, where customers are exposed to art while tasting “modern and fresh food on the lighter side.”

The walls have framed moss art which was created by a botanist, Elizabeth Thomas, of Buffalo. She has recently moved to Chicago.

Benjamin Pecoraro is the head chef and he prepares the meals in kitchen out in the open in front of customers. The menu has a strong focus on seasonal, organic, locally produced food and small batch artisanal spirits.

“It’s local-ingredients driven,” Hungerford said.

He has known Pecoraro for 20 years, with the two playing in bands together.

The bar side includes custom cocktails and beer from local craft to Genny Light. Leonard Oakes Estate Winery in Medina supplies white and red wine on tap, as well as cider, in addition to a bottled wine list.

Hungerford said the menu and beers will change frequently. The restaurant and bar is open Thursday though Sunday.

For more on Mile 303, click here.

Hungerford and Misiti also have plans to open a general store next door that he wants to be “a Viddler’s in a modern format,” Hungerford said referring to the popular store in East Aurora. The Medina site will have canned alcoholic products, gifts and other items.

This shows part of the mural inside Mile 303. Hungerford believes art projects can add to Medina’s quality of life and entice more visitors to the community.

Return to top

Assemblyman from Bronx tours Orleans

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 August 2018 at 5:42 pm

Hawley invites colleague from Albany to see local agriculture, downtown business district

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Mayor Mike Sidari of Medina, right, gives Assemblyman Michael Benedetto (left), a Democrat from the Bronx, a tour of Main Street in Medina this afternoon along with Assemblyman Steve Hawley, a Republican from Batavia.

Hawley invited Benedetto to see some of the 139th Assembly District, which includes most of Orleans, all of Genesee and a portion of western Monroe.

Hawley and Benedetto say they are good friends who got to know each other on the Veterans’ Committee in the Assembly. Benedetto was the committee chairman with Hawley the ranking member.

“This brings about a more upstate-downstate respect for each other,” Hawley said about welcoming a downstate Democrat to the local community for a tour. “We treat each other with respect whether we agree or disagree.”

Today was the first time Benedetto has been in Orleans County. He has been to Western New York before, visiting Niagara Falls and Buffalo. Before seeing downtown Medina, Hawley showed him the Green Harbor Campgrounds & Marina in Lyndonville, LynOaken Farms in Lyndonville, and Torrey Farms in Yates. They had lunch at Avanti’s in Medina.

Hawley will go to the Bronx to see Benedetto’s district. This is the fourth Assembly member Hawley has hosted from the other side of the state.

Benedetto said he was grateful for the chance to meet some of the local farmers and business owners.

“You find out we’re all people and we’re more alike than different,” he said.

Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, and Medina Mayor Mike Sidari are pictured in downtown Medina. Sidari told the two Assembly members there are 95 businesses in the downtown business district with near full occupancy in the downtown.

“This is America,” Hawley said in showing Benedetto around Medina. “This is an American Main Street. It’s gorgeous.”

During the tour of Green Harbor Campgrounds & Harbor, Hawley highlighted the impact from last year’s flooding on Lake Ontario and the difficulty some business owners are having in accessing state funding that was intended to help homeowners and businesses recover from the damage.

At LynOaken and Torrey Farms, Benedetto was shown some of the latest trends and investments in agriculture, including a rotary milking parlor at Torrey’s dairy farm on Route 18 in Yates.

After lunch at Avanti’s, Benedetto and Hawley were scheduled to go to Genesee County to see Z&M (Landpro Equipment) in Oakfield, Genesee Community College in Batavia, Chapin Manufacturing in Batavia, Batavia Downs and then have dinner at Fortunes restaurant at the Downs.

Return to top

Medina’s Class of 1973 gets together for reunion

Staff Reports Posted 14 August 2018 at 8:26 am

Provided photo

MEDINA – Members from Medina High School’s Class of 1973 celebrated their 45th reunion Saturday evening at the Knights of Columbus in Medina.

Nearly 60 class members attended with some travelling from Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky, Florida, Ohio, Rhode Island and Michigan, as well as many from all over New York state.  A good time was had by all and everyone is looking forward to the next gathering.

Return to top

Medina was happy to host Glass Barge, replica canal schooner

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Glass blower Helen Tegeler holds a shield next to Lukas Milanak’s arm to protect him from 1,000-degree glass while he shapes a glass vase. He must keep it turning at all times to maintain its shape. They are doing their demonstration on the Corning Glass Museum’s barge in Medina on Sunday.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 13 August 2018 at 3:44 pm

MEDINA – Fair weather and two historic boats are credited with bringing a crowd of people to Medina’s canal basin this weekend.

Events began with the arrival on Thursday of the schooner Lois McClure and the Corning Glass Museum Barge. The two boats have been traveling together this summer to ports along the canal from Brooklyn to Buffalo in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal.

Both boats drew a multitude of visitors Saturday and Sunday.

Glass blower Helen Tegeler shows two apples she created on the Corning Glass Museum barge as a gift to the village of Medina.

The crew of the Lois McClure, a replica of an 1800s’ schooner, welcomed visitors aboard to see how crew members would have lived on such a boat.

On the Corning Glass Museum barge, visitors watched a half-hour demonstration on glass blowing, while announcer Stephanie Perry explained the process.

One of the visitors was Sally Prakapas of Michigan, who saw the Corning glass demonstration on a cruise ship.

“In fact, glass blower Helen Tegeler was working on the ship and told us they were going to be in Medina,” Prakapas said. “I owed a grandson a vacation, so we decided to go to Corning and stop in Medina on the way to see the glass barge again.”

Prakapas arrived in Medina on Saturday and the first thing she did was visit the Culvert, she said.

“That was pretty awesome,” she said. “This is a beautiful town and I plan to come back and bring my husband.”

Alaina Wilson, who started the fundraising to build a dog park in Medina, takes a turn in the dunk tank, which was set up in Medina’s canal basin over the weekend to raise money. The $500 earned in three hours on Saturday far exceeded her expectations, she said.

Another highlight of the weekend was a dunk tank, featuring local politicians and notables, including the captains of the Lois McClure and the Corning Glass Museum Barge. Money raised will help build a dog park in Medina. Leonard Oakes provided wine tastings each day and a food truck served up barbecue.

Two local favorite bands entertained each afternoon, and crews of both boats said visitors to their vessels was a record.

Dawn Borchet with Orleans County Tourism said T-shirts they were selling were very popular, with the words “Barge into Medina. Get that Erie feeling.”

The Lois McClure and glass barge will continue their journey, heading down Seneca Lake to Watkins Glen, Stephanie Perry said.

Dawn Borchers, director of the Orleans County Tourism Department, displays one of the T-shirts they sold in Medina’s Canal Basin during the visit of the schooner Lois McClure and the Corning Glass Museum barge.

Return to top

New sewing lounge in Medina combines owner’s love of fashion with needle and thread

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Donna Bryant of Medina sits at one of the sewing machines in her new sewing lounge in Medina, scheduled to open Sept. 11. The Atelier is located at 422 Main St.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 13 August 2018 at 1:32 pm

‘It is just like a gym membership, where you use the gym equipment at your schedule for a monthly fee. A sewing lounge works the same, but with sewing equipment and machines.’ –  Donna Bryant

MEDINA – Donna Bryant may have three PhDs, but the thing which makes her happiest is a needle and thread.

Bryant, the former Donna Piedmont of Middleport, has retired from her high profile professions to indulge in her first love – sewing.

She recently set up shop at 422 Main St., former site of Creekside Floral. Her new business – The Atelier – is a unique concept called a sewing lounge. She says it’s like bringing a little bit of Paris to Medina.

Bryant’s love for fashion and sewing comes from her mother Irene, who was a pattern drafter at the former Newell Shirt Factory in Medina. She is dedicating The Atelier to her mother.

She originally wanted to open her sewing lounge in the Newell building, she said.

Middleport native Donna Bryant, currently of Medina, points out the amenities in her new store in Medina, a sewing lounge called The Atelier.

Bryant graduated from Royalton-Hartland High School, Buffalo State College and the University of Buffalo. She has PhDs in psychology, metaphysics and divinity with interfaith ministries. She studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and the exclusive Worcheska School of Custom Dressmaking in Buffalo.

“You need to keep learning,” she said.

As an accomplished seamstress, she has had clients for 45 years. She said there’s a lot more to clothing than people think.

Her extensive background in design and dressmaking included developing the fashion design and interior decorating program at BOCES Vocational Center, from which she retired after 30 years. She was also an adjunct professor at Genesee Community College for 15 years.

Bryant said sewing lounges currently exist only in big cities.

She explained the concept, saying a sewing lounge is a place with a variety of sewing machines, steaming and pressing equipment, cutting tables, dress forms and a photography station.

“It is just like a gym membership, where you use the gym equipment at your schedule for a monthly fee,” she said. “A sewing lounge works the same, but with sewing equipment and machines.”

A membership costs $35 for three months, and Bryant will be at her store from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday to accept registrations. People may also register by calling (716) 628-0568.

Her official opening is scheduled for Sept. 11.

Member work on their own projects which they bring in. Some assistance will be available.

Benefits of buying a membership are 10 percent off all sewing classes; sharing ideas and meeting others with similar interests; a wide variety of machines and equipment available for use; an atmosphere with limited distractions; and a creative environment and a place to participate in special events.

Bryant also said The Atelier is like a modern day Starbucks, with coffee and tea available – but at no charge.

The sewing lounge is not the time for people wanting to learn to sew – that can be accomplished through special sewing classes, Bryant said.

A variety of classes will be offered, including apparel construction, altered couture and handbags. Professional dressmaking classes will include flat pattern dressmaking, draping for dressmaking and pattern drafting. Sewing for the Home will teach pillows, table setting, slip covers, curtains and more.

Knitters of any level are welcome to join a knitters’ circle from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday evenings. They may bring their own projects and refreshments will be provided.

There will also be a quilting class and a two-hour workshop to become familiar with your own machine.

A class called Project Runway (one for adults and one for teenagers) runs for 20 weeks and will end in a fashion show in May. Projects will be judged by professionals, Bryant said.

Because of Orleans County’s connection to Macy’s famed Santa Claus, Charles W. Howard, Bryant plans to make Santa suits. She is also expecting to unveil five lines of her own clothing.

Bryant and her husband Dr. Clark Bryant currently live in Medina. She has a daughter, Janelle Harvey, who is a home economics teacher at Wilson, and a son, Wesley Salen, who lives in South Carolina.

Return to top

Medina Marching Band has intense camp to get ready for fall season

Staff Reports Posted 12 August 2018 at 7:40 pm

Photos courtesy of Kelly Kiebala

MEDINA – About 120 students in the Medina Marching Band had an intense of band camp last week, learning music, marching steps and overall choreography for the upcoming fall season.

The students and staff put in long hours, going from 1 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and then 1 to 5 p.m. on Friday.

Margaret “Maisie” Griffin is the drum major, leading the band.

This year’s theme is “Together As One.” They gave parents a sneak peek of the show on Thursday evening.

Medina will host the Fall Festival of Bands on Sept. 22.

Return to top

‘Friends’ make fundraising push for new Dog Park in Medina

Photos by Tom Rivers: Medina Village Trustee Owen Toale smiles after being plunged into the dunk tank on Saturday as part of a fundraiser for a new dog park in Medina. Medina Mayor Mike Sidari also spent an hour in the dunk tank on Saturday.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 August 2018 at 10:24 am

MEDINA – Organizers for a new dog park in Medina are making a push to raise $20,000 for the project.

The dog park would be the first in Orleans County. It is planned to be located next to the former compost plant on North Gravel Road.

Friends of the Dog Park Committee said it needs about $12,000 for fencing, and additional money for agility equipment.

The new park would have three fenced-in areas, one for small dogs, one for large dogs and an agility area.

Alaina Wilson is leading the fund-raising efforts for the dog park. She is pictured with her boyfriend, Andrew Zapf of Rochester, at a table with information about the park.

The committee is in the Canal Basin this weekend, running a dunk tank, and selling frisbees and bracelets for the dog park.

They are at the Basin this weekend while two high-profile vessels are visiting Medina. The Lois McClure is a replica of a canal schooner from 1862 and is open for tours. The boat is joined by Corning Museum of Glass barge, which will offer glass-making demonstrations over the weekend.

The Friends of Medina Dog Park is also promoting a “Dog Days of Summer” fundraiser on Aug. 18 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery. That event will include a souvenir wine glass, wine, hors d’oeuvres, live music, a basket raffle and a live auction. For more information, click here to be directed to Facebook page for Friends of Medina Dog Park.

There are souvenir frisbees available to raise funds for the dog park.

The committee also welcomes donations. “Top dog sponsors” who give at least $500 will be recognized on an advertising board at the park.

Donations can be sent to Friends of Medina Dog Park, 818 West Center St., Medina. NY 14103.

The Medina Village Board has agreed to set aside about 1 acre of the land at the former compost plant for the dog park.

Wilson said the park will be a place to take dogs for exercise, and to work on training and social skills. She said the park will draw visitors to Medina, boosting the local economy.

She expects construction of the dog park will start next spring.

Photo by Lucy Rivers: Ken McPherson fires a ball at the target and dunks Tom Rivers, editor of the Orleans Hub.

The lineup in the dunk tunk today includes

  • 3 – 4 p.m. – Eric Rintouck, captain of the Lois McClure
  • 4 – 5 p.m. – Medina Fire Chief Tom Lupo
  • 5 – 6 p.m. – Steve Gibbs, senior manager of Hot Glass Programs and Business Technology Development at the Corning Museum of Glass

Return to top

Glass Barge, schooner ready for busy weekend in Medina

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Two watercraft from Paddle Medina are tied up near two big boats which arrived in Medina’s Canal Basin on Thursday morning. The Corning Museum of Glass barge and schooner Lois McClure are docked together and will be open for tours Saturday and Sunday. A full schedule of events have been planned both days to celebrate the boats’ visit.

Staff Reports Posted 10 August 2018 at 9:29 am

Dunk tank added to support dog park

MEDINA – The main attractions arrived in Medina on Thursday ahead of a busy weekend in the Canal Basin.

The Lois McClure, a replica of a canal schooner from 1862, is back for a weekend of tours. The boat is joined by Corning Museum of Glass barge, which will offer glass-making demonstrations over the weekend.

Medina’s Tourism Committee has events planned while the glass barge and Lois McClure are in town. The ships will be welcomed in opening ceremonies at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday.

New this year will be a wine tasting booth from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day by Leonard Oakes Estate Winery.

The Lois McClure is tied up at the dock below Five Star Bank on Thursday morning, awaiting the arrival of the Corning Museum of Glass barge. Standing at the rail is the boat’s captain Eric Rintouck, who said they will spend Friday relaxing and touring the Medina area.

A food truck is expected on site from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, and Pedal and Paddle boats will be available in the canal basin.

More children’s activities are planned this year, including a bounce house, dunk tank and face painting.

Two bands will entertain, Acoustically Sound from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday  and Pocket Change from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The Kendall Lawn Chair Ladies also will perform on Saturday from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Another highlight will be food demonstrations and dancing from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday by Mariachi de Oro Mexican Restaurant.

There will also be a dunk tank on Saturday and Sunday to raise money for a dog park in the village.

Participants in the dunk tank Saturday include:.

• 3 to 4 p.m.  – Medina Mayor Mike Sidari

• 4 – 5 p.m.  – Village Trustee Owen Toale

• 5 – 6 p.m.  – Orleans Hub Editor Tom Rivers

Sunday

• 3 – 4 p.m. – Eric Rintouck, captain of the Lois McClure

• 4 – 5 p.m. – Medina Fire Chief Tom Lupo

• 5 – 6 p.m. – Steve Gibbs, senior manager of Hot Glass Programs and Business Technology Development at the Corning Museum of Glass

Two boats arrived in Medina on Thursday morning that will be open for tours on Saturday and Sunday. The schooner Lois McClure, escorted by the Orleans County Sheriff’s boat, arrived first, with the Corning Museum of Glass barge arriving a short time later. The C.L. Churchill, a 1964 tugboat, pushes the Lois McClure along the canal.

Return to top

Medina Rotary inducts new members, honors 2 others for service

Posted 9 August 2018 at 10:14 am

Provided photos, Medina Rotary Club

MEDINA – The Rotary Club of Medina honored two of its members as Paul Harris Fellows, the highest award a Rotarian can receive. The awards were presented to Medina Rotarians Edee Hoffmeister (left), owner of Celebrity Day Spa, and Gary Lawton (right), co-owner of Karen’s Collectibles & Upholstery. The presentation was made by Past President Bill Bixler (center) at the regular meeting on Wednesday.

Edee and Gary are long-time Rotarians who support every event sponsored by the Rotary Club through their presence and hard work. Both have held several offices throughout their tenure in the club including president.

The presentation of Paul Harris Award is Rotary Foundation’s way of expressing its appreciation for substantial contributions to humanitarian and educational programs. It is named for Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris, a Chicago lawyer who started Rotary International with three business associates in 1905.

Edee and Gary join a remarkable company of persons who are recognized for their investment in the ideal of good will, peace and understanding. It is the goal of Rotarians the world over and one that both Edee and Gary share.

The Medina Rotary Club also installed two new members at meeting on Wednesday.

President Carl Tuohey (center) welcomed new members Mike Cavanagh, left, who is principal at Medina High School and Angela DiRosa, executive director of the Orleans Community Health Foundation.

Club members are excited to have Mike and Angela join Medina Rotary. They are both active members of the Medina community and look forward to working with Medina Rotary on the many programs involved.

The next event the club will support is the Super Cruise on Main Street in Medina on Wednesday, August 29.

Return to top

Corning Glass barge, replica canal schooner will be in Medina this weekend

Photo by Tom Rivers: A 30′ x 80′ canal barge equipped with Corning Museum of Glass’s patented all-electric glassmaking equipment pulled into Holley on July 24. Corning and its glassmakers have been touring the canal this summer. The barge will be in Medina this weekend for demonstrations.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 August 2018 at 10:12 am

MEDINA – The Medina community is again preparing to welcome the historic schooner Lois McClure to the canal basin, this time accompanied by the Corning Glass barge.

Medina Tourism Committee has planned a weekend of events to celebrate the boats’ visit Aug. 11 and 12, according to Kelly Kiebala, a member of the Medina Tourism Committee.

The Lois McClure first visited Medina in 2007 and has made several return visits since.

“They really like Medina,” said Jim Hancock, chairman of the Medina Tourism Committee.

The ships will be welcomed in opening ceremonies at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 11.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: The Lois McClure docks in Medina’s canal basin during its 2017 trip down the Erie Canal. The schooner is again traveling the canal this summer, accompanied by the Corning Glass barge. They will be docked in Medina Aug. 11 and 12.

New this year will be a wine tasting booth from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day by Leonard Oakes Winery.

A food truck is expected on site from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, and Pedal and Paddle boats will be available in the canal basin.

More children’s activities are planned this year, including a bounce house, dunk tank and face painting, Kiebala said.

Two bands will entertain, Acoustically Sound from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday  and Pocket Change from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The Kendall Lawn Chair Ladies also will perform on Saturday from 6:30 to 7 p.m.

Tours of the Lois McClure will be available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, as will glass blowing demonstrations on the Corning Glass barge. Reservations are required for the glass blowing demonstrations and may be made online at www.cmog.org. Some may also be available each day, Hancock said.

Another highlight will be food demonstrations and dancing from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday by Mariachi de Oro Mexican Restaurant.

“We are fortunate to have these boats visit on the weekend,” Hancock said. “It will make for a nice event, with the music, demonstrations and wine tasting.”

The schooner Lois McClure, accompanied by the Orleans County Sheriff’s boat, rounds the bend under the State Street bridge in Medina during its 2017 visit. The schooner will return Aug. 11 and 12 with the Corning Glass barge. Admission is free to both.

Return to top

Farm to Table Dinner organizers thankful for ‘magical’ event on Thursday

Posted 4 August 2018 at 1:25 pm

Press Release, Orleans Renaissance Group

Photos courtesy of Emily Pellicano, Simply Em Productions: The 220 participants at the Farm-To-Table dinner on Thursday evening enjoy a six-course meal on a closed-off section of Main Street.

MEDINA – “Epic.” “Magical.”

Words like these were used again and again to describe the experience diners had at Medina’s third Farm to Table Dinner on Thursday evening.

A record crowd of 220 from Rochester to Buffalo and beyond gathered on Medina’s Main Street, in the heart of the village’s Downtown Historic District.

The annual gala affair is hosted by the Orleans Renaissance Group, Inc., a Medina area 501(c)(3) arts and cultural organization, as a fund-raiser for the local Canal Village Farmers’ Market.

The market, sponsored by ORG, is managed by Gail Miller and is open Saturdays through October at 127 West Center St.

At the helm of the dinners is Michael Zambito, owner and chef at Medina’s renown Zambistro restaurant. The first dinner occurred in 2016 with Chef Zambito preparing a five-course gourmet meal for 137 guests. The 2017 dinner saw a collaboration between Zambistro and local Mexican restaurant, Mariachi de Oro, and an expansion to accommodate 200 patrons.

This year, Zambistro and Mariachi were joined by chefs from Sourced Market & Eatery, Mile 303 and the Shirt Factory, all of Medina, for a full six-course dinner and over 200 people.

All of the ingredients used in the meal were locally sourced and farm-fresh, provided almost entirely from the vendors at Canal Village Farmers’ Market. Proceeds from the dinner go to the market.

At 4 p.m., Medina’s Main Street was closed off and the transformation began in earnest. Chefs and staff from all five restaurants descended on the place, working with volunteers from the Canal Village Farmers’ Market to remake the historic district into a sensational dinner venue.

At 6 p.m., arriving guests were welcomed a glass of award winning Tiny Bubbles sparkling wine from Schulze Vineyards, a Chef’s Course prepared by Zambistro – a Roasted Corn Hush Puppy with Lobster, Italian rice, corn meal, and poblano cream. Diners found arrayed before them an impressive table, stretching nearly 200 feet along the thoroughfare, set with simple elegance.

The Main Street Historic District, listed on both the National and NYS Registers of Historic Places, provided a stunning backdrop of magnificently preserved 19th century architecture in the soft light of the evening sun.

The desserts were prepared by the Shirt Factory.

As the evening progressed, words like “magical,” “captivating,” “dazzling” and “gorgeous” were heard as patrons dined on gourmet courses such as Chile Verde Empanada- pork shoulder, green tomatillos, red tomatoes, garlic and wild verdolago plant, and Chicken Three Ways- egg pasta, chicken thigh tortellini, sous vide chicken breast, anise beurre blanc and carrot dust.

Each course was paired with some of the finest award-winning wines and mead from the Niagara Wine Trail from Schulze Vineyards, Leonard Oakes Estate Winery, Liten Buffel, Chateau Niagara and 810 Meadworks. Staff from the wineries poured for the guests and explained the pairings.

As twilight began to fall on the scene, dessert provided by the Shirt Factory was served. Summer Berry Chocolate Cake is a layered chocolate cake with mixed summer berry buttercream with chocolate ganache, paired with Raspberry Mead from 810 Meadworks. While guests savored their last delicious bites, a standing ovation was given for the chefs, servers, wineries and volunteers who executed a flawless evening.

Guests dispersed with smiles on their faces, joining the after party at Fitzgibbons Celtic Pub and Mile 303, already looking forward to next years’ dinner.

Corporate sponsorship of the event was generously provided by Pride Pak, a recent addition to Medina’s corporate community. The company operates a new state-of-the-art 64,000 square foot, fresh vegetable processing facility on NYS Rte. 31A.

“We are immensely grateful for Pride Pak’s continuing commitment, not only to Medina but to this great community event. They were our first sponsor in 2016,” said Chris Busch, ORG President. “Without CEO Steve Karr and the Pride Pak team, this event would’ve gotten off the ground three years ago.”

Also providing sponsorship was Takeform Architectural Graphics. Also located on Rte. 31A, they are designers and manufacturers of architectural signage & graphics for interior & exterior environments. “Bill Hungerford and Takeform are well known for their dedication to our community and we’re grateful for their support.”

Additional sponsorship was also provided by LaBella Associates of Rochester, NY

Tickets for the event were $100 each and sold out within 30 minutes after going on sale.

Brockport resident and blogger, Lori Skoog, has attended all three dinners. Writing in her blog, The Skoog Farm Journal, she states, “If you plan on going next year, do not hesitate to get your tickets the minute they are available. This year they were sold out in a heartbeat!”

Historic Main Street provided an elegant backdrop for the event.

Return to top

Closed-off Main Street in Medina is a striking setting to serve a meal

Photos by Tom Rivers: There were 220 people who enjoyed a dinner on a closed-off section of Main Street this evening in Medina.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 August 2018 at 10:24 pm

More restaurants and wineries involved for third annual Farm-To-Table Dinner as crowd gets bigger

MEDINA – The third annual Farm-To-Table dinner in Medina included a record crowd of 220 people, as well as four restaurants, six wineries and dessert from the Shirt Factory Cafe.

It made for a memorable evening for the crowd that gathered for the five-course meal on a closed-off section of Main Street.

“We’re lucky everyone works so well together,” said Kara Zambito, general manager of Zambistro, one of the four restaurants that prepared meals for the dinner.

Her husband, Michael Zambito, has been a driving force behind the Farm-to-Table, and has reached out to many of the wineries and restaurants.

Jerod Thurber of Leonard Oakes Estate Winery serves a Riesling from the winery on Ridge Road in Medina.

Zambistro prepared the meal for the first Farm-to-Table, which had 137 guests in 2016. Last year it increased to 200 and Zambistro partnered with Mariachi De Oro. This dinner included new restaurants Mile 303 and Sourced Market & Eatery. The Shirt Factory, which has new owners, also was part of the effort with pastry chef Abby Thaine preparing summer berry chocolate cake.

All of the ingredients used in the meal were locally sourced and farm-fresh, provided almost entirely from the vendors at Canal Village Farmers’ Market. Proceeds from the dinner go to the market.

Jim and Kathy Baker, owners of Chateau Niagara in Newfane, were one of six wineries at the event in Medina. They praised the cooperation among the restaurants, wineries and the local government in putting on the event.

They were impressed to see how Medina shut down a section of Main Street, blocking it off from traffic with a fire truck at one end and a payloader at the other end.

The downtown, with the well-kept and occupied historic buildings, made for a dazzling setting, the Bakers said.

“This is a gorgeous old downtown,” Mr. Baker said while opening a bottle of wine. “It’s a beautiful venue.”

Summer Waite, a waitress with Zambistro, carries the first dish of the evening – roasted corn hush puppy – prepared by Zambistro.

Benji Pecoraro, head chef at Mile 303, and Katie Misiti, kitchen manager at Sourced Market & Eatery, get one of the courses ready for the crowd. This dish was prepared by Sourced and featured a beef brisket.

The tickets for the event sold out within 45 minutes of being available on July 6.

Sourced Market & Eatery prepared one of the courses with beef brisket, rye berry salad, quick pickle, and cherry mustard vinaigrette.

Tickets were $100 and were hot commodities. There were 200 available, and then another 20 seats for the corporate sponsors – Pride Pak, Takeform Architectural Graphics and LaBella Associates.

Wine from Chateau Niagara would be served with the second course, Chile Verde Empanada from Mariachi De Oro.

Leonel Rosario of Mariachi De Oro welcomed the chance to be part of the dinner again this year.

“I love being a part of the community and working together with all of the other businesses,” he said.

Return to top