By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 November 2017 at 10:25 am
MEDINA – There are 31 people with unpaid parking tickets in Medina, totaling about $3,000.
The Village Board is considering an offer from a collections company to have that business pursue the parking violators. Medina would get its full amount due, and the collections company would tack on an additional $40 or a 40 percent fee.
Medina Mayor Mike Sidari said the village should pursue the unpaid tickets.
“It’s not fair to the people that pay them to not going after the people who don’t pay them,” he said.
Before the village approves an agreement with Lakeview Processing of Medina, the Village Board wants to know if the business will be charging Medina for bills that are sent out, but continue to not be paid. Sidari doesn’t want to have Medina be billed by Lakeview for work that doesn’t lead to paid tickets.
The Village Board discussed the issue Monday during a board meeting.
Sidari said Medina should pursue the unpaid tickets or else other people may decide they don’t need to pay the fines.
In other action at Monday’s meeting, the board:
• Approved spending $7,500 for a 4-yard sander box for the Department of Public Works. The state will cover $5,900 of the cost with CHIPS funding, with Medina using $1,600 from equipment reserve for the remainder.
The sander box will allow Medina to have three plow trucks out instead of two, which should reduce overtime and allow the DPW to clear village streets faster, DPW Superintendent Joe Perry said.
• Approved a $7,500 contract with Wendel for a Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which will create a database of infrastructure, trees, cemetery plots and other village assets.
• Accepted the resignation of career firefighter Ashton Lang, who is joining the Gates Fire District.
Provided photo: David Miller, Gabrielle Calandra Barone and High School Principal Michael Cavanagh are pictured at last week’s ceremony.
Press Release, Medina Central School
MEDINA – Gabrielle Calandra Barone (Class of 1960) and David Miller (Class of 1966) were inducted into the Medina High School’s Distinguished Alumni Wall of Fame during a ceremony on Nov. 9.
The award was created to honor alumni, promote school spirit, foster pride in the Medina School District and serve as an incentive for current students. Alumni must have graduated at least 10 years ago and demonstrated success in one of the following: attained excellence in their chosen career, made outstanding contributions to their community or profession, or made outstanding contributions to humanity.
After graduation from Medina High School, Mrs. Barone continued her studies at Endicott College and Medaille College. While working part-time, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. She then moved to San Francisco, California with a career in retail, but moved back to the Medina area where she married and started a family. She managed women’s ready-to-wear retail locations throughout Western New York. She later became employed by Modern Corporation in Lewiston where she worked for ten years and then in 2002 began working with the Orleans Economic Development Agency.
Mrs. Barone has been extensively involved in the Medina community with her work with the Orleans Economic Development Agency, Medina Business Association, Boxwood Cemetery and Chapel, Job Corps Advisory Council, GLOW Workforce Investment Board and the Medina Sandstone Association. She was also an active member of the former League of Women Voters chapter of Orleans County. She is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.
She has been a tremendous asset to the Orleans Economic Development Agency and has been instrumental in bringing many new projects to the county in her role as Vice President. She has also assisted in upgrading established businesses such as Western New York Energy, Brunner International, Hinspergers Poly, CRFS, Cottages at Troutburg, Precision Packaging Products and Pride Pak. She helped guide both state and local support for several county projects from upgrading infrastructure to securing tax credits or grants and has proven to be invaluable in all aspects of economic development.
“I am very, very honored to be here today,” Mrs. Barone said. “I am the fourth member of the Class of 1960 to receive this award. My classmates are here and it’s a wonderful day.”
Mr. Miller went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Photographic Science from R.I.T. in 1970. He continued his education and in 1982 and earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration. He began working for St. Regis Paper Company in 1974 and worked in the paper industry for 26 years as a manager before retiring in 2000. He was awarded the prestigious Quality Award for Excellence for a “Process Improvement Project” which he initiated. He moved back to Medina after he retired and started Nuvisit Communications, a company that designs websites for non-profit and small businesses.
Mr. Miller has definitely immersed himself in the community of Medina since returning. He has served as a volunteer, site manager, board member and president for Habitat for Humanity. Because of his passion for history and his pride in his hometown, he is involved in the Medina Sandstone Society. He was instrumental in the fundraising and erection of the beautiful clock tower in Medina’s Rotary Park, a gift from the Class of 1966.
He is also involved in the Medina Lions’ Club, Medina Sandstone’s Hall of Fame, the Parade of Lights, the Medina Historical Society and the Genesee Community College Planning Committee for historical events. He and his wife, Gail, also began the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.
“I am very excited about being part of the Distinguished Alumni Wall of Fame,” he said. “I am very pleased. It’s a fantastic thing.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 November 2017 at 9:10 pm
MEDINA – The Village Board is considering a new name for an alley off Main Street by Mark’s Pizzeria. The alley was recently made one-way leading into a parking lot.
The Village Department of Public Works recently installed the one-way sign. It also put up a street name sign for “Proile Alley.” That name caught village officials off guard. They had never known the short street as Proile Alley. There hadn’t been a sign up for Proile, although it was in the village records by that name.
Village Trustee Todd Bensley is also the Medina historian. He said he would research how that alley was named Proile.
Mayor Mike Sidari said he is open to another name for the alley. He suggested Merchants Way in appreciation for the efforts of the many small business owners in the community.
Trustee Owen Toale suggested possibly naming the street for the late Vincent Cardone, who owned the Medina Theatre next to the alley.
Other prominent Medina residents to recognize with the street name could be the late Mayor Marcia Tuohey, former First Lady Frances Folsom, and perhaps others.
Village officials first want to know the origin of Proile and the significance of that name to the community.
The village has additional street naming opportunities soon in the future. The two new roadways by Pride Pak off Maple Ridge Road will soon be turned over to the village.
Medina will likely have a public hearing to accept those roads, which were built to public road standards as part of the Pride Pak project.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 November 2017 at 6:02 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MURRAY – Bill Bixler of Medina looks over some of the items up for bid on Saturday at the 24th annual benefit auction for the Orleans Community Health Foundation.
There were 160 items up for bid at the auction, which was formerly known as Treasure Island. The event usually raises about $32,000 to $39,000 for the foundation. The proceeds from Saturday’s event will go towards upgrading the surgical unit at Medina Memorial Hospital.
Matt Prawel and his mother Tina Prawel of Medina check out some of the items up for bid at the Hickory Ridge Golf Resort in Holley.
A jersey of Buffalo Sabres star, Jack Eichel, was among the many desired items at the auction.
Janice Strianese considers bidding on some of the times at the auction. She is the mother-in-law of Kim Gray, head of outpatient services at the hospital.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 November 2017 at 4:58 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
RIDGEWAY – Jennifer Hill-Young and her father Art Hill are pictured on Saturday evening at the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company. They threw a party to celebration 40 years of Art Hill Excavating.
The bash was attended by long-time customers, vendors and employees. Hill and his daughter wanted to express their appreciation for the people who have made the business a success for four decades.
“This is a celebration to thank everybody,” said Hill-Young.
Art Hill was 33 when he started the business. It has diversified and grown to 14 employees. Art Hill specializes in excavation for residential and commercial properties. The company also does blacktop and paving, demolition, landscaping and other services, including storage units.
“It seems like the time has just flown by,” Mr. Hill said. “It’s been quite a ride.”
Art Hill is happy to see Bob Varley of Medina. The two worked on many projects together.
Mr. Hill’s daughter joined the business nine years ago after working a corporate job in Charlotte, NC. Hill-Young wanted to work in her hometown with her father.
“I told her she would be a woman in a man’s world,” Hill recalled. “She told me, ‘I can do this.’”
Hill-Young has impressed her father, the employees and customers.
“She has brought a total coordination of the company, from bookkeeping to scheduling of clients,” Hill said.
Jennifer Hill-Young is now the business’s owner. Art Hill Excavating is a certified Women Business Enterprise.
Art Hill is now his daughter’s employee. Art is still the first one to arrive at work, and he enjoys operating a bulldozer and managing crews, Hill-Young said.
“He still guides us,” his daughter said.
Art said many of the workers have been with the business for 30 years or more. Their dedication and talent has been critical in Art Hill Excavating’s success.
“We have many long-term dedicated employees,” Art Hill said. “I love them all.”
MEDINA – Veterans at Medina Orchard Manor Rehabilitation & Nursing Center gathered Saturday morning to watch a gun salute in the courtyard. Veterans in the Medina and Albion VFW and American Legion were part of the ceremony at orchard Manor.
Taps was played. The gentlemen then came indoors to greet the nursing home veterans, to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and sing God Bless America together.
This tradition has been going on for many years to pay tribute to Veterans at the nursing home.
Jim Freas, right, and other veterans spent part of the morning visiting residents at Orchard Manor.
Veterans were happy to shake hands and meet the nursing home residents.
Frank Berger, right, shakes hands with resident Robbie Hoffman.
MEDINA – Roger Hungerford met with the Medina Lions Club on Tuesday to discuss the renovation projects at the Bent’s Opera House and the former Medina High School. Hungerford was invited by Lions Club member Dave Belluci to share about the projects.
Hungerford, CEO and founder of Talis Equity, discussed “Impact Restoration,” an initiative to build on the momentum in the community and the string of recent development projects in Medina’s historic downtown district. Impact Restoration focuses on restoring buildings of community and cultural significance to positively impact the surrounding area.
Some of the current projects include the restoration of the Bent’s Opera House and the old high school in Medina. Contingent upon approvals from the state and village, the buildings will be restored and renovated, over the next 18-24 months, with intentions to bring it back to its original luster for modern day use.
This rendering shows how Bent’s will look after renovations.
Plans for the old Medina high school include adapting it into a loft community known as Mustang City. Built in 1922, the building is solid and full of unique details, including hundreds of beautiful windows, wood floors found in the classrooms and interesting staircases throughout. Mustang City presents an opportunity to build apartments with amenities currently not offered in the area.
Bent’s Opera House is remarkably well preserved and will be brought back to its original luster. While the third floor will be restored faithfully into one of the most unique wedding and event venues in New York State, the first and second floors will experience a dramatic redesign into a restaurant and modern boutique hotel space. The building next door, also included in the redesign, will be home to a market serving healthy options.
Readapting historic buildings to preserve rich history and redesigning the space into meaningful use is one aspect. The Impact Restoration developments compliment the area’s overall resurgence. Bent 360°, a component of the Bent Opera House project, spotlights interesting places and authentic experiences in a charming small town.
This is an exciting time in Medina’s story. Impact Restoration is proud to contribute to the many influences elevating the area, Hungerford told the Lions Club.
Courtesy of John Dieter, Cub Master, Pack 35 in Medina
MEDINA – This past weekend Cub Scouts Packs 28 & 35 spent time canvasing the Village of Medina putting door hangers on every house door in the village. Scouts are asking for non-perishable food donations to benefit local food pantries for this upcoming Saturday, November 11.
This is an annual event that the BSA Scout Troops & Cub Scout Packs performs. These service projects are part of the Scouts’ rank advancement, and also teaches the Scouts to be active and involved in community service.
Village residents are asked to put the non-perishable foods in a grocery bag in a visible spot by 9 a.m. this Saturday, so the Scouts can easily pick up the food donations. Members from Boy Scout Troops 28 & 35 will be picking up the food donations and taking it to the local food pantry.
The attached picture is of Pack 35 assembling at the Company F-Troop Memorial by the YMCA where they held a flag ceremony and learned about the memorial in preparation for Veterans Day this Saturday. After the ceremony they went out to the neighborhood and handed out the door hangers.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 November 2017 at 11:07 am
Julie Berry visits Medina students, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library to discuss ‘The Emperor’s Ostrich’
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Julie Berry, a Medina native, returned to her hometown on Thursday to discuss her latest children’s book, “The Emperor’s Ostrich.”
She met with Medina middle school and high school students to discuss her books and share tips on writing earlier n the day before doing a book reading and discussion at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library on Thursday evening. (She is pictured at Lee-Whedon reading from her latest book in the top photo.)
Berry, a 1991 Medina graduate, now lives in Los Angeles. She said she is grateful to have grown up in a small town with a demanding school district and supportive community. She said her teachers prepared her for academic rigor, and she felt the love and support of the community as a student.
“I was so fortunate to grow up here and have a childhood where I had the peacefulness of the countryside,” she said at Lee-Whedon.
Medina offered her a “world-class education” from teachers who were “phenomenal, deeply committed educators.”
Julie Berry signs copies of her books at Lee-Whedon. She is an award-winning author of youth adult literature. “The Passion of Dolssa” is a 2017 Michael L. Printz Honor title, a New York Times Notable Book and a Finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize.
“All the Truth That’s In Me” and “The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place” have also been recognized with prestigious awards.
“The Emperor’s Ostrich” was released in June from Roaring Brook Press. Berry said it is “light and fluffy” compared to some of her more recent works.
Julie Berry signs books for fans at Lee-Whedon, including Mila Molina of Medina, second from left.
Berry will be at Albion Central School today, leading writing workshops for students.
Berry is one of 46 authors who will be at Monroe Community College in Rochester on Saturday for the 20th annual Rochester Children’s Book Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Berry discusses her latest book at Lee-Whedon. She has made several local appearances in recent years when she has a new book out.
Berry is working on a new book set during World War I. She also has written a Christmas picture book. Those two books are expected to be released in 2019.
Courtesy of Brian Kozody, brother of Jennifer (Kozody) Holbrook
Jennifer Holbrook
MEDINA – The Medina Class of 1980 are keeping the memory of one of their classmates alive through a newly formed scholarship. The first Jennifer (Kozody) Holbrook Memorial Scholarship will be awarded in the spring of 2018 to a Medina graduate who is seeking higher education while conquering obstacles.
The brainchild of Kathy Ridenour, she along with classmates Debbie (Cook) Morse and Angela (VandenBosch) Waldriff wanted to keep the memory of Jennifer alive by raising money for the scholarship honoring a woman who, despite facing serious medical challenges, always kept an optimistic attitude and smile on her face.
Jennifer was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease in 1979 at the end of her junior year in high school. She immediately had a splenectomy and for almost a year, she received radiation treatments. Despite her weakened state, she continued a full active high school workload. In addition to being an “A” student, Jennifer, the class vice-president, was active in the Mustang Band, the acapella choir, cheerleading, daisy chain as well as other school organizations. She also was first runner-up for homecoming queen and was the 1980 winner of the Orleans County Junior Miss pageant.
Following a brief respite, the cancer returned during her freshmen year at college at Clarion State University in Pennsylvania. This time, she received chemotherapy for a year which caused her hair to fall out and further weakening her, but again, this did not deter her. She continued her education and graduated on time.
Eventually Jennifer received a clean bill of health but her immune system was compromised due to the treatments she received over the years. She continued her education and received her master’s degree from Nazareth College and taught in the Rochester area for 25 years as a Speech Language Pathologist working mostly with children with special needs.
In 2010, Jennifer contracted meningitis, was rushed to the hospital and was given last rites. Once again, she made a miraculous recovery. Her life would take another turn a few years later as her husband, Randy, was diagnosed with cancer. He passed away last year following a two-year battle with the disease. His final weeks were at home with Jennifer providing his primary care.
On July 6th Jennifer went into the hospital for a routine procedure. During that operation, surgeons discovered other abnormalities which needed to be addressed. During the next 40 days, Jennifer remained her optimistic self, greeting all visitors with smiles and the warmth that she exuded her whole life. She passed away on August 15th.
“Jennifer was a teacher, a friend, a woman of great faith, a bright light to all who knew her. Never did she give in, lose hope, complain or stop smiling through her life’s journey,” Morse said. “It seems befitting someone of this much character, joy and determination would be the first to encourage a student to chase their dreams no matter what comes their way. I’m sure Jennifer would be very humbled by a scholarship in her memory, but more so happy to see a young mind given a helping hand to reach their goals.”
The committee is hoping that this scholarship will become an annual award for future Medina graduating classes. Any person or organization wishing to contribute to the scholarship may do so by sending donations to: Jennifer Kozody Holbrook Scholarship, C/O Medina Central Schools, 1 Mustang Drive, Medina, NY 14103; Attention Christine Griffin.
Checks may be made to the Medina Central School District and it is required that Jennifer Kozody Holbrook Scholarship be placed in the “for” line.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 November 2017 at 5:14 pm
Provided photo
MEDINA – Joey Robinson presents a check for $1,200 on Monday to Catherine Cooper, vice president of the Medina Historical Society.
Robinson led four ghost tours last month at $10 a ticket. The proceeds were turned over to the Historical Society.
He gave a history of buildings on the tour, shared ghostly encounters from people’s experiences at the sites, and also presented evidence of paranormal activity at some of the locations.
Robinson, 23, is a Medina native who is currently a University at Buffalo law student.
He and some of his friends started the Medina Area Paranormal Society.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 October 2017 at 10:29 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Emma Lilleby, 2, of Medina and Zach Allen, 2, of Medina hold hands as they head down Main Street for Beggar’s Night. Emma was a lion with a witch’s hat and Zach was Batman.
It was another big turnout for Beggar’s Night in downtown Medina this evening when Medina businesses handed out candy to hundreds of children.
Kathy Bogan, an attorney, dressed as the scary clown from It. Her husband Kevin Bogan, a local funeral director, wore a shirt that declared him the undertaker. Their dog, Roscoe, is a rescue dog from Puerto Rico.
Kathy Blackburn is dressed as Snow White. She is at the start of the Beggar’s Night line. Blackburn is one of the leaders of the Medina Business Association and owner of Meggie Moo’s.
Madelyn Elliott, 8, of Medina is dressed as Hamilton. She handed out candy at her parent’s business, Brushstrokes.
Rebecca Hunt wears a banana costume while handing out candy to Riley Holmes, who is dressed as Princess Poppy from the Trolls.
Medina Police Chief Chad Kenward directs traffic in the downtown during the popular Beggar’s Night.
Ely Howard enjoyed scaring people in this gorilla costume.
Sandi Beneway, 8, of Medina is Princess Leia from Star Wars and Lukin Szatkowski, 6, of Medina is a biker.
Danette Oakes (left), the owner of Filomena’s Favorites, and Linda Dennis hand out treats to kids.
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office brought a boat from Lake Alice to Medina on Aug. 17 to try to locate a pickup truck that plunged into the canal.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 October 2017 at 2:20 pm
MEDINA – Lyons Collision is reaching out to local businesses and community members for donations to buy a new boat with a motor for the Medina Police Department.
So far, 14 donors have given $4,050 for a new 14-foot-long boat with a 25-horsepower motor. That is about halfway towards the $8,500 cost, said Fire Chief Tom Lupo.
The Fire Department has a boat with a motor from 1954. Lupo said the engine isn’t reliable and the vessel functions more as a rowboat.
The Fire Department wants a heavy duty, semi-inflatable boat. It could also be used during the winter and taken on ice (with the engine removed).
Jeff Lyons has seen the delays and difficulties in responding to water-related calls in Medina. On Aug. 17, a pickup truck plunged into the canal. It took about four hours to locate and pull the truck out of the canal. The driver, who was allegedly drunk, was able to safely get out of the truck.
Medina needed to wait for a boat from the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office to try to find the truck. That boat didn’t have a working sonar. Jeff Lyons was on the boat and used a magnet tied to a rope to locate the black truck after midnight.
Lyons and his sister Kim Patterson have been going door to door asking businesses to donate to a modern vessel for the Fire Department.
“We’ve got water with the canal and Glenwood Lake,” Patterson said. “You never know when you’re going to need it.”
The Oak Orchard Creek also runs through the village. Lupo, the fire chief, said there is a lot of unsanctioned recreation area by streams in Orleans County.
The new boat would be quick to deploy. That boat with a 25-horsepower motor could also move quickly for a rescue. Lupo said the addition of Hydrobikes and kayakers through Pedal and Paddle Medina adds to the desire for a new boat.
“There is more activity on the canal,” he said. “If someone is in trouble, we need to be able to move a little faster.”
Lupo is hopeful the funds can be in place by this winter for the boat, and the vessel can be purchased and in service next spring.
Donations for the boat can be sent to Medina Fire Department at either Lyons Collisions at 511 Orient St. or the Medina Fire Department, 600 Main St., Medina, NY 14013.
File photo by Tom Rivers: The Albion FFA was grand champion of last year’s Parade of Lights. Local organizations are urged to start planning their floats for this year’s parade on Nov. 25.
Press Release, Medina Parade of Lights Committee
MEDINA – The 9th Annual Parade of Lights is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 25, beginning at 6 p.m. Planning is well under way for this spectacular event.
Back again this year is the “Light Up Park Avenue” contest. Residents are asked to decorate their homes along the parade route on Park Avenue. The winner receives $100 with $50 for the runner up. Committee member Kathie Valley is coordinating this project.
Also back again is the beautiful fireworks display prior to the parade. Young Explosives from Rochester will again put on a beautiful display at approximately 6 p.m.
New this year is a Community Christmas Tree in Rotary Park donated by the Decorate Medina Committee. It’s going to be amazing when our Grand Marshal throws the switch. This will take place prior to the start of the parade. There will also be music in Rotary Park compliments of Prime Time Brass from Rochester at 5:30 p.m. So come early and get your spot to see all these events.
The parade caps off a day-long Olde Tyme Christmas Celebration in the downtown business district sponsored by the Medina Business Association and the Village of Medina Tourism committee. A noon parade on Nov. 25 will welcome the arrival of Santa on Main Street..
The Parade Committee urges residents, organizations, businesses and fire companies to get their parade entry forms in to reserve their spot in the parade.
In addition to Jim Hancock, the Parade Committee includes Kathie Valley, Mark Irwin, Dave & Gail Miller, Dave Stacey, Dave and Trudi Schwert and Rienhard & Betty Rogowski. For more information go to www.christmasinmedina.com.
