By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 November 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – More than a hundred Teddy Bears, stuffed animals and dolls received medical care this week from Medina Memorial Hospital in the return of the Teddy Bear Clinic.
The top photo shows Jeanine Corbett from the hospital checking on a monkey owned by a kindergartner from the Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School in Albion.
The hospital used to have the clinic and welcomed kindergartners to bring in toys that would receive bandages, X-rays, Band-Aids and other care.
But when local schools cut back on field trips about a decade ago, the Teddy Bear Clinic went away. The hospital is bringing it back and Albion kindergartners were the first to give it a try.
Mary Dunham, a nurse a Medina Memorial, looks over some of the stuffed animals brought in today by kindergartners.
The hospital hopes the Teddy Bear Clinic helps children to feel more comfortable if they ever need to go to the hospital.
Erika Keyes shows students the X-ray machine.
Mary Dunham shows students a X-ray of a Teddy Bear with a penny in its stomach.
Jonah Elsenheimer brought in his stuffed animal of a dog. Mary Dunham puts a bandage on the dog’s leg after Jonah said it fell off its skateboard. The students were welcome to make up injuries for their stuffed animals.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 November 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Barbara Waters addresses Medina High School students on Friday when she was inducted into the school’s “Wall of Distinguished Alumni.” Waters has been active in the community, owning several businesses and serving on the board for Medina Memorial Hospital. She shared about hard work, and meeting her goal of getting a college degree – at age 60.
MEDINA – High schoolers looking for inspiration for the future don’t have to look far for examples of Medina students who have been successes, pouring their lives into the local community or leaving their mark elsewhere in the country and the world.
The school has a “Wall of Distinguished Alumni” and five more graduates were inducted into that select group on Friday.
Michael Cavanagh, high school principal, said the school wants to honor alumni, promote school spirit and pride, and provide an incentive for current students.
“The people we honor today are proof that we are all capable of greatness and making a difference in society,” he told about 600 students in grades 8 through 12 during an afternoon program in the auditorium.
The school inducted Barbara Waters, Class of 1948; Lee Eick, Class of 1969; Dr. Hugh McElwee, Class of 1960; Wilford Gratrick, Class of 1930; and Edwin Caleb, Class of 1965.
Barbara Waters was first to be inducted. She graduated during an era with fewer opportunities for women. However, she would own five family businesses and became an influential leader in healthcare for the community. She built and opened the 120-bed Orchard Manor in 1972, the 24-bed Willows, the Lakewood Village Mobile Home Park, and bought and remodeled many homes.
She credited her father, Frank Balcerzak, for instilling a work ethic in his children. Barbara shared with students about how she and her twin sister, Marcia Tuohey, would work on a muck farm as teen-agers.
“It wasn’t glamorous work for two young girls but it was enough to buy clothes,” Waters said. “The lesson that hard work never hurt anybody we learned at an early age.”
She was active on the board of directors for Medina Memorial Hospital for 22 years, and was able to recruit many long-time physicians to the community.
Waters and her late husband Robert were long-time community dynamos, pushing projects in the Medina area. Mr. Waters wrote the nomination for his wife to be considered for the Wall of Distinguished Alumni before his death on July 29. Mr. Waters was inducted into the group in 2003.
His wife shared with students about her dream of going to college and earning a degree. When she graduated from high school in 1948, not many women were in college, and there wasn’t much financial aid for students.
After achieving business success, Mrs. Waters went to college at Niagara University. When she was 60, she graduated after being in classes with students ages 19 and 20.
“Everyone has a dream,” she said. “I wanted to receive a degree.”
Waters told students there are job opportunities locally. She told the girls “the glass ceiling has been cracked” and they should aim high. She told the students to cope with changes throughout life.
Bill Eick, an Orleans County legislator, accepts the award on his brother’s behalf.
“There are so many opportunities now,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to really work hard.”
Waters was the only one of the five inductees to attend the program on Friday. Two inductees are deceased and two others live across the country.
Lee Eick enjoyed a career as a successful structural engineer after earning a degree from Purdue University in 1974. He worked on projects around the world, building bridges, dams, water turbines and renovating historic properties for Ch2m Hill Companies, Ltd. He lives in Oregon and has been an influential mentor for engineers and an active church member in his community.
Lee’s brother, Bill Eick of Shelby, accepted the award on his behalf. Bill read a statement from his brother, who credited family values and a work ethic from the family’s dairy farm for helping him attain success and strive to serve others.
Dr. Hugh McElwee is a gastroenterologist in Fort Collins, Colo. He has been in practice for 43 years and has several breakthroughs in his field.
Cavanagh read a statement from McElwee who said he wasn’t the smartest student at Medina.
“I wasn’t the best at anything in high school,” McElwee said. “Patience and persistence are more important than intelligence or money.”
Edwin Caleb’s sister, Karen Larson, accepted the award on his behalf on Friday.
Edwin Caleb was born in 1947 and grew up in West Shelby. He earned a law degree in 1979 in Oregon and would serve 27 years as district attorney for Klamath County, Oregon, establishing Citizens for Safe Schools program, the Elder Abuse Task Force and the Domestic Violence Reduction Unit. He supervised the Klamath County Major Crime Team in the investigation and conviction of murderers and sex offenders.
He also was active in mentoring programs with local youth. Caleb was picked as “Citizen of the Year” in 2012 by his local newspaper for his professional and humanitarian work. He died on Jan. 29, 2015.
Wilford Gratrick earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Michigan State University and was in the ROTC program. He served as a company commander in the Army during World War II before returning to Medina in 1946.
He worked for the Medina Power and Light Company before joining the Army again in 1948. He would travel the world with the Army using his skills in nuclear technology. After he retired from the Army, he worked as a professor for four years at the University of California in Berkeley. He died in 1985 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 November 2015 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Art Hill Excavation has been doing some of the site work for the new Pride Pak on Maple Ridge Road.
ALBION – Pride Pak, a Canadian company that is building a new 64,000-square-foot vegetable processing plant in Medina, is a new real estate owner in the community.
The company and the Orleans Economic Development Agency today approved a deal where the company will pay $130,000 for 13 acres along Maple Ridge Road. The EDA is selling the land at $10,000 per acre.
The agency will use proceeds from the sale towards infrastructure for the site. Jim Whipple, the EDA chief executive officer, said the $130,000 will cover a portion of the expense.
The Medina Village Board has committed $50,000 and the Shelby Town Board $10,000 to add a sewer line and build an access road. The Town of Shelby, Village of Medina and Orleans County highway crews will provide in-kind work on the road and some of the infrastructure work.
Construction equipment has been at the site for about two weeks with site work underway.
Steve Karr, Pride Pak chief executive officer, would like to have the new building done in late April and then equipment moved in for a June 1 opening. But he said last month that cooperation from Mother Nature over the winter will be a big factor in meeting that schedule.
The EDA board of directors on Friday also approved a 20-year tax savings plan that will save Pride Pak $1,737,75 in property taxes over 20 years. The PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) commits Pride Pak to paying $1,330,204 over 20 years to the Village of Medina, Town of Shelby, Medina Central School, and Orleans County.
The property has been tax exempt and hasn’t generated any taxing revenue. Pride Pak won’t pay any taxes in the first year and will then see its tax bill increase in 5 percent increments over 20 years until it is paying $157,421 in year 20.
The company plans to add 85 to 100 jobs in phase 1 of the project. It expects to add two more buildings after the first one is up and operational next year. Any structures after the first building are not part of the proposed PILOT and those buildings would result in additional tax revenue for the local governments.
Pride Pak says it would have 206 employees at full build-out, making an average of $25,000 the first year, $27,000 the second year and $28,500 after three years.
In addition to the $1,737,75 discount in property taxes on property taxes, the EDA approved a sales tax exemption for $320,400, and an exemption on the mortgage tax worth $65,000 or 1 percent of $6.5 million. That puts the total incentives over $2 million.
The EDA will administer the PILOT and will be paid an estimated $251,000 for its services with the project.
Photos courtesy of Eastern Niagara Post – Albion Police Chief Roland Nenni, left, and Sgt. David Mogle accept the Platinum Award from AAA Safety Advisor Terri Rae Anthony during an awards luncheon on Thursday at Donna Eick’s restaurant in Lockport.
LOCKPORT – Three police departments in Orleans County were recognized by AAA with traffic safety initiatives on Thursday.
Albion, Holley and Medina police departments were all honored during an awards luncheon in Lockport at Donna Eick’s restaurant.
Albion received the top award – the Platinum Community Traffic Safety Award. Medina was given a “Silver” and Holley a “Bronze” for their efforts.
The Platinum recognized departments for outstanding efforts and enforcement activities geared towards making communities safer over a consecutive three-year period, AAA said.
In addition to Albion, AAA recognized the Middleport Police Department, New York State Police in Lockport and Niagara County Sheriff’s Department.
Chad Kenward, a Medina police officer, accepts the “Silver Award” from Anthony for the Medina PD’s efforts to promote traffic safety.
The Lockport Police Department also was recognized with a Gold award, and Barker Police Department was given a Bronze.
“We are proud of all these departments for their achievement and participation in the Community Traffic Safety Program,” said JJ Miller, AAA East Central Safety Advisor. “They went above and beyond the call of duty by organizing projects to make their communities safer places for motorists and residents.”
To be eligible for the annual awards, a community must conduct traffic safety promotions and educate the public on safety topics.
Provided photos – Shown here in front of the new Wall of Heroes Memorial Plaque, include, from left: resident Robert Hale; Jamie Murphy, activities director; resident Anthony Stefaniak; resident Howard Brusie; and Dave Denny, administrator.
Press Release, Orchard Manor
MEDINA – Orchard Manor Rehabilitation & Nursing Center unveiled its new Veterans Memorial Plaque just in time for Veterans Day.
The idea to acknowledge and honor deceased Orchard Manor veterans with a plaque was submitted months ago as a suggestion by Lori Zdrojewski, LPN.
Dave Denny, administrator, assigned the project to Jamie Murphy, activities director. She sought out local sign maker Greg Stanton of Stanton Signs to create the Wall of Heroes plaque, designed by Wayne Dorpfeld D’Zines, which includes names of veterans who passed away at Orchard Manor.
To commemorate the event, members of Medina and Albion VFW & American Legion performed a gun salute in the courtyard, followed by the playing of Taps.
Orchard Manor veterans also joined in as the entire group recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Residents were then treated to coffee with donuts compliments of Medina Dunkin’ Donuts.
Veterans in an Honor Guard do a gun salute in the courtyard.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 November 2015 at 12:00 am
Ronan Tynan
MEDINA – The Orleans Renaissance Group has worked to promote cultural events and preservation projects in the community for more than decade, putting on first-rate concerts highlighted by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the world-renown a cappella quartet, Anonymous 4.
The ORG, a volunteer-led group based in Medina, has announced its biggest event to date: a concert on Sept. 17, 2016 featuring Ronan Tynan, an internationally acclaimed Irish tenor, who also is a recording artist, physician and champion disabled athlete.
The concert will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, which was largely built by the Irish community in the early 1900s.
“The thought of this incredible Irish tenor performing in an old Irish parish was exciting to think about,” said Chris Busch, president of the ORG. “Not since Medina’s own great tenor, William McGrath, has this community experienced a voice of such rich beauty.”
ORG leaders were brainstorming ideas for upcoming events, when Tim Cooper, owner of Cooper Funeral Home, suggested reaching out to Tynan.
“After some further conversations with Ronan’s people, we decided to make it happen,” Busch said. “The night will be historic – for ORG, the parish and the community.”
Tynan has sung at funeral for Ronald Reagan, during the World Series at Yankee Stadium and many concert halls across the United States and internationally.
“The Orleans Renaissance Group is both pleased and proud to be bringing this world-class performer to Western New York,” Busch said. “We are equally thrilled to be hold this landmark concert event in historic St. Mary Church – a soaring gothic beauty and an old Irish parish.”
Provided photo – St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Medina will host the concert on Sept. 17, 2016.
A Sony recording artist, he has released more than 10 titles, 4 of which have achieved platinum status. Additionally, between 1981 and 1984, Tynan amassed 18 gold medals and 14 world records while participating in the Paralympics. Nine of his records still stand.
Tynan has performed for four U.S. Presidents including George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and as single soloist at the funeral for Ronald Reagan. Tynan has sung for two Popes, Pope John Paul II at St. Peter’s Basilica and Pope Benedict at the Concert of Hope. (Click here for more on Tynan.)
Busch said ORG has been working to bring Tynan to Medina for about a year.
The late William McGrath was a world-famous opera singer who was born in Medina and attended Medina High School and St. Mary Church. He attended Juilliard on a scholarship and was immediately placed in the graduate school because of his ability.
He sang with the Metropolitan Opera for many years and was well-known to Medinians and around the world.
“Ronan Tynan in Medina will be a historic event for the area,” Busch said. “All eyes will be on our community and people will be visiting Medina from miles around. We’ve already sold tickets from as far away as California for this event.”
Though the concert is a year away, ORG is offering special advance pre-sale tickets through Dec. 31 at the reduced price of $35 each, general seating. For more information, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 November 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Dawn Meland, a member of the board of directors for Orleans Community Health, spins the tickets for $1,000 worth of cash prizes as part of Saturday’s Treasure Island fundraiser for Medina Memorial Hospital.
The physicians at the hospital donated the $1,000, and winners were picked for $500, $200, $200 and $100.
The Orleans Community Health Foundation has been putting on the Treasure Island fundraiser since 1984. Holly Lederhouse, left, and her mother Wanda Lederhouse, right, both dressed up as pirates for the benefit. Craig Smith also was a pirate. His wife, Heather Smith, works as a donor development specialist for the Foundation.
Dave Lindsay looks over some of the merchandise up for auction at the Treasure Island fundraiser at Hickory Ridge Country Club. There were more than 200 items up for bid.
Treasure Island typically raises about $30,000 for the hospital. It is the Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
Barb Jantzi, left, and Joanne Stefanik, center, served as voluntary co-chairs of the event. They are pictured with Angela DiRosa, director of the Foundation.
They are pictured by a sign showing progress towards purchasing a new high-tech ultrasound machine for the hospital.
Saturday’s event was expected to meet the $175,000 overall goal for the new ultrasound, which should be in place in early 2016.
Wes Pickreign, a board member for the Foundation, served as emcee for the Saturday event, which was attended by about 250 people.
Georgia Thomas of Medina looks over some of the items up for bid. Thomas said she has been coming to Treasure Island for about a dozen years.
“It’s fun and it supports the hospital,” Thomas said. “This is a happening place.”
Teressa Taylor, a clinical analyst for the hospital, checks in some of the bidders at Treasure Island on Saturday.
Provided photo – Medina schools officials join students inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. Pictured from left include: Medina High School Principal Michael Cavanaugh, Damian Norrish, Alyssa Shortridge, Dylan Lewis, Medina Superintendent Jeffrey Evoy and High School Counselor Linda Knipe.
Press Release Medina Central School
MEDINA – Congratulations to Medina High School seniors Dylan Lewis, Damian Norrish and Alyssa Shortridge for their recent induction into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS).
The students were honored at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center in front of their teachers, families and district representatives for maintaining 89.5 average in their career and technical education (CTE) programs and 84.5 average at the high school.
Dylan is in the Electricity/Electronics Program and plans on going on to Genesee Community College or to head straight into the electricity field. Damian takes the Cosmetology Program and would like to become a physician’s assistant. Alyssa is in the Computer Technology Program and plans on working in cybersecurity field.
The students were eligible for membership based on their ability to emulate the seven NTHS member attributes – skill, scholarship, honesty, responsibility, service, leadership and citizenship. NTHS honors the achievements of top CTE students, provides scholarships to encourage the pursuit of higher education, and cultivates excellence in today’s highly competitive, skilled workforce.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 November 2015 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Medina Police Chief Jose Avila directs traffic on Oct. 30 during Beggar’s Night in downtown Medina. Avila will serve as grand marshal of the Parade of Lights on Nov. 28.
MEDINA – The grand marshal for the Parade of Lights on Nov. 28 is a familiar figure in Medina.
Police Chief Jose Avila has led the parades, driving ahead of the floats in his police cruiser. That will continue with the upcoming parade. Avila didn’t want special treatment, to be up on a float, said Jim Hancock, the parade chairman.
“He wants to ride in his police car,” Hancock said. “He’ll be out in front of the parade doing his job just like he wants to.”
Avila is retiring at the end of the year. he has been police chief the past 17 years.
Hancock said Avila has been supportive of the many downtown and community projects, from the Parade of Lights, Beggar’s Night, Civil War Re-enactments, Classic Car Cruise-Ins and numerous other events.
The police chief puts in extra time for the events, especially when sections of Main Street are blocked off. He doesn’t complain about the extra work, Hancock said.
“We just want to say thank you,” Hancock said. “I don’t think people realize all of the stuff that he does. He is a really good guy who is well-respected in Medina.”
Avila will be given a chance to make opening remarks to kick off the celebration at Rotary Park at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 28. He will also flip the switch on the community Christmas tree at 5:45. Avila will then have to hustle to get back to the front of the parade caravan. The parade starts at 6 p.m.
The parade usually includes 30 to 35 floats. The grand prize has been increased this year from $500 to $1,000 for the top float.
Medina High School students Jordan Moden, Allison Donley, Allysen Snook and Principal Michael Cavanagh are helping to raise funds for the “Boxes of Love” campaign.
Press Release, Medina Central School
MEDINA – Medina Central School staff and students have generously donated to their “Boxes of Love” campaign. The campaign was started 10 years ago when a Medina resident, Cindy Curtain, was volunteering her time at Towne Primary.
“Cindy turned to one of the students and asked him how his Thanksgiving was,” explained Oak Orchard Principal Dan Doctor, who was the principal at Towne before that school closed. “The student responded with a blank stare and told her he did not know what she was talking about when she mentioned turkey and stuffing. That is when we started the program and the district embraced it.”
Clifford Wise Middle School teacher Len Petix and Principal Elaine Wendt are also supporting the effort.
Every year, food items such as turkeys, stuffing, canned goods and desserts, along with cash donations are given to John and Cindy Curtain, who along with volunteers, pack the boxes that are given to feed families in the community for Thanksgiving. Last year the donations were enough to feed 34 families.
Oak Orchard Elementary School staff members Eileen Regan, Anne Downey, Sue Anderson, Elaine Ryan and Christine DuMoulin promote the fund-raising effort.
“This effort is a really special way for us to care for our community,” says Mr. Doctor. “It’s an opportunity for us to come together, touch lives and share hope.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 November 2015 at 12:00 am
Jeremy Hogan, owner of O’Brien’s, leading effort for micro-brewery on Main Street
Jeremy Hogan
MEDINA – The owner of O’Brien’s is working to open a new micro-brewery in downtown Medina. Jeremy Hogan said he is establishing the Barge Brewing Company on North Main Street.
The new business will be located in the Zambito Realtors building, next to NAPA Auto Parts. The brewery will have a Main Street storefront and will back up to the canal and have access in the Canal Basin for boaters.
Hogan expects the business will be ready for a “soft opening” in March, and will be ready for bigger crowds and bus tours in May.
He has already begun work on converting the space, which once was a bowling alley. It will become a tasting cellar, production area and retail store for beer and merchandise.
“This is a project I’ve been working on for quite some time, and I’m glad to say the time is finally right and the pieces have all fallen into place,” Hogan said.
He has owned O’Brien’s, a tavern on Main Street, the past four years. Hogan also worked in the software and information technology industries before returning to his hometown of Medina. He plans to keep O’Brien’s open, with the sites as complimentary businesses.
“There’s no doubt that craft beer is experiencing a boom such that the average American lives within 5 miles of a brewery,” Hogan said. “That kind of saturation might indicate the movement has topped out, but the trend we see is in smaller batches and a hyper local experience, more of a nano brewery.”
Hogan has been a home brewer. He will bring in master brewers to create the beer at the Barge Brewing Company.
“We create a large scope of beers rather than focusing on scaling one flagship recipe that is mass marketed and mass produced,” he said. “I know from my experience running a tavern that there is no shortage of beer enthusiasts and an ever-growing connoisseurship of craft beer drinkers.”
Each of the recipes has a bit of Medina in its foundation, from sourcing local ingredients to highlighting and celebrating the local heritage and famous visitors, Hogan said.
He plans to offer a standard American Pale Ale called Barge Beer; a highly hopped, higher alcohol double IPA called The Muleskinner; a seasonal Bock that honors John Steinbeck’s visit to Medina called Steinbock; a raspberry infused ale named for Medina’s first lady (Frances Folsom who married U.S. President Grover Cleveland) called Framboise Folsom; a grog-inspired ale in tribute to a pirate known to frequent the Great Lakes called Skull Dugger.
Hogan also plans to offer a milk chocolate stout, a vanilla bourbon porter, a cherry lime shandy and other brews.
“That’s the main benefit of doing smaller batches,” he said. “We can release anything that suits the season or strikes our fancy.”
Hogan has reached out to locals in the industry. Hogan said Barge Brewing is working on a cask-conditioned barleywine in partnership with Jonathan Oakes of Leonard Oakes Winery and a mead-based beer called a “braggot” with Bryan DeGraw of 810 Meadworks.
There will also be a menu created in part with J.J. Heideman of Bad Ash BBQ and an exclusive catering agreement with Zambistro for parties and events. Hogan is also developing custom beers for Zambistro and Bad Ash, as well as a Stout and Irish Red that will be available exclusively at O’Brien’s.
Mayor Andrew Meier said Barge Brewing will be an exciting addition to the downtown, drawing customers that should visit other local businesses.
“Jeremy’s business concept is fresh and inspired,” Meier said. “Medina’s emerging craft beverage scene will benefit from the uniqueness of Barge Brewing’s nano-brewery model. This new business will help Medina emerge as a standout food and beverage destination in WNY.”
The Village of Medina became more winery and brewery friendly last year with the creation of code variances to allow for that type of industry in the historic downtown area.
Provided photo – Medina students are recognized at Sunday’s state championships. The group includes, from left: Alexis Neuman (Guard captain), Andrea Toussaint (assistant drum major), Amanda Lunden (drum major), Tristan Sanders (assistant drum major) and Brittanie Goodin (Guard captain).
SYRACUSE – The New York State Field Band Conference held its 42nd Annual Championship Show on Sunday at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, and the Medina Mustang Band finished second in its class.
Medina competed with six schools in the SS1 class. Medina’s score of 91.20 only trailed East Syracuse Minoa, which took first with 91.65, a mere .45 difference.
Band Director Jim Steele commented that regardless of the outcome, they all hold their heads high having given a great performance to remember this season. There are 52 bands competing and only six bands go home as State Champions. All of the students are champions in the eyes of the staff and boosters as we have all become better people, musicians/guard members, friends and family through this process, Steele said.
Throughout this process starting with band camp, the band has had many highs as well as a few lows, but the bottom line is that the band is a family and family sticks together through thick and thin, Steele said.
The New York State Field Band Conference was formed on Feb. 6, 1972 and while competitions were held since then, the first championship show was held Nov. 2, 1974. The championships have been at the Carrier Dome since 1980.
There are six classifications of schools based on school population, history of past placement in competitions, number of staff members, their experience and past success, along with the age and experience of the band members.
While Medina has 130 students in the marching band in grades 7-12, 35 of the band members are rookies.
Medina has been competing in this conference since 1976 and over the years the school has won the championship 13 times.
Other first place winners on Sunday include: LS3-West Seneca; LS2-Jamestown; SS3-Roslyn; SS2-Central Square; National-Victor.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 November 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – A new farmers’ market that started on July 11 proved a popular spot, with 14 different vendors spending time at the site, the parking lot across the Post Office in Medina.
The Orleans Renaissance Group managed the market this year, and moved it from the Canal Basin to a more visible spot in the downtown hub.
Dennis Stymus of Stymus Farms in Barre (pictured above) said the change in location was much more visible. He said he more than doubled his business at the market this year.
“In the Canal Basin it was kind of hidden,” he said.
The Canal Village Farmers’ Market also changed from a Thursday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Many of the market days included music and cooking or art demonstrations.
Gail Miller, left, served as coordinator of the market on a volunteer basis. She is pictured with Chris Busch, chairman of the Orleans Renaissance Group.
In the summer, there were often 450 to 500 people at the market. Gail’s husband Dave Miller kept track of visitors, and he said the weekly average was 366 since July 11.
“It’s been a great group effort,” said Mrs. Miller, who dressed as an Angry Bird character on Saturday, which was Halloween.
Next year the market will start in June, and Miller said there will be more entertainment and demonstrations.
Other vendors were urged to dress up, and Dawn Keppler from SK Herefords in Shelby wore a witch’s outfit. She is pictured with her daughter Alana. The market gave SK a chance to introduce many people to the beef raised in the Town of Shelby.
Jesus Molina, left, and Bob Renko are pictured at Renko’s Meat Processing. With the farmers’ market season coming to a close, Renko said he will soon be busy with deer processing.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 October 2015 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – It was Beggar’s Night in downtown Medina this evening and hundreds of children turned out for treats, stopping by many of the local businesses including Herbalty Cottage, which is owned by Bonnie Heck.
Heck dressed up as the Cat in the Hat and her husband Tom was agood sport as “Thing 1” from the popular book by Dr. Seuss. Their daughter Lindsay was Thing 2.
Ethan Brown, 6, of Medina is dressed as Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean. He is in Medina outside Main Street TV & Appliance Sales, one of the stops on Beggar’s Night.
Kylee Howard is dressed as a bumblebee while handing out candy at A Kut Above.
Debbie Woodroe, owner of Woodroe Realty, is dressed as a ghost and tries to get the attention of some of the kids on Beggar’s Night. Many of the business owners were in costume for the event.
Ashley Woodroe (left), granddaughter of Debbie Woodroe, and Ashley’s friend Jessie Fox are dressed as rockers while giving out candy at Woodroe Realty.
Leah Pritchard, left, and her cousin Hailey Bader dole out goodies at a lily and a sparrow.
These friends – Torry Dames, left, and Julian Tavor – are dressed a Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles while getting some candy from Jaye Sullivan, owner of Blissett’s.
Medina Police Chief Jose Avila directs traffic at the Main Street and East Center Street intersection. Avila is retiring by the end of the year.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 October 2015 at 12:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers – Lubna Zaidi is opening the Medina Language Center at 511 West Ave., a former dental office. She will have an open house with demonstrations on Sunday beginning at 12:30 p.m.
MEDINA – Lubna Zaidi has a vision for Medina as a draw for international students. She and her team would teach English and foreign languages, and offer other services to help prepare students for American universities.
She thinks some students would stay for up to a year, improving their education and enjoying small-town American life.
Zaidi is taking the first step with that vision by opening the Medina Language Center.
“I think things grow in small places, sometimes faster than in big cities where you can get lost,” Zaidi said at the language center, which is located at 511 West Ave., a former dental office.
The school’s first focus will be high school students from the local community. The center will also gladly serve younger students and adults who need help to improve their skills and understanding in English and foreign languages, as well as other school subjects.
Zaidi and her team of teachers will have an open house on Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to about 5 p.m. Medina Mayor Andrew Meier, who owns the building, will give opening remarks at the celebration.
Zaidi will give an overview of the center’s programs at 1:30 p.m. and there will be free trial classes, registration and information sessions from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Zaidi currently runs the World Life Education Centre outside Toronto. The Medina center will be modeled after that school, helping students bolster language skills and prepare for college entrance exams and other important tests.
The smaller class setting has proven to help those students, Zaidi said. The school also has a youth leadership program, The Gavel Club, and Zaidi wants to bring that program with its public speaking competitions to Medina.
“The focus is on public speaking and leadership, and to first try to be a humanitarian leader before you move on to something else,” she said.
She grew up in Hong Kong and was involved in a Gavel Club, when the program was first starting. She has taught and learned at schools in Toronto, London and Dubai, before establishing her school in Toronto three years ago, working with about 40 to 60 students each year.
Zaidi also has been a volunteer with the World Life Institute Project Life program, where war orphans from Afghanistan, Kosovo and Chechnya spend the summer in Orleans County, learning English, art and enjoying the rural countryside with host families.
Zaidi has been a chaperone for children on the flights from Afghanistan to the United States. She said she was so inspired by the program she named her school in Toronto after World Life.
Her parents recently moved from New York City to Medina so Zaidi is often in town visiting them and her friends in the World Life Institute. She has a team of teachers ready to serve in the Medina Language Center.
Classes will be available in the mornings, afternoons and evenings if there is demand from the students. She would like to connect with local school districts to make the center available to help local students.
If the program grows, she thinks the center could be popular with international students spending several months in Medina, honing their language skills before college.
Zaidi thinks Medina has lots of small-town appeal that would be attractive to international students. Many are from smaller towns in other countries and they would feel more comfortable staying in Medina than a big city.
They would also be close to Niagara Falls and nearby cities.
For more information about the Medina Language Center, call (585) 765-5480.
She credited her father, Frank Balcerzak, for instilling a work ethic in his children. Barbara shared with students about how she and her twin sister, Marcia Tuohey, would work on a muck farm as teen-agers.
