MEDINA – An anonymous donor will continue to make money available to Medina property owners working on painting their buildings and other exterior improvements, including facade work.

This will be the fourth year the funds are available in the matching grant program administered by the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.

The grants are available for up to $10,000 in a match for sites in the Village of Medina. People need to apply for the funds and a committee reviews the proposals. The money is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

There will be an informational meeting at 7 p.m. on Jan. 13 at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, 620 West Ave.

The anonymous donor gave $200,000 in each of the first three years of the program, and is making $100,000 available in 2016.

For more information on the program and to see an application for the funds, click here.

Photo by Tom Rivers – Wreaths were set by veterans’ gravesites at Boxwood Cemetery.

MEDINA – Two years ago, Boxwood Cemetery took part in Wreaths Across America, a nationwide effort to recognize deceased veterans during the holidays.

There were seven veterans’ graves with wreaths and colorful red ribbons in late 2013, the debut of the program at Boxwood. It grew to about 20 graves in 2014 and last month it reached 60.

“They really look nice out there,” said Kathy Blackburn, volunteer coordinator of the program at Boxwood. She also is a member of the Boxwood Cemetery Commission.
She would like to see 100 graves have wreaths next year and eventually all of the veterans’ sites in the cemetery.

The wreaths cost $15 each and are ordered online throught the Wreaths Across America website (click here). Local vetetrans’ organizations participated in a service at Boxwood on Dec. 12.

“This was our third year and it just keeps growing,” Blackburn said. “We hope to cover more of the cemetery next year.”

For more information, give Blackburn a call at 585-734-5801.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – A fire this morning in a third-floor apartment in Medina injured at least one person with another sent to Medina Memorial Hospital for evaluation. One of the residents had burn injuries and was taken by Mercy Flight to a hospital.

Firefighters were dispatched to 510 West Ave. at 7:46 a.m. There was heavy smoke coming from the third floor. The fire was contained to the one apartment, said Jonathan Higgins, captain with the Medina Fire Department.

Higgins said the fire is under investigation.

Medina Firefighter Ashton Lang climbs the ladder to the top floor of the apartment house, which is owned by Ryan Macdonald of Batavia.

There are about a dozen residents in the building, and most of them relocated next door to the First Baptist Church while the fire was being put out and the building ventilated from smoke.

Marty Busch, Medina code enforcement officer, said he would call the Red Cross for assistance for residents today while the site was ventilated and cleaned up.

Busch said Macdonald has improved the property.

“It’s in the best condition it’s been in in 20 years,” Busch said.

Medina firefighters were assisted at the scene by Lyndonville, Shelby, Ridgeway, and East Shelby firefighters, with Albion and Middleport firefighters and Central Orleans Volunteer Ambulance all on standby.

Photo by Tom Rivers – Firefighters are pictured outside a large apartment house in Medina at about 8:30 this morning.

MEDINA – The fire this morning at a 12-unit apartment house in Medina caused about $20,000 in damage, with $10,000 in damage to contents of the apartment and $10,000 to the rest of the structure, Medina Fire Department officials said.

Firefighters were called to the fire at about 7:45 a.m. Smoke was coming out of a third floor apartment. A second alarm was requested due to the building size as well as the high occupancy of the building.

Bystanders on scene advised fire crews of the location of the fire and advised that there was a person trapped, said Steve Cooley, a firefighter/paramedic and public information officer for Medina Fire Department.

Crews quickly located and extinguished the fire while simultaneously removing the resident from the burning apartment. That resident was transported by the Medina ambulance to the Mercy Flight landing zone and then flown to the Emergency Department at ECMC. That resident was admitted to the Burn Unit at ECMC for smoke inhalation and possible airway burns, Cooley said. As of this afternoon, the resident is in stable condition.

Medina firefighters were assisted on scene by several local fire departments. The fire investigation is being handled by fire investigators with the Medina Fire Department along with assistance from the Medina Police Department.

Photos by Tom Rivers – The Masonic Temple on West Center Street will be sold to the World Life Institute which will turn it into a headquarters with educational and humanitarian programming, including the possibility of a college.

MEDINA – Alan Kozody has visited many Masonic temples in Orleans and Niagara counties, and Kozody doesn’t think any are more beautiful than the lodge for the Medina Masons on West Center Street.

The site is a former church, used by the Mormons before the Masons bought the building about a dozen years ago.

Kozody said the building was ideal for giving a sense of reverence and respect as a meeting place for the rituals for the Masons. However, the building’s steep stairs and limited parking are a challenge for the Masons’ older members.

The lodge in Medina dates back to 1854. Kozody is the lodge’s master, functioning as president. He said there are about 60 to 70 members, but only eight to 14 make the regular meetings and consistently volunteer with activities. The diminishing number prompted the group to cease its week-long sausage booth during the Orleans County 4-H Fair last summer. Kozody said the Masons did that for many, many years.

The group also didn’t have its booth during the Parade of Lights in November.

“Our membership is declining,” Kozody said.

That is why the lodge is selling the Masonic Temple at 229 West Center St. to the World Life Institute, a non-profit organization that runs many humanitarian programs in the community, from educational efforts to a program during the summers for war orphans. Word Life Institute plans to make the Masonic Temple into the international headquarters for World Life Institute.

WLI also wants to use the site to host lectures and other events for the community.

The sale was scheduled to close today but was pushed back. Kozody said he expects it will close soon once all of the paperwork is in order for the lawyers. The Medina Masonic Lodge will have use of the building for three months after the sale.

That will give the group time to remove its possessions and find a temporary meeting place. Kozody said the Masons in Middleport have welcomed the Medina Masons to the lodge on Main Street in Midelport. Kozody said he expects the Medina group will meet there for six months until deciding it’s future home.

The stained-glass windows in the lodge will be removed, but Kozody said the windows will stay in Medina.

The stained-glass windows inside the lodge will find another home in Medina, Kozody said. He isn’t sure where yet. Masons toured the Bent’s Opera House recently and the windows could eventually be displayed there, he said.

“We will store them and get them back out in time,” Kozody said. “They are beautiful and we want them to stay in the village.”

One of the World Life leaders, Dr. Asaf Durakovic, is a member of the Medina Masonic Lodge. He sees the building as an opportunity for World Life to expand its humanitarian work in the community and in the world.

He approached the Masons about the sale. Kozody said he is pleased the building will be put to good use by World Life Institute. The organization is developing a college, language school and other educational programs.

“I wish them the best,” Kozody said. “I think it’s a wonderful thing. The more I hear about their mission, I think it’s a good thing.”

Kozody said the Medina Masons may look to partner with other lodges to continue the organization’s traditions, while welcoming new members.

“Our motto is we take good men and make them better,” Kozody said.

Provided photo – Tessa Biesinger and Brianna Stewart from Medina both attended the roller skating night on Dec. 29 at the Orleans County YMCA and won i-pod shuffles.

Press Release, Orleans United Drug Free Communities Coalition

MEDINA – Through collaboration with Orleans United Drug Free Communities Coalition, the Orleans YMCA, and Medina Area Association of Churches, “Free Roller Skating” had a great turnout on Dec. 29. This event has been very successful for many years, and organizers hope for it to continue to grow.

Free Roller Skating is an event that takes place at the end of December, giving students on school break an opportunity to participate in a family friendly, fun event. This year on Dec. 29, more than 150 school-aged kids and parents laced up and showed off their skating skills. Two lucky winners received an i-pod shuffle.

Without the support from these organizations as well as the children and parents, this event would not have been nearly as successful. The Orleans United Drug Free Communities Coalition is very grateful for all of the assistance provided to give youth a healthy, fun and safe experience.

For more information on the Drug Free Communities Coalition, click here.

Photo by Tom Rivers – The Masonic Hall on West Center Street in Medina, a former church, will become the international headquarters for the World Life Institute, which runs several programs in Orleans County and beyond.

MEDINA – The World Life Institute is buying the Masonic Hall in Medina on West Center Street, with plans to make the site the international headquarters for WLI.

“It’s a beautiful historic building,” said Chris Wilson, a member of WLI. “We’re trying to be a force for good in the community and in our own small way internationally.”

The World Life Institute is mostly volunteer run. It built an education center on Stillwater Road in the mid-1990s. That school is used for ESL and other adult educational programs, mainly for farmworkers.

World Life Institute also has been hosting war orphans the past two decades through Project LIFE. WLI has hosted about 110 children from war-torn Bosnia, Afghanistan and Russia. Some children also came one summer from Sri Lanka following a devastating tsunami. All of the children have lost at least one parent to war or tragedy.

Wilson is international director for Project LIFE, making the contacts in the foreign countries for the children to come to Orleans County each summer.

The children are treated to peace in the countryside of Orleans County, good nutrition, art and music therapy, and English as a second language. They receive medical and dental care, and then return home after about two or three months.

Wilson said WLI plans to use the Masonic Hall for offices, educational programs and a lecture hall for community programs. WLI would like to host “TED talks” and engage the community in discussion of ideas and current events. WLI and the Masonic Lodge will close on the sale on Monday, Wilson said.

WLI will have a community reception beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Masonic Hall, 223 West Center St. Dinner will follow at 4 p.m. The event is a fund-raiser for WLI and will feature awards to local supporters, a silent auction of art and jewelry, and entertainment by a surprise local celebrity.

“This exciting event is our way to say thanks to the local community while we raise funds to support our charitable work here and around the world,” said WLI Vice President Jacob Zimmerman. “Strong local support has been the key to our success over the years, so we want to celebrate that.”

Most of WLI’s work is done by dedicated volunteers, Wilson said, with support from local congregations, businesses and individuals.

“Our work has benefitted greatly from support in the community,” Wilson said.

In Orleans County, WLI provides language training through its Medina Language Center and adult education, medical services and food programs to local people in need. WLI also operates a publishing house and provides advanced educational programs internationally through its online division, World Life College.

Tickets for the event on Sunday cost $25 for adults and $15 for children. They are available for purchase online at https://www.paypal.me/worldlifeinstituteHQ. For questions, call (585) 205-4545.

WLI is also happy to receive donations and sponsorships. For more information, please contact World Life Institute by email at wliheadquarters2016@gmail.com or phone at (585) 205-4545.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – The Medina Business Association held its annual Holly Jolly Christmas Window Decorating Contest. ATB Staffing Services was named the first-place winner.

Here are the other winners:

Second: Woodroe Realty

Third: Creekside Floral & Design

Fourth: Meggie Moo’s

Fifth: Herbalty Cottage

Photo courtesy of Orleans Community Health

MEDINA – The Maintenance, Couriers, and Security Departments all contributed to purchase a 50-inch TV for residents at the North Wing, a skilled nursing facility at Medina Memorial Hospital. This was in addition to the fireplace that was gifted from them last year.

Pictured, front row, from left: Laurinda Punch and Clifford Johnson.

Back Row: Jim Luckman, David Rhim, Tim Bisher, Guy Scribner, Joe Barnes, Bill Merritt, Tyler Fuller, Larry Szatkowski and Doug Fuller.

File photo by Tom Rivers – Medina Memorial Hospital would take a big hit financially if the state passes legislation requiring mandated staffing levels in hospitals, according the Medina Memorial’s CEO.

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature is opposing proposed state legislation that would require minimum staffing levels for hospitals and nursing homes.

“One size does not fit all,” said Legislator Lynne Johnson, who is also on the board of directors for Orleans Community Health, the parent organization of Medina Memorial Hospital.

County legislators said the legislation (click here), takes staffing decisions away from hospitals and would add $3 billion in the cost of care across the state.

“This one could close us down and bankrupt all of us,” Johnson said.

Wendy Jacobson, CEO and president of the hospital, addressed the County Legislature last week. She thanked the county officials for opposing government-mandated staffing levels.

If the state proposal goes through, Jacobson said she expects hospitals would turn to more agency staff and employees would face more overtime.

“It would be financially devastating to our organization,” Jacobson said.

The legislation would also pose increased staffing costs and demands on nursing homes.

“I can’t emphasis enough how important it is that Orleans County has its one hospital and two nursing homes,” Legislature Chairman David Callard said.

The New York State Nurses Association favors the state legislation. For more on the Nurses Association and why it backs the law, click here.

Provided photos, Orleans Community Health Foundation

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health Foundation’s Annual Memorial Tree is proudly standing in the lobby at Medina Memorial Hospital. The 12-foot tree is filling up quickly with nearly 100 gold angel wing ornaments already purchased.

Ornaments orders are available in the hospital’s lobby. Pictured from left to right: Jeanne Crane and Jean Wetherbee, both of the MMH Association of TWIGS, along with Angela DiRosa, executive director of the Orleans Community Health Foundation.

The Orleans Community Health Foundation took a little time to help with holiday decorations in the dining room at the Long Term Care Residential Facility at Orleans Community Health/Medina Memorial Hospital, known as the North Wing.

Angela DiRosa, executive director of OCHF, distributed centerpieces during lunch with the residents. She was assisted by Bill Carroll, administrator of the unit; Mary Luckman, department manager; and Adrienne Belson, activities director. They are pictured with resident Joan Henel.

Photos by Tom Rivers – Volunteers with the Medina Area Association of Churches have toys, gifts and food boxed up and ready to given to local families on Saturday. Gregg Boose, a member of the Glad Tidings Baptist Church, spent Wednesday helping Sue Metzo, left, and Joanne Arnett with the effort. Metzo, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and Arnett, a member of the Medina United Methodist Church, are co-leaders of the annual toy drive.

MEDINA – The toys are boxed up and ready to go to 106 families on Saturday when local firefighters will make the deliveries.

For about four decades, the Medina Area Association of Churches has run the annual toy drive. This year the group of 16 churches will be giving toys to 151 children, plus 39 senior citizens will be given poinsettias and fruit baskets.

The toys are all donated by community members, who fill about 30 red barrels that are placed in businesses and other locations in the community.

“Medina is a very giving community,” said Joanne Arnett, a co-leader of this year’s effort along with Sue Metzo.

The barrels of toys were picked up on Monday and the items were taken to the Medina United Methodist Church to be sorted by age group. Volunteers then organized the toys for the 151 children on the list. They try to match the gifts with requests from the kids.

The boxes of toys will be delivered on Saturday morning by local firefighters.

“So many people go through hard times and fall through the cracks,” said Metzo, who has volunteered the past decade with the effort.

Toys are organized to go to 106 families on Saturday.

Last year, the MAAC drive served 82 families. The number is up to 106 this year. Metzo said many of the families are the “Working Wounded,” where parents have jobs but don’t make enough money to cover all of their expenses.

MAAC starts signing up families in September for the toy drive. Families will receive gifts for each child at their age level, as well as a book, board game, puzzle and stuffed animal. Each family also receives a ham dinner, and socks, mittens, scarves and hats.

Gregg Boose is a new volunteer in the annual effort. He was needed on Wednesday to move many of the heavy boxes full of gifts.

“They needed help and it’s for a good cause,” said Boose, a member of the Glad Tidings Baptist Church.

The Medina Area Association of Churches also runs the Clothing Depot in the Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God at the old high school, 324 Catherine St.

The depot is open eight hours each week and is staffed by church volunteers. The clothing sales generate about $35,000 annually and that money is donated back to community causes and organizations, including the Care Net Family Center in Albion, Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, Medina Police Department, Orleans County Christian School, Hospice of Orleans, and missions programs through local churches.

File photo by Tom Rivers – Jose Avila has led the Medina Police Department for 18 ½ years. He is retiring in 11 days.

MEDINA – Jose Avila attended his final Village Board as police chief on Monday. He has been going to the board meetings, at least two a month, for the past 18 ½ years.

He will be retiring in 11 days, ending a 32-year career in law enforcement. He has served as Medina’s police chief the past 18 years with another six months before that as assistant chief.

Avila told the board on Monday that he is grateful for the opportunity to lead the Medina Police Department. Chad Kenward, a Medina police officer, has been appointed to succeed Avila as chief.

“You should feel very proud of your service to the village,” Mayor Andrew Meier told Avila during Monday’s meeting. “A lot of people hold you in high regard.”

Village Board members all expressed appreciation for Avila’s service and conduct on the job.

“It’s not easy being the police chief in a small town,” said Trustee Owen Toale. “You’re a target.”

Toale said Avila put in extra time and effort as police chief. He also managed the department well with some budget constraints, Trustee Mike Sidari said.

Trustee Todd Bensley said Avila has been a good communicator with board members.

“I appreciate your open communication,” Bensley said. “I wish you a well-deserved retirement.”

Avila also has been functioning as Medina’s animal control officer, looking after dogs picked up and kept in the dog pound at the Police Department.

Village officials are trying to work out a deal with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department to pick up loose dogs in Medina. Sidari doesn’t think there should be a charge because village residents pay for the service through their town taxes, but Avila said the county will want additional money.

He suggested the village consider hiring a part-time person for the job.

The Medina Police Department will continue to handle the job in early 2016 until a longer-term solution can be worked out.

File photo by Tom Rivers – The 3-million gallon water tank on Route 31A was drained on Sept. 28, 2015 so inspectors could check the tank for structural deficiencies.

MEDINA – The Village Board approved borrowing $1.25 million to take care of serious deficiencies in a 3-million-gallon water tank on Maple Ridge Road.

The Orleans County Health Department is pushing the upgrades. The village drained the tank and made emergency, temporary repairs in late September.

The tank is currently about a third full, at a water height up to 11 feet. It is currently passing Health Department standards at the low water level in the tank, said Brian Sibiga, an engineer with Wendel.

The firm will be paid $80,079 to oversee the renovations to the concrete tank. Wendel will do design work and prepare bid specifications for a project that is expected to go out to contractors in March with the work done before the peak summer water demand.

The proposed upgrades/improvements include concrete patching, crack coating, and upgrades to the tank exterior with crack sealing and coating. There will also be upgrades to the tank’s interior and improvements to the existing pump station.

“There is quite a bit of work needed on the tank,” Sibiga told the Village Board this evening.

The upgrades should give the tank another 20 years of useful life, Sibiga said.

The village also is looking to replace about 2,000 water meters for village customers. That project will improve village efficiencies and water operations. The Village Board declared the project would not have a negative environmental impact.

That project is separate from the $1.25 million being borrowed for the water tank project.