Medina

Medina students win first at GCC Tech Wars

Posted 18 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photos – These Medina students worked well under pressure in a competition at GCC on Thursday. The students are, from left: Leeland Tolliver, Alwyn Cayea and James Bieliski.

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – A three-person team from Clifford Wise Middle School in Medina took home first place among 54 teams in the Design Challenge/Mystery Project at the GCC Tech Wars on Thursday.

Seventh graders James Bieliski, Alwyn Cayea and Leeland Tolliver had 40 minutes for the competition in which they had to design and construct a cantilever arm that could support a tennis ball at the end.

Their technology teachers, Edward Williams and Justin Mergenhagen, took 16 students total to the competition at Genesee Community College.

“We selected the students from our 7th grade class and based it on their ability to solve problems in the classroom, who we felt were our most critical thinkers and who had the best team work skills,” said Mr. Mergenhagen.

The students were given simple materials to complete their task: a bundle of cardboard strips that were 2 inches thick and 38 inches long and a roll of masking tape.

Alwyn came up with the design and Leeland and James improved upon the original idea.

The students work on their projects at GCC.

“They could not tape their design on the floor and their cantilever arm had to be above 38 inches high,” explained Mr. Mergenhagen. “If their ball fell below the 38 inch mark, they would be disqualified. The group that had the longest extended arm from the fulcrum, would be the winner. Our team got an extension arm of 19.5 inches.”

It was a nerve-wracking process for the young engineers. As soon as the teams were told that time was up, they had to bring their projects over to the testing station to be judged. While transporting their project it kept falling over and it took them a couple of minutes to fix the issue.

The judge measured the length of the support arm with the tennis ball sitting on the end of it. The students patiently waited and watched as each group got tested. They were convinced they would not win, but when they noticed all the other group projects were falling over and failing their test, the Medina students started to have hope.

“They were so excited when they found out they were the first place winners,” Mr. Mergenhagen said. “Mr. Williams and I were so proud of their performance and how well they worked together. These boys are excellent deep thinkers and have the ability to tackle tough problem-solving tasks under tight constraints. They concentrated, were focused and communicated well as a team. Hats off to them.”

Storm knocks out power for 750 in Medina

Staff Reports Posted 16 March 2016 at 12:00 am

MEDINA – Lightning strikes early this afternoon have knocked out power for 749 in the Medina area, National Grid is reporting.

The company expects to have power restored at about 2:30 p.m. today.

The National Weather Service says showers with embedded thunderstorms will hit Orleans, northwestern Genesee, northwestern Monroe, northeastern Erie and Niagara counties this afternoon.

“Occasional lightning and dime size hail are possible with these storms,” the Weather Service said.

Village election day arrives for Albion, Lyndonville and Medina

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Village residents will go to the polls today and will elect new mayors in Medina and Lyndonville.

In Medina, incumbent Andrew Meier isn’t seeking re-election. In Lyndonville, Steve McAvoy resigned as mayor on Oct. 31 due to the demands of his full-time job.

James Tuk, the current deputy mayor, has been leading the village government since McAvoy stepped down. Tuk faces an election today from John Belson, the Yates town supervisor until he lost an election to James Simon last November.

Belson wants to continue in public service. He is running under the Lyndonville Party while Tuk picked “The Lake Party.” The mayor’s post is a four-year term.

Three people are running for two seats on the Village Board, including incumbents Ellen Tuohey (Independent Party) and Danny Woodward (Peoples Party). Andrew Cousins (Sustainable Futures) also is running for village trustee.

Voting is from noon to 9 p.m. at the Village Hall, 2 South Main St.

In Medina, Michael Sidari, a current village trustee, is the only candidate for a two-year term as mayor. Sidari is running under The Village Party, along with incumbent Marguerite Sherman and Tim Elliott, who are seeking two-year terms on the Village Board.

Voting is from noon to 9 p.m. at the Senior Center, 615 West Ave.

In Lyndonville and Medina, candidates run under independent parties without the official backing of either Republicans or Democrats.

In Albion, three candidates are running for two four-year seats on the Village Board. The Republican Party is backing incumbent Gary Katsanis, and the Democrats endorsed Mattea Navarra-Molisani and incumbent Peter Sidari.

Voting is from noon to 9 p.m. at the Village Hall, 35-37 East Bank St.

County brings mental health services to schools

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – Medina school counselors Sarah Ha, left, and Linda Knipe, right, are pictured with Kelsey Wolcott, a mental health clinic therapist.

MEDINA – Medina has three school counselors working with 635 students in grades 8 through 12. They focus on academic and career preparation, but the counselors for years have juggled helping students with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.

That changed in early February when a mental health clinic therapist from the Orleans County Department of Mental Health started working out of the school.

Kelsey Wolcott spends two days at Medina Central School, splitting time in the high school and elementary school. Middle schoolers also go to appointments at either school building.

Wolcott said some students feel the pressure of family life, with parents going through divorces or blending families, while others may also feel the strain of poverty, and social and academic pressures. She helps students develop coping skills for some of the challenges.

Wolcott’s presence has allowed the school district’s guidance counselors to stay focused on providing career and college guidance for students.

“We were spending an inordinate amount of time on personal counseling,” said Linda Knipe, one of Medina’s guidance counselors. “We try to clear the obstacles so they can get an education.”

Medina, Lyndonville, Kendall and Holley have all teamed in recent months with the Mental Health Department to allow a therapist to work out of the school. That way students miss less class time by not having to travel to Albion at the Mental Health clinic on Route 31. Some of the students also have transportation issues, making it difficult to get to Albion.

Marc O’Brien, the director of the county’s Mental Health Department, has been part of joint meetings with the five school district superintendents the past two years. He said other counties have tried satellite offices at schools.

“It makes it more accessible for the kids,” O’Brien said. “The superintendents have been super cooperative to work with.”

All of the new satellite sites needed approval by the state Office of Mental Health. Students still need to travel to Albion if they need to see a psychiatrist.

The satellite sites are funded just like the county’s main clinic in Albion. Insurance companies are billed for the services, O’Brien said.

“We’ve been able to broaden the footprint of the department and get out into the community,” he said. “So far it’s working great.”

Lyndonville, Medina stage ‘Anything Goes’

Posted 15 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Lyndonville Medina Musical "Anything Goes"

Photo courtesy of Lyndonville Central School – Lyndonville’s Rebekah Hoffee and Medina’s Cameron Morgan perform “De-Lovely” together as Hope Harcourt and Billy Crocker.

Press release: Lyndonville Central School

LYNDONVILLE – Medina and Lyndonville students worked together for their second school musical with the production of “Anything Goes” at the Stroyan Auditorium on March 22-24.

Students collaborated in the 1962 off-Broadway revival of Cole Porter’s popular comedy featuring dancing, singing, romancing and mistaken identities. The show is set on board the S.S. American, a 1930s luxury liner en route to London from New York.

On board are a lovesick stowaway, a brassy nightclub evangelist, a beautiful young debutante and her doting mother, a boozy and lecherous old tycoon, a bumbling gangster disguised as a priest, an ‘English Lord’ with a mysterious past and a ship full of dancing sailors and high-kicking chorus girls. Last year the districts performed “Legally Blonde.”

Moonface Martin (Thomas Follman), Billy Crocker (Cameron Morgan) and Reno Sweeny (Heather Mufford) sing “Friendship” during a rehearsal for “Anything Goes.”

Lyndonville residents elect Belson as mayor

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Michael Sidari elected mayor of Medina

John Belson

LYNDONVILLE – Less than three months after leaving public office, John Belson was elected to a new role today. The former Yates town supervisor was picked as new mayor of Lyndonville.

Belson lost a close election in November to Jim Simon for town supervisor. Belson served out his term that ended Dec. 31. He ran for mayor and won, 92 votes to 19 for James Tuk, the village’s current deputy mayor.

Tuk has been leading the village since Steve McAvoy resigned as mayor on Oct. 31 due to the demands of his full-time job. Belson will take over on April 1.

Tuk will remain on the Village Board as a trustee.

Three other people ran for two seats on the Village Board. Andrew Cousins will be joining the board after being elected with 67 votes. Incumbent Danny Woodward led the trustee candidates with 70 votes. Incumbent Ellen Tuohey came in third with 56 votes.

In Medina, Mike Sidari was elected to a two-year term as a mayor with 87 votes. Marguerite Sherman was re-elected trustee with 87 votes and Tim Elliott was elected with 71. Sidari will succeed Andrew Meier as mayor. Meier opted not to seek re-election.

Medina hosts big Winterguard competition

Staff Reports Posted 13 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photos

MEDINA – The Medina Mustang Band hosted a Winterguard show on Saturday with 20 guard units from Western NY and Canada competing. Approximately 350-375 people were in attendance.

The top photo shows the Varsity Guard, which is comprised of 20 students in grades 7-12. Their show is “A-Maze-Zing”. In the Scholastic A class, the Medina Varsity guard came in 2nd with a score of 78.72. Victor took 1st place with a score of 83.01.

In the Cadet Class, Medina competed against six other units and came in 4th with a score of 61.08. The Cadet Guard is comprised of 12 students in grades 1-9 and their show is “Descendants”.

The next and last performance for these groups will be Saturday, March 26, at the NECGC Championships held at Brockport College, the SERC, 350 New Campus Drive.

Guys and Dolls take stage in Lyndonville/Medina musical

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

LYNDONVILLE – Thomas Follman, right, plays Nicely-Nicely Johnson and Leif Isaacson is Benny Southstreet, both gamblers, in Guys and Dolls.

A cast of 53 students from Medina and Lyndonville will perform the musical today at 7:30, Saturday at 7:30 and Sunday at 2 p.m. All of the performances are at Lyndonville’s Stroyan Auditorium.

Jennifer Trupo is director of the musical. She said the cast includes several strong male leads.

“There is a great crop of guys this year and this is a guy-heavy show,” she said.

Lyndonville-Medina also performed shows with fairy tale characters the previous two years with Shrek and Into the Woods. “This time they can play regular people,” Trupo said.

Salma Huzair plays Sarah Brown and Joseph Mangiola is Sky Masterson. Huzair’s character leads the Save-a-Soul Mission, trying to get sinners to repent. Sky initially wooed Sarah in a bet, but the two develop genuine affection for each other.

Some of the gamblers are pictured during a dress rehearsal on Thursday. The musical is set in the hustle and bustle of New York City.

Cora Payne plays the lead role of Miss Adelaide and Abel Zavitz is Nathan Detroit. The two have been engaged for 14 years. Nathan runs an illegal crap game. Brian Cunningham plays the gambler, Big Jule.

These gangsters include, from left: Brian Cunningham as Big Jule, Thomas Bummer as Harry the Horse, and Devon Allen as Lt. Brannigan.

William Bellan portrays Arvide Abernathy, Sarah Brown’s grandfather and a bass drum player. He is a member of the Save-a-Soul Mission.

Hot Box Dolls include, from left: Grace Masse, Shelby Green and Cora Payne.

Medina hospital will use state funds for capital projects, debt relief

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers – Medina Memorial Hospital, pictured today on Ohio Street, will be the focus of capital projects, including a lobby and emergency department renovations.

MEDINA – The $6.2 million announced for Medina Memorial Hospital and its parent organization, Orleans Community Health, will reduce the hospital’s debt and allow capital projects to move forward.

Gov. Cuomo on Friday announced $6,275,528 was approved for Orleans Community Health. The funding is part of $1.5 billion for 162 health-related projects state-wide.

Orleans Community Health plans to use $2,691,329.40 for debt relief and $3,584,198.60 for capital projects, said Wendy Jacobson, president and CEO of Orleans Community Health.

The debt relief funds will go towards paying off loans, including mortgages for the hospital and a health care center that opened in 2012 on Butts Road in Albion. The state funds will also go towards repaying loans from the hospital’s foundation, and a loan from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York.

For the capital projects, Orleans County Health is planning to renovate the hospital’s lobby and emergency department. It is also working on a new project to increase outpatient services, and a co-located primary care and behavioral health site that follows guidelines through the state’s Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) Program. DSRIP is the main mechanism that the state uses to implement the Medicaid Redesign Team Waiver Amendment.

Jacobson said Orleans Community Health has 180 days to submit the Certificate of Need to the state Department of Health for the capital projects.

Some of the state funds will be used to pay off debt for building the health care site at the corner of Butts Road and Route 31 in Albion. The site opened in November 2012.

Flags are at half-mast for former First Lady Nancy Reagan

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – The American flag by the VFW Lincoln Post in Medina is at half-staff this afternoon in honor of Nancy Reagan, the former First Lady who died on Sunday at age 94.

President Obama directed the flags at half-mast or half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo also has directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of Reagan.

“Born in Queens, Nancy Reagan was committed to improving the lives of others, and her legacy will no doubt be felt for decades to come,” Cuomo said. “As we mourn the former First Lady’s passing, I am directing that flags on all state government buildings be flown at half-staff to honor her life and her many contributions to our nation.”

Medina hospital approved for $6.2 million from state for capital projects, debt restructuring

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 March 2016 at 12:00 am

NY also awards $105,000 grant to Community Health Center

File photo by Tom River – Medina Memorial Hospital has been approved for state funding for capital projects.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health, parent organization of Medina Memorial Hospital, has been approved for $6,275,528 from the state for “essential capital projects” and debt restructuring.

The funding was announced today, part of $1.5 billion for 162 health-related projects state-wide.

“The Orleans County Legislature couldn’t be more pleased with Governor Cuomo’s decision to make such a significant investment in our community hospital,” said Lynne Johnson, Orleans County Legislature vice chairwoman and also a member of the hospital’s board of directors. “Orleans Community Health is such a vital part of the Orleans County health system. Our county is a medically underserved area and such a substantial investment by the state helps to keep our system sustainable and couldn’t come at a more crucial time.”

Oak Orchard Health, a community health center, has several healthcare sites, including in Albion, Lyndonville, Brockport, Warsaw and Hornell. Oak Orchard was approved for a $105,000 grant to “create integrated delivery systems that are focused on evidence-based medicine/population health management, and create a medical village using existing hospital infrastructure.”

Governor Cuomo said the state funding will dramatically transform and improve the delivery of health care in the state.

“We have a responsibility to continue to make critical capital and infrastructure improvements that transform our health care system into one of sustainability with a deep focus on improving patient care and delivery of vital services,” Cuomo said. “This funding allows them to do just that and is yet another example of how New York is leading the nation in adapting to meet 21st century health care needs.”

The awards are being made through the Capital Restructuring Financing Program and Essential Health Care Provider Support Program, according to a news release from the governor’s office. Both were created by Cuomo to support the goals of the Delivery System Reform Incentive Program, the main mechanism for investing the $7.3 billion in Medicaid savings that resulted from the groundbreaking waiver between New York and the federal government in 2014.

The goals of DSRIP include reducing health care costs, improving the health of New Yorkers, reducing avoidable hospital admissions and emergency room visits by 25 percent by 2020, and ensuring the financial sustainability of safety net health care providers, Cuomo’s office said.

Hard work, higher grades take Medina school off state’s Focus list

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 March 2016 at 12:00 am

School district, all 3 buildings now in ‘Good Standing’

Photos by Tom Rivers – A Medina Mustang banner hangs outside at the district campus.

MEDINA – For 4 ½ years, the State Education Department has put the “Focus” school label on Medina. It’s a tag the school district shed on Friday, and is now considered a district in “Good Standing.”

It’s been a lot of work from administrators, teachers, students and parents to raise academic performance.

“I’m extremely proud of all of our buildings for getting off of the list,” said Jeff Evoy, the district superintendent.

The district initially was on the list for low scores in student subgroups for state assessment tests in grades 3 through 8. Those grade levels include Oak Orchard Elementary School (grade 3), Clifford Wise Intermediate/Middle School (grades 4 through 7) and Medina High School (grade 8).

Oak Orchard Elementary and Medina High School were the first to raise their scores and be removed from the list and be considered in good standing. Clifford Wise, which includes four of the targeted grade levels, was the last one to satisfy the state.

Elaine Wendt, principal at the Clifford Wise Intermediate/Middle School, praised teachers, parents and students for raising the academic achievement and learning environment in the school.

Principal Elaine Wendt said student scores are now exceeding the state average. She commended the hard work from so many, from students to parents to staff and teachers, as well as strong leadership from Evoy and Denise Stappenbeck, who was hired as director of curriculum and instruction three years ago.

The district laid off about 30 teachers and staff during a budget crisis in 2010. The loss of those staff hurt student achievement. Some of the positions, including academic support and enrichment, have been added in recent budgets.

Stappenbeck said revisions in curriculum, instruction strategies, and professional development for teachers were part of the turnaround.

“We’ve come at it in a lot of different ways,” she said.

Parents have been more engaged, and there has been a “dramatic drop in bullying,” which has improved the learning atmosphere for students, Wendt said.

Medina staff members are pleased the district no longer has been labeled a “Focus” school in need of improvement by the State Education Department. This group is pictured in the middle school library and includes, from left: Becky Botsford, grades 6 and 7 band teacher; Kristen Phillips, librarian; Jeanette Sheliga, grade 4 and 5 band teacher; Principal Elaine Wendt; Superintendent of Schools Jeff Evoy; Denise Stappenbeck, director of curriculum and instruction; and Joette Oberther, library aide.

Evoy said the multi-pronged approach yielded a higher graduation rate with 85 percent of students in the Class of 2015 graduating with their four-year cohort, about a 10 percent jump in 5 years, Evoy said.

The district added a credit recovery program to help students failing classes to stay on pace for graduation.

“We can’t stay complacent,” Evoy said. “Being a focus school is a label you don’t want to have.”

Evoy shared the news on Tuesday at the Board of Education meeting and handed out Mr. Goodbar chocolate candy bars to everyone in the room.

“All of our schools are in good standing,” Evoy said. “We’ve had so much buy-in from staff. It’s a been a change in culture where everyone is working together.”

Medina starts new digital media program at middle school

Posted 3 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Provided photos – Seventh-graders Kylie Hinman, left, and Faith Ann Vanderwalker are in a new digital media class taught by Mr. Justin Mergenhagen.

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – There are some aspiring Steven Spielbergs at Clifford Wise Middle School thanks to a new component to the Technology Program.

Teacher Justin Mergenhagen is offering a 10-week course to 7th graders on digital media.

“This is something I have done in the past with high school students working with their TV studio,” Mergenhagen said. “This is the start of technology application so that they can learn from doing a variety of media projects where they will be going from pre-production, production to post-production. They will be learning everything from the storyboard process, scriptwriting, filming and how to edit their projects.”

The students started with a simple slideshow in the program Movie Maker and now they are starting on their next activity using an HD video camera.

“They are starting to learn the different camera shots, what they are called and what they look like,” Mergenhagen said. “They have 25 sample shots in this activity that they have to work through with a partner by setting them up and recording them. They are going to put those into Movie Maker, where for the first time they will import video, learn how to trim and edit clips, add captions and titles, make transitions and add music to their projects.”

Students will eventually work on a one-minute public service announcement on various issues.

“They are going to pick topics that are challenges and adversities for students their age like bullying, homework, recycling, how to have a successful day, etc. They will be planning it from start to finish with the whole creative process.”

Sarah Sones, left, and Jordyn Rosenberg are both taking the class.

Mergenhagen thinks 7th grade is a perfect time to start students on digital media.

“I think they are at a mature enough level to look at the issues and do research for the project,” he said. “If they are doing something like obesity in pre-teens they will need to look up information and facts and question experts about their topic. Their last project will be a 30-second commercial that will allow them to use their creativity and just have fun. It will also teach them about advertising and persuasive techniques.”

The students seem to be enjoying the chance to use their creativity and learning new skills.

“I think it is a lot of fun,” says Faith Ann Vanderwalker. “This is stuff I could not learn at home because I don’t have a camera.”

Classmate Kylie Hinman says she finds it a good learning experience. “I think it will help anyone who wants to go into a career behind the camera.”

“We get to do a lot of cool stuff,” says Sarah Sones.

Orleans Community Health gains 3-year accreditation for rehab program

Staff Reports Posted 3 March 2016 at 12:00 am

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health’s Comprehensive Medical Rehabilitation Unit has received a three-year accreditation for its inpatient rehabilitation program for adults at the hospital.

The latest accreditation is the sixth consecutive three-year accreditation given by the international accrediting body, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, to Orleans Community Health.

This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows the organization’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards, Orleans Community Health said in a news release.

An organization receiving a three-year accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process. It has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit its commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable, and of the highest quality.

Orleans Community Health is a non-profit organization with offices at 200 Ohio St., Medina. It has been providing comprehensive medical rehabilitation services in the Medina area since 2001. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services are also offered on an inpatient, outpatient, home health, and sub-acute basis.

New Family Dollar in Medina opens

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 March 2016 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – A new Family Dollar opened on Tuesday on Maple Ridge Road in Medina. This photo was taken today at about noon.

The store is 8,320 square feet. Family Dollar moved out of the Tops Plaza and went about ½ mile east to the new site across from Tim Hortons.

The Village Planning Board pushed for the store to have a brick appearance and black trim to give the building a more classic look. The site also has 28 parking spaces, and will include trees and other landscaping improvements.