Medina

Car show coordinator plans for 2025 in Medina with live music at more events

Photos by Tom Rivers: Milo the dog was popular during the Aug. 28 Super Cruise on Main Street. Milo is owned by Mike Evans of Lockport, right with beard. Evans brought a 1973 Volkswagen Type 181 for the car show. It was his first time in the show.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 January 2025 at 5:46 pm

MEDINA – Last year was a transition year for the cruise-in events in Medina, with a shift from the Canal Basin to the Senior Center parking lot.

Rollin Hellner, who helped coordinate the events and covered the insurance cost, has a schedule prepared for 2025 that continues the cruise-ins at the Senior Center, and adds live music at two of the events at the Senior Center.

Rollin Hellner, coordinator of the car show cruise-ins in Medina, goes over the schedule and his plans for the event in 2025. He is speaking with the Medina Village Board on Monday evening. The schedule would be most Friday evenings from May 30 to Aug. 22.

Hellner went over the schedule during Monday’s Village Board meeting. He needs the board’s permission to allow use of the parking lot. The board said it will vote on the issue during the Jan. 27 business meeting for the board.

Mayor Marguerite Sherman thanked Hellner for his efforts in leading the events.

“It went well last year,” Sherman said. “We’re excited for everything you’re putting into it.”

Hellner presented a schedule for car shows this year, going most Friday evenings from May 30 to Aug. 22. The Super Cruise on Main Street would be on Wednesday, Aug. 27, and again will feature Elvis impersonator Terry Buchwald.

The car events aren’t all on Fridays. The July 4 show will be the following day on Saturday, July 5.

The show at the Orleans County 4-H Fair is usually on a Friday but this year will be on a Saturday, July 26.

There are different themes for each cruise-in, including trucks, Corvettes, Mustangs, Hot Rods, “Bike Night,” British and Foreign Night, Camaros, Mopars, vans, ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, with the car show culminating with the Super Cruise on Aug. 27.

The car shows averaged about 50 per event last year at the Senior Center with about 250 for the Super Cruise. The shows will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

“It was a good response and we’re looking forward to doing it again,” Heller told the Village Board.

He owns The Walsh across from the Senior Center. He is planning for deejays and live music in 2025, and is working out the best spot for a stage for the musicians. That performance stage will either be at the parking lot or at The Walsh.

Highway 31 will perform June 6, with Ken Ryan and the Professionals on July 5 when the car show is at the Senior Center parking lot. A band will be at the fair on July 26 and Elvis will conclude the cruise-ins on Aug. 27.

Medina sets March 18 for next village election for 2 trustee spots

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 January 2025 at 10:09 am

MEDINA – Two trustee positions are up for election in the Village of Medina. The spots are for two-year terms that are currently filled by Jess Marciano and Diana Baker.

Village residents can circulate petitions that need to be signed by at least 100 registered voters in Medina. Those petitions can be picked up at the village clerk’s office and must be turned in the week of Feb. 6-11.

The Village Board on Monday set the election for March 18 with voting from noon to 9 p.m. at the Senior Center on West Avenue.

The winners in the election will start their terms on April 1.

The board on Monday also named the election inspectors for the election. Judy Szulis, Norma Huth, Linda Deyle and Mary Ann Ander will be the election inspectors with Szulis as the chairwoman. Szulis will be paid $18 an hour while the other three inspectors are to be paid $17 an hour.

Medina approves 3-year contract with DPW with 3% annual raises

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 January 2025 at 8:37 am

MEDINA – The Medina Village Board approved a 3-year contract with the union representing employees in the Department of Public Works. The 12 members of the union will receive 3 percent annual raises, and longevity bonuses will be boosted by another $100.

The agreement is effective from June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2027.

The longevity bonuses starts after seven years of service, and has been $825. It will now be at $925. The bonus increases each year after seven years.

Village Trustee Jess Marciano was on the negotiating committee, talking with the DPW union.

“It was a give and take,” she said at Monday’s board meeting.

The contract doesn’t include the DPW superintendent, Jason Watts.

The board on Monday also appointed a new mechanic in the DPW. Daniel O’Connor will start on Feb. 3.

The board accepted the resignation of Dustin Wells as a motor equipment operator. The village is accepting applications to fill that vacancy until Jan. 27.

Village board members also voted to give Police Chief Todd Draper permission to call for the Civil Service list so he can fill three vacancies in the Police Department.

YMCA launches fund drive for scholarships

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Jesse Cudzillo, left, director of GLOW YMCA, and board president Dean Bellack are promoting the annual fund drive to raise money for scholarships to help those with financial strains pay for memberships.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 11 January 2025 at 9:20 am

MEDINA – GLOW YMCA has embarked on its annual campaign to raise funds for scholarships to help those with financial strains afford a membership.

The Strong Communities Campaign is undertaken by all YMCAs in the United States.

“One thing most people don’t realize is YMCA is a 501c3 charity whose mission is Christian based,” Bellack said. “Each year our goal is to raise nearly $30,000 to help families in need. This year we are hoping to raise $29,500.”

The campaign began Jan. 1 and will run through May 31.

Donations can be made by picking up a flyer at the YMCA with a link on which to click, or by dropping a check off at the front desk.

“Y” director Jesse Cudzillo echoed Bellack’s words about the importance of supporting the YMCA.

Amber Regling of Albion works out on an elliptical machine at the YMCA in Medina, where she was able to become a member with aid from a scholarship.

“This is a charity, and our policy is we will never turn anyone away for their inability to pay,” he said. “I fear many people don’t know about our scholarships.”

Even a small gift can make a significant impact on someone else’s life, he said.

Contributions directly support free or reduced-cost programs, scholarships for memberships and vital community services which make Orleans County a better place for everyone, according to Cudzillo.

One local resident who was able to join the Y in September with help from a scholarship was Amber Regling of Albion, a single mom of three kids, all of whom have high needs.

“A girlfriend who is a member here invited me as a guest one day,” Regling said. “I used to go to the gym a lot in college and I loved it. With three special needs children, I haven’t been able to think about exercising, but now that the children are all in school, I finally had some free time for myself.”

She had recently suffered a breakup in a relationship, so she was looking for a diversion.

“I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to afford a membership,” Regling said. “I knew scholarships were available and I applied for one and got it. Now I find enough time to be an hour and a half every couple of days.”

She said she sets goals for herself, but tries to keep them low enough to be able to achieve them. She likes the elliptical machines, treadmills and the yoga and pilates sessions upstairs.

“The Y has a special place in my heart, as I attended Head Start here as a child,” she said. “I have a lot of anxiety and found of all the things I’ve done, nothing helps like exercise. I’ve come in here 100% not OK and walked out 100% OK.”

Cudzillo said when determining eligibility for scholarships, they use the same guidelines as the school. A family of five making less than $50,000 is eligible for a 50% discount on membership and all programs.

Bellack added their goal is that every dollar raised goes to the community to help members use all the programs the YMCA offers.

GLOW YMCA has 695 member units, representing 1,541 individuals, Cudzillo said.

Firefighters bring person ashore stranded on Oak Orchard Creek in Medina

Posted 9 January 2025 at 4:34 pm

Press Release, Medina Fire Department

Photo courtesy of Medina Fire Department: Medina firefighters helped bring a male ashore who was stranded on a small island on the Oak Orchard Creek this morning.

MEDINA – Today at 9:46 a.m., the Village of Medina Fire Department was dispatched to Butts Park for a male stranded on a small island in the middle of Oak Orchard Creek.

Medina Police arrived on scene prior to the Fire Department and they kept the male calm. Medina Engine 11 and a Medina ambulance arrived on scene within three minutes with rescuers already suited up in surface ice/cold water rescue suits.

Due to extremely cold temperatures and a fast current, the Shelby and Ridgeway Fire Departments were dispatched to the scene for manpower and cold water rescue gear.

Under the command of Medina Fire Chief Matt Jackson, following all safety precautions, including safety lines, two rescuers entered the water. Upon reaching the island, a rescue ring was firmly secured around the patient’s chest.

After a few minutes of calming and reassuring the patient, the rescuers and patient were pulled safely to shore 25 minutes after the time of dispatch. Subsequently, the patient was transported to a hospital to be treated for probable hypothermia.

Thanks to our dispatchers, Medina Police, and the Shelby and Ridgeway Fire Departments for all their assistance this morning.

This emergency reminds us that frigid water is unsafe water. A person falling into frigid water can be quickly incapacitated by the effects of hypothermia and drown.

Former assisted living site in Medina being renovated into apartments

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 January 2025 at 8:20 am

Vitality Village will have 18 upscale one-bedroom and studio apartments

Photo by Ginny Kropf: The former Applegate Manor at left and medical building at right are being repurposed by new owners, Joe and Jacquie Morgante. Applegate will reopen this summer as upscale one-bedroom and studio apartments, while the other building will house medical professional offices.

MEDINA – A former assisted living complex on Ohio Street is seeing new life, as renovations progress to turn it into high-end apartments.

Applegate Manor closed after Covid-19 in 2020 and was sold to Eric Watson Enterprises, whose intentions were to develop it, until Joe and Jacquie Morgante of Clarence made an offer to buy it.

The Morgantes had already bought The Willows, which they run with her niece Jordan.

“Jacquie and I have been investing in real estate in Niagara, Orleans and Genesee counties for the past five or six years, including The Willows,” Joe said.

The Morgantes purchased Applegate in August 2023, and spent six months planning a design. Relentless Construction of Holley was hired to do the work.

As an assisted living complex, Applegate had 24 rooms. The new space will be called Vitality Village and offer 18 upscale one-bedroom and studio apartments.

Courtesy of Vitality Village: This rendering shows the design for Vitality Village, which is expected to open in July.

The interior has now been gutted down to the studs, Joe said. Each apartment will be named after a Medina landmark, such as the Sandstone Suite, Oak Orchard Retreat and Boxwood Garden Loft.

An artist’s rendering of the rooms and prices can be found on the website www.vitalityvillagemedina.com.

A separate commercial building next to the residential unit, nearer the street, will be called Vital Village Feel Your Best Center and will house medical offices. Joe hopes to fill it with medical professionals, such as a chiropractor, physical therapist, dentist, etc.

The plan is to open the residence first, hopefully by July, followed by the office complex in September.

“It has been great so far being in business in Medina,” Joe said. “The town has been very supportive, helping us with construction.”

Secretary of State Mosley gets tour of Medina, touts Hochul’s ‘Affordability Agenda’

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 January 2025 at 8:35 am

Photos courtesy of Secretary of State’s Office

MEDINA – Mayor Margurite Sherman gives a tour of the downtown on Tuesday to Walter Mosley, New York’s secretary of state.

Mosley was in Medina to give a presentation on Kathy Hochul’s “Affordability Agenda” which will be detailed by the governor on Tuesday during the State of State address in Albany.

(Left) Mayor Marguerite Sherman gives Walter Mosley, the secretary of state, a tour of Medina on a frigid Tuesday with temperatures in the low 20s. (Right) Before the tour, Sherman welcomed Mosley to City Hall for his presentation.

The secretary of state toured the village to see how a $4.5 million NY Forward grant will be spent. The program is overseen by the Secretary of State.

The state in May 2024 approved divvying up the $4.5 million for eight projects in Medina.

The projects include:

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

Mayor Marguerite Sherman introduces Water Mosley, the secretary of state, before his presentation at City hall. He highlighted Hochul’s “Affordability Agenda.” Hochul seeks supplemental payments, tax relief and rebates for homeowners, tuition assistance for students, heating and cooling assistance for seniors as well as expanded access to child care assistance and paid leave for families and pregnant women.

Final Mass to be celebrated this Sunday at St. Stephen’s in Middleport

Photo by Tom Rivers: St. Stephen’s Catholic Church will celebrate its final Mass at 8:30 a.m. Sunday at 21 Vernon St.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 January 2025 at 12:35 pm

MIDDLEPORT – The final Mass at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church will be celebrated at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Bishop Michael Fisher of the Diocese of Buffalo announced in September that St. Stephen’s would close as part of a restructuring of churches in the 8-county Diocese. The Diocese is closing some churches due to a declining number of priests and attendance.

St. Stephen’s is part of ONE Catholic that includes churches in eastern Niagara and Orleans counties. The bishop also announced St. Mark’s in Kendall would close but a final Mass date hasn’t been announced for St. Mark’s.

St. Joseph’s in Lyndonville also is in ONE Catholic but that church was badly damaged in a fire on Feb. 28, 2023 and later razed. Barker’s church also is in ONE catholic but that one will be aligned with a family of churches closer to Lockport.

ONE Catholic welcomes Catholics in the ONE Catholic family to attend the 8:30 a.m. Mass at St. Stephen’s, 21 Vernon St. A donut social will follow at the St. Stephen’s Rectory following the Mass.

The following Sunday on Jan. 19 the 8:30 a.m. Mass will move to St. Mary’s in Medina. ONE Catholic said the music crew from St. Stephen’s will continue to provide music at St. Mary’s, and others from St. Stephen’s will be lectors, eucharistic ministers, greeters and ushers at St. Mary’s.

The St. Rocco’s Festival team from St. Mary’s in Holley and St. Mark’s in Kendall will host a breakfast at Holy Trinity in Medina to welcome the parishioners from St. Stephen’s to St. Mary’s.

Bent’s latest transformation: stunning holiday decorations

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 January 2025 at 10:20 am

‘We really wanted to give Medina a special Christmas’

Photo by Tom Rivers: Two 12-foot-high nutcrackers stand in front of the lighted arch entrance to the Harvest Restaurant at Bent’s Opera House.

MEDINA – Bent’s Opera House has added a new element to the building’s transformation. The site reopened in June 2021 following a major renovation over three years that earned Bent’s the top preservation award in New York State.

Roger and Heather Hungerford, the owners of Bent’s, wanted to add to Medina’s holiday charm and this season decorated the historic building from 1865 with lights, wreaths, garland, a giant red bow, a vintage Santa and angel, two 12-foot-nutctackers and a large ornament where people can sit for photos.

Photo by Everett Pelkey: Roger and Heather Hungerford and their daughter Isabella are shown with the big Christmas ornament next to Bent’s Opera House on West Center Street.

Most of the decorations were out in time for Medina’s Parade of Lights. But the Hungerfords and their staff and friends have kept adding to the display in December. Mrs. Hungerford is the site’s general manager.

The goal is to make the downtown area even more magical during the holiday season for local residents and to bring in more visitors, said Justin Bruce, the assistant general manager at Bent’s.

“Finding both vintage and new holiday decor that would only enhance the beauty of an already stunning piece of historic restoration,” Bruce said. “The goal of this project has always been to bring outsiders to Medina. And we really wanted to give Medina a special Christmas as well.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: A crowd mingles near the intersection of Center and Main streets with Bent’s Opera House in the background just before the Parade of Lights on Nov. 30.

Kathy Blackburn, a long-time Medina business leader, helped with some of the interior lighting and a display of poinsettias. She said the decked out Bent’s has been a marvel this holiday season, with many stopping by the ornament for photos.

“It has made an impact and is continuing to make an impact,” she said.

Bent’s just announced a contest for people to get photos of their pets in the ornament.

The display will stay out for as long as the village keeps up the Main Street decorations.

Justin Bruce, assistant general manager at Bent’s, stands in a courtyard with an archway of lights and a vintage Santa.

Many of the employees at Bent’s and Talis Historic Restoration worked to decorate the three stories of windows with lights. Travis Farnsworth from Talis and Mark Hungerford, the facilities manager, put the wreath and garland at top of the building.

Photo by Everett Pelkey: Bent’s was a popular gathering spot on Main Street before Medina’s big parade on Nov. 30.

File photo: Here is how the Bent’s looked at the start of the ambitious renovation project.

Final batches of cookies served today at Case-Nic after 29 years in Medina

Photos by Tom Rivers: The staff at Case-Nic Cookies has been busy baking, frosting and packing up cookies this holiday season, doing about 100 dozen a day. Today is the last day for the business. From left include Nicole Tuohey, owner Mary Lou Tuohey, Tyler Nunnery, Kathy McHugh, Laura McDonough and Kellie Rath.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 December 2024 at 9:11 am

MEDINA – After 29 years of bringing joy to customers through cookies and kindness, Mary Lou Tuohey is retiring after today as owner of Case-Nic Cookies in downtown Medina.

She and her staff have kept up their usual busy pace this holiday season. But this time there have been plenty of tears as Case-Nic nears the end of 29 years.

“I’m definitely going to miss it,” Tuohey said about the business where she has met so many people over the years. “A lot of people are upset we are closing.”

Kathy McHugh has worked for Tuohey the past decade at Case-Nic. She said Tuohey has an amazing work ethic and kind heart for the community.

“I’m grateful for everything Mary Lou has done for me and everyone,” McHugh said. “She is here from dawn to dusk.”

McHugh will miss the job at Case-Nic.

“It’s always great to put smiles on peoples’ faces,” she said.

Mary Lou Tuohey frosts cookies with a New year’s theme. Case-Nic has set a 100 dozen a day limit during the holiday season. It makes for a long day in the kitchen of baking and being bent over to do the frosting.

Case-Nic also made 2,000 dozen cookies for the Medina Railroad Museum this season for the Polar Express.

Tuohey decorates the New Year’s cookies with a 2025. Many customers orders for events happening months away with the cookies to be frozen. They wanted the Case-Nic cookies for their events.

Tuohey has the cookies ready for decorations. The blue ones are for the character Bluey for a birthday party in a few months.

A big banner is in the store thanking Mary Lou Tuohey for her 29 years at Case-Nic.

Many customers signed the banner, thanking Tuohey and the Case-Nic staff.

Case-Nic closes today at 5 p.m. Tuohey said the building at 439 Main St. will remain a bakery. Hans Rosentreter, co-owner of the Coffee Pot Café, will take over the site.

Orleans/Niagara BOCES receives award for top float in Medina Parade of Lights

Photo courtesy of Jim Hancock: Ginny Kropf, grand marshal of Medina’s Parade of Lights on Nov. 30, presents a plaque to Orleans/Niagara BOCES’ principal Nicole Goyette for the school’s float being chosen as the parade’s grand champion. The prize also included a check for $500.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 30 December 2024 at 6:27 pm

MEDINA – Of the nearly 50 floats entered in Medina’s annual Parade of Lights Nov. 30, The Orleans/Niagara BOCES emerged as the grand champion.

This morning, Jim Hancock, chair of the Parade of Lights committee, accompanied parade grand marshal Ginny Kropf to BOCES to present the the school with its much-deserved plaque for earning first place. BOCES also received a check for $500 for the top entry.

BOCES principal Nicole Goyette accepted the plaque, saying she is a firm believer it is important for the students to do things in the community.

“We tried to involve as many students as possible,” Goyette said.

Photos courtesy of Nicole Goyette: Niagara-Orleans BOCES award-winning float in Medina’s Parade of Lights had a theme of “On Track for Bright Futures.”

The float had the theme of “On Track for Bright Futures” and featured a track around the flatbed with a toy train running; an eight-foot metal Christmas tree with thousands of green lights; and a fire pit around which students sat during the parade.

Students in the welding class fabricated the track and Christmas tree out of scrap metal and rebar. Automotive technology students wired the train with a toggle switch, and Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering students created the fire pit, with a fog machine to simulate smoke. Diesel program students had previously restored an antique 1954 John Deere 40U tractor, which followed the float in the parade. Graphics students made the sign describing the float.

“BOCES has always had beautiful floats,” Hancock said.

(Left) BOCES students string some of the thousands of green lights on the giant Christmas tree made from scrap metal which highlighted their award-winning float. (Right) A BOCES student welds a track out of scrap metal on a flatbed which would become the grand champion float in the Parade of Lights.

In all, Goyette said about 20 students and staff were involved in creating their float.

This is the sixth year BOCES has entered a float in the Parade of Lights and the first time they have won a prize.

“We were thrilled with the prize money,” Goyette said. “We are using it to help students who need materials for their classes, but can’t afford it. This includes work boots, tools, test equipment for nursing students and kits for cosmetology.

“It really comes in handy,” Goyette said.

Goyette said the kids have asked if next year they could keep the float and take it to Albion’s parade, which is what they plan to do.

A fire pit created by BOCES’ Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (Machining) class was surrounded by students on their float in the Parade of Lights.

The idea for BOCES to have a float in the Parade of Lights was initially suggested by Auto Technology teacher Bob Winters, and the school has supported it ever since.

“The kids already have an idea for next year’s float,” Goyette said.

Hancock said they give out almost $4,000 in prize money to parade entrants, in addition to a plaque.

The Parade of Lights takes place every year on the last Saturday in November, at the end of Olde Tyme Christmas in Medina.

Mile 303 in Medina will do ball drop on New Year’s

File photo by Tom Rivers: This photo at night on Jan. 1, 2020 shows the ball drop from Mile 303, a bar on Main Street in Medina. Mile 303 will again host a New Year’s Eve party on Tuesday night culminating with a ball drop.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 December 2024 at 1:29 pm

MEDINA – Mile 303 will again host a ball drop on New year’s Eve on Main Street in Medina.

Mile 303 started the ball drop to ring in year 2019. The restaurant and bar at 416 Main St. will open at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday for a New Year’s Eve Party to culminate with the ball drop at midnight.

The Medina Village Board agreed to close off part of Main Street for the event. Police Chief Todd Draper said there hasn’t been any unruly behavior with past ball drop celebrations. He pushed to have the street closed so people can safely gather and mingle on Main Street to celebrate the start of a new year.

Medina board goes on record in support of $10 million in canal improvements

File photo by Tom Rivers: The concrete wall on the northside of the Canal Basin in Medina has crumbled in many spots in recent years. This photo from early November shows the wall that is eyed for improvements by the NYS Canal Corp.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 December 2024 at 10:30 am

MEDINA – The Medina Village Board has gone on the record in support of an estimated $10 million in improvements to the canal in Medina, including work on the towpath trail and the concrete wall on the north side of the canal in the basin.

The State Canal Corp. is working on the design for improvements to the towpath from Bates Road to the lift bridge.

The Canal Corp. and New York Power Authority requested a letter of support for the improvement project. That letter of support from the board would be “invaluable” as the Power Authority works to get approval from the State Historic Preservation Office, according to a letter to Mayor Marguerite Sherman from Joana Pacheco, Capital Planning manager of Canals for the Power Authority.

“The Medina Waterfront Project is a transformative effort aimed at rebuilding the canal structure of the high wall and repairing the canal system trails,” Pacheco wrote in a letter to Mayor Marguerite Sherman. “It includes enhancements to existing trailheads and the creation of new public spaces that will provide much needed amenities, fostering increased accessibility, connection and quality of life for the community.”

The Medina Village Board on Dec. 16 said it strongly supports the project and will send a letter backing the effort.

The Power Authority and Canal Corp. also are looking to “reactivate” an industrial area where safety concerns have been reported, transforming it into a vibrant, welcoming space, Pacheco said.

“Vital to this initiative is the development of a recognizable central gateway adjacent to the Sydney Gross Memorial and the Apple – a site that will become the primary stopping point on the northside of the Canal Loop,” she wrote in her letter to the board. “This new arrival will support recreational activities, including kayaking, boating, while offering vital amenities such as parking, water fountains, seating, bathrooms and storage.”

The initiative from the Canal Corp. and Power Authority aligns with other big projects in Medina, including a $4.5 million Forward NY grant and an international art event to launch in 2026, Pacheco said.

“I am incredibly excited about the potential of this project to enrich the lives of Medina’s residents and visitors, and believe your support will underscore its importance to the wider community,” Pacheco said.

Medina Sandstone Society announces $5,600 in grants to local projects

Posted 26 December 2024 at 4:02 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers: One of the stops during the Oct. 5 Boxwood at Night event included a display with a list of the 107 people buried in a potter’s field at the cemetery. Of those 107, only 28 have head stones. The Friends of Boxwood Cemetery would like to install a plaque in the cemetery listing all 107 people. The Medina Sandstone Society is contributing to that effort.

Press Release, Medina Sandstone Trust

MEDINA – The Medina Sandstone Trust, a community endowment that disburses small grants to local programs, projects, and organizations has released its 2024 grant awards.

The following programs and organizations were funded a total of $5,600 for 2024’s round of grant funding.

Hands for Hope Street Ministry to provide Purex and laundry detergent to clients.
The Canalside Radio to assist with the purchase of 100-watt FM radio transmitter and related equipment, antenna, etc.
The Medina Historical Society for funds to cover historical speakers and publicity costs for future programming.
ORG – Friends of Boxwood Cemetery for assistance with the cost of installing a memorial in Potters Field, listing the names of the 107 people who are buried there. Currently there are only 28 headstones.
GO Art! for assistance with purchasing a wagon, stage, tires, sound and projection equipment to be used first in August 2025 for the Erie Canal Artisan Festival and other future festivals and events.

This is the Medina Sandstone Trust’s 13th round of awards with over $65,000 in small grants and $10,000 in scholarships awarded so far.

The Medina Sandstone Trust encourages local non-profit agencies to apply for the 2025 round of grant funding. Instructions on how to apply will be released in October 2025.

Donations to help support the Medina Sandstone Trust can be made at any time to the Sandstone Society, Post Office Box 25, Medina, NY 14103 or donate online (click here). Gifts to this 501(c)(3) are tax deductible.

More than 2,000 wreaths set by veterans’ graves in Orleans County

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 December 2024 at 7:13 pm

Provided photos

Volunteers helped set 250 wreaths at Hillside Cemetery in Holley/Clarendon on Dec. 14 as part of Wreaths Across America. The wreaths were set at the graves of veterans.

The Holley Rotary Club led the effort for the second year. The Rotary Club joined Wreaths in 2023 and hoped to do 100 wreaths. It doubled that goal in 2023. The wreaths are $17 each.

The Holley Rotary Club organized Wreaths Across America at Hillside Cemetery. Some of the volunteers are shown at a veterans’ memorial at the cemetery. The memorial includes five granite etched stones for the Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard. The memorial has a pentagon-shaped concrete base and a 25-foot flagpole.

Wreaths Across America has grown in Orleans County since Medina was the first to do it at Boxwood Cemetery in 2013.

Medina started with seven wreaths in 2013 at Boxwood. On Dec. 14, the community placed 1,260 wreaths at five Medina cemeteries. That includes 573 at Boxwood, 455 at St. Mary’s Cemetery, about 200 at Sacred Heart Cemetery and the remainder to Bates Road Cemetery and Tanner Cemetery on Telegraph Road.

Photos courtesy of Jacob Hebdon: Lance Corporal Nick Fitzak carries one of the wreaths during a ceremony at Wreaths Across America on Dec. 14. Medina has participated in the event each year since 2013.

“The community of Medina was very generous in their donations to the Wreaths Across America organization,” said Gloria Brent, chairwoman of the event in Medina. “Next year we hope to expand our reach to include all of Bates Road and Tanner Cemeteries with plans to cover all of our local cemeteries as awareness grows in the coming years.”

Veterans were part of a ceremony at Boxwood at noon on Dec. 14. After that a big group of volunteers placed wreaths at five cemeteries in Medina.

The following participated in the Wreath Laying Ceremony: The Color Guard and Honor Guard from the VFW and American Legion in Medina; Master Sergeant Michael Owczarczak – Master of Ceremonies; Sergeant David Kusmierczak, Chaplain for VFW & American Legion; Technical Sergeant Patrick Little; Sergeant Major Jonathan Little; Sergeant First Class George Pogel; Lance Corporal Nick Fitzak; Merchant Mariner Diana Anderson; Second Class Petty Officer W. Thomas Snyder and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

“We were very fortunate to have Technical Sergeant Patrick Little and Technical Sergeant Scott Little perform Echo Taps during the ceremony,” Brent said. “Madelyn Elliott from the Medina High School Acapella Choir flawlessly performed the National Anthem.”

Assemblyman Steve Hawley was part of the wreath-laying ceremony at Boxwood.

Brent thanked to the following organizations that participated in this year’s event:

The Boxwood Cemetery Commission led by Jacob Hebdon. (Members include Gloria Brent, Jeff Pasnik, Mary Lewis, Nicki Fredericks and Janet Husung.)
The Medina Village Department of Public Works led by Jason Watts, superintendent.
The Medina Village Clerk’s Office led by Jada Burgess, the clerk/treasurer.
The Carpenters Local Union 276 with Jeff Pasnik brought 36 members and family from Orleans and Niagara Counties.
The Girl Scouts of America – Troop 70183 out of Lockport led by Kelly Stahl.
The Boy Scouts of America – Troop 18 out of Gasport.
The Boy Scouts of America – Troop 35 out of Medina led by John Dieter.
The Friends of Boxwood – Offered free hot chocolate to the participants at the event.

The Lyndonville community placed 445 wreaths at veterans’ graves. The effort is funded through an endowment by Anna Stelianou. She funded the wreaths in honor of her five brothers who served in WWII and the Korean War.

Stelianou is shown in front of this group photo outside the Webber Café on Main Street, where there was a brunch for volunteers before they headed out to lay the wreaths on Dec. 14.

The 445 wreaths will be placed at veterans’ graves for six cemeteries in Lyndonville: Lynhaven, Yates Baptist Cemetery, Angling Road, Marshall Road and Greenman Road as well as the Robin Hill Estate.

The American Legion Houseman-Tanner Post 1603 is organizing the Wreaths Across America program in Lyndonville.

State Sen. Rob Ortt attended the brunch before going to Mount Albion cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony there. Mount Albion participated in Wreaths Across America for the first time on Dec. 14.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Jenn Thom carries a wreath to be laid down at a grave of a veteran at the Veterans’ Section at Mount Albion Cemetery.

Thom is a leader of Operation Honor, which led the effort to have Mount Albion Cemetery included in Wreaths for the first time. There were 225 wreaths placed at the cemetery on Dec. 14.

Operation Honor purchased 100 of the wreaths with other contributors purchasing 125.

Thom urged volunteers to say the veteran’s name when setting the wreath.