By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 20 June 2025 at 8:04 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: First-grade teacher Allison Woodburn and some of her students check out the food pantry at St. Peter’s Church during their visit on Wednesday. From left are Alex Moore, Xander Say, Caleb Martin, Emily Caraballo, Jason Wetherbee and Damien Swartwood.
MEDINA – The Food Pantry at St. Peter’s Church got a big boost on Wednesday with the annual visit of Angela Woodburn and Miss Gross with their first-grade class from Oak Orchard Primary School.
Eighteen students and their teachers and aide Lily Strickland walked from the school to St. Peter’s Church on West Avenue, wearing backpacks full of food items to donate to the food pantry.
It has become an annual tradition for the class to visit the food pantry, bringing food items and monetary donations for local residents in need.
The visit is part of the class’s community service project, called Kindness Counts, teacher Allison Woodburn said. As part of the project, students are encouraged during the school year to bring spare change from home to support a classroom initiative focused on helping others.
This year’s donation was a record-breaker for the class.
“We are thrilled to share that the students raised an incredible $336.50 for the food pantry, the highest total ever,” Woodburn said.
Diane Mazur, a volunteer at St. Peter’s food pantry, helps Azalya Elliott and Emily Caraballo select canned goods for a food basket.
After the donation period ends, the students take part in meaningful lessons about money. They learn the names and values of coins, count the total amount collected and discuss how the funds can be used to make a positive impact in their community, the teacher said. Throughout the project, the class reflects daily on the quote, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
“Our goal is to inspire students to lead with love and compassion in all they do,” Woodburn said.
Together, the class created a list of needs and wants for the pantry. Families were invited to meet Woodburn at Aldi’s on Friday afternoon to shop for the items. With the remaining funds, they purchased gift cards to Aldi’s, which will allow the pantry to continue meeting needs as they come up.
When the class at arrived at St. Peter’s on Wednesday morning, they were greeted by Diane Mazur and Denny Dubai. Head of the pantry, Robin Dubai, had a conflicting appointment and couldn’t be there, but Mazur, her sister, and Denny, her husband, filled in for her.
Diane Mazur, a volunteer at the Emergency Food Pantry at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, accepts a donation from Rylee Davis and her teacher Allison Woodburn. The first-grade class makes an annual visit in support of the food pantry.
At the pantry, the children presented Mazur with the gift cards, unloaded their backpacks, learned how to stack canned goods in the pantry and choose food for a family.
In return, Mazur and Dubai presented the children with bottles of bubbles and donuts to take back to school with them.
The students were Cyrus Bloom, Emily Caraballo, Cameron Cologgi, Rylee Davis, Azayla Elliott, Logan Foss, Quinten Mack, Caleb Martin, Tahlia Mendoza, Ryder Molina, Alex Moore, Xander Say, Magnolia Schroeder, Wrenyn Sheehan, Royal Spencer, Damien Swartwood, Jason Wetherbee and Ivy Wroblewski.
Robin commented the next day on the children’s visit, saying what a boost it gives the food pantry. She is very appreciative of the class and other grades who have done things for the pantry, including the Student Council at Wise Junior High School, who is donating peanut butter and jelly.
“That couldn’t come at a better time, as we just learned our supplier is out of peanut butter and jelly,” Robin said.
Robin said she also worries about the children whose families are struggling and wonders if they will have enough food during the summer.
Robin has been heading the food pantry for 30 years and always welcomes volunteers to help out.
Mrs. Woodburn’s first-grade class from Oak Orchard School unload the food items from their backpacks, which they donated to the food pantry.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 June 2025 at 11:54 am
Provided photos: Medina’s Canal Basin will host the Albany Symphony and other programs on July 2. The symphony will begin its concert at 8 p.m. with fireworks to follow.
MEDINA – The Village of Medina on July 2 will be hosting the Albany Symphony as part of a day-long celebration of the Erie Canal’s bicentennial, a day that will be capped with fireworks.
The New York Power Authority and NYS Canal Corp. have set five concerts from the symphony from July 2-6, events that will feature the debut of commissioned compositions.
Clarice Assad
At Medina, the symphony will perform outdoors in the Canal Basin beginning at 8 p.m., and play a composition by world-renowned, Brazilian American composer Clarice Assad. Her composition is on a “Sound Capture Journey,” as she began crafting a new orchestral work on the theme of the sound of nature and the environment and along the Erie Canal.
Assad visited Medina in March and she and others recorded sound snippets from around Orleans County, collecting personal stories about local connections to nature, the environment, and individual sense of place.
Assad’s composition will be performed by the Albany Symphony as the centerpiece of the “Water Music New York: More Voices Festival” on July 2. The free day-long event commemorates the bicentennial of the Erie Canal and celebrates the waters that connect everyone through local food, arts, music and outdoor fun.
The festival promises a special appearance by Orly the Ox, the Orleans County Bicentennial mascot, and concludes with a fireworks show. There will be yoga, face painting, wildlife displays, artisans, a history talk about the Medina Sandstone and the Erie Canal, performances by the popular local bands, and other activities.
The concert series continues July 3 in Utica, July 4 in Seneca Falls, July 5 in Fort Plain and July 6 in Schuylerville. M & T Bank is a sponsor of the events.
“As we reflect on 200 years of the Erie Canal and contemplate its next century of use, we’re focusing on revitalization, recreation, arts and culture,” said Canal Corporation Director Brian Stratton. “This partnership with the Albany Symphony Orchestra embodies all those themes by bringing people together at Canalside communities for free and inclusive concerts that celebrate the unique aspects of the communities where they are taking place.”
The themes for the original compositions include environmental justice on July 2, immigrant communities on July 3, women’s rights on July 4, Indigenous stories on July 5, and Black experience on July 6.
“As the Erie Canal nears its third century of operation, we are so excited to embark on a grand new adventure with our wonderful partners at the New York State Canal Corporation,” said Albany Symphony MusicDirector David Alan Miller. “In anticipation of the Erie Canal’s momentous bicentennial season, we have engaged five brilliant composers who have immersed themselves in five gorgeous canalside communities and have created visionary new works for our orchestra and community collaborators exploring the vibrant history and culture of our great state.
“We cannot wait to celebrate with thousands of residents and visitors at free daylong festivals that include delicious food, fun outdoor activities, historical explorations, and family-friendly arts, culminating in fabulous orchestra concerts featuring these dazzling new works. It is our hope that our music will spark dialogue, expand perspectives, and inspire everyone to experience and cherish the beautiful canal system that flows through our state and is so much a part of New York State’s past, present and future.”
Click here for more information on the Water Music NY: More Voices Festival.
Photos courtesy of Medina Lions Club: from left include new Medina Lions Club president Mark Irwin, Melvin Jones Award recipient Carol Bellack, and Jason Cogovan, the Lion of the Year.
Press Release, Medina Lions Club
MEDINA – The Medina Lions Club recently celebrated the end of the 2024-2025 program year with a fantastic turnout at the Junior Wilson Sportsman’s Club. The evening was filled with joy and excitement, as we gathered to honor many of our esteemed members.
Pete Kaiser installed the 2025-2026 board members, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership. The president for the upcoming year is Mark Irwin, who is taking the reins of the club for the second time, a testament to his proven leadership and commitment.
Carol Bellack, a true pillar of our club, was awarded the prestigious Melvin Jones Award, the highest honor a Lion can receive. Her dedication to managing our poinsettia sales and her seven-year tenure as the Club secretary are truly remarkable. She is an inspiration to us all.
Jason Cogovan was honored by outgoing president Thomas Robinson as the Lion of the Year. Jason is genuinely committed to the Medina Lions and assists in various areas, including the Medina Medical Loan Closet, Medina Lions Park cleanup, and the community yard sale, among others.
Our outgoing president, Thomas Robinson, concluded the evening by presenting the Lions Club scholarships to Josephine Pollock and Sofia Gagliard.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Thomas for his leadership and look forward to his continued support as a valuable resource to the Lions! GRRR!
Thomas Robinson, the club’s outgoing president, presents scholarships to Josephine Pollock and Sofia Gagliard.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 16 June 2025 at 9:50 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Alexandra Peracciny recently reopened her photography studio in space above Blissett’s in Medina at 447 Main St.
MEDINA – For the first time since Covid, Alexandria Peracciny has a physical location for her photography business.
A professional photographer, as well as Spanish and French teacher at Medina High School, in 2019 Peracciny had opened her first studio above The Book Shoppe after her parents Fred and Gloria Fierch purchased it. And then the Covid pandemic hit in march 2020 and everything shut down.
Recently the opportunity to move into 447 Main St. above Blissetts presented itself and Peracciny took advantage of it. She had been doing senior pictures, family photos and on-location events, but realized she had a need for a physical space.
“I wanted a place to do headshots and portraits, but most importantly, I wanted a space where I could open up a classroom and teach photography classes,” Peracciny said.
Her first six-week class of adult photography had a surprisingly good turnout, Peracciny said. She taught basic cell phone camera use to high-tech photography for anyone wanting to improve their photography skills at every level.
Peracciny has a certificate of study in photography and, with her years of teaching and photography skills, she thinks she has a lot to offer.
Her next goal is to have summer classes for youth ages 8 to 16. Classes will be divided into age levels, she said.
Peracciny said her love of photography comes from her family. Her father had a very fancy camera which he had bought in Germany while in the service, and she was always intrigued with that. She also had an aunt who was very good at photography and Peracciny admired the pictures she had hanging on the walls.
In high school, Peracciny, a Medina native, got to use her photography skills working with staff on her school yearbook, and currently she is yearbook adviser at Medina High School. She also took classes at Brockport and the New York Institute of Photography.
She and Brittany Ford of Lockport, an award-winning wedding photographer, have formed an affiliation, and while they will have individual offices, they will work together in certain events.
Peracciny just completed an assignment photographing all the T-ball teams in Medina.
Her two children, Emily, 24, and Dominic, 22, are both interested in photography. Emily has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Buffalo and Dominic studied architecture at UB, focusing on digital aspects of photography. Both kids took lessons from Bruce Landis and Wendi Pencille.
Photos by Natalie Baron: High School Principal Michael Cavanagh leads the seniors in the parade. Sophia Gayette is attending the University of Hawaii to become an engineer. Kylee Howard is planning to be a fourth grade teacher, and Taylor Schrader is planning to be a paramedic.
By Natalie Baron, Orleans Hub intern
MEDINA – The Class of 2025 was celebrated with a senior walk this morning. The kindergarten class and community members cheered them on.
A little under 100 members of the Class of 2025 paraded outside, beginning at the Junior-Senior High School and past the Wise Middle School and Oak Orchard Elementary School. Kindergarten students as well as family and community members lined up on either side of the path to congratulate them. The seniors held signs announcing what their plans are post-graduation, including career and college goals.
After the walk, both the senior and kindergarten classes lined up on the field at Vet’s Park Stadium for a special ceremony. The older students gifted words of wisdom to the children on posters. In writing, they answered the question “What does it mean to be a Mustang?” which was printed on the posters. Also passed down from senior to kindergartener were necklaces in their school colors.
Brooke Stewart, who aspires to be an astrologist, and Lexey Cornelius, aspiring to be a law enforcement officer, wrote the advice “Mustangs are brave, kind and make good choices” on their posters. Sophia Goyette wrote to Skylar Houseknecht, “Being a Mustang means having a family, no matter where you go!” Madison Kennedy received the message “Mustangs always show up and try, try, succeed!”
Raquel Russell and Adrianna McMurray, among other students, participate in the parade of graduates. Raquel dreams of being a kindergarten teacher, and Adrianna hopes to be a therapist.
Josephine Pollock aspires to be a diagnostic medical sonographer. Evelyn Phillips wants to work in postal service while Maddie Lewis will study sports studies and physical therapy at D’Youville University.
During the parade, some students posed for the camera. Aubrey Jackson wants to be a restaurant worker and Zoey Weese, a teacher.
Seniors enthusiastically pose so bystanders can take photographs. The energy during the parade is electric.
The parade turns toward Vet’s Park. Garrett Koch aims to be an environmental scientist.
Konner Smith, Gary Sherman, and others approach Vet’s Park. Konner plans to go into filmmaking and Gary into customer service.
Harper Hamilton, along with other family members of the seniors, was among the lineup celebrating the Class of 2025. She happily poses for a picture.
The seniors approach the lined-up kindergarteners. The seniors hand over necklaces and provide them with words of wisdom.
Seniors stoop to speak with the children face-to-face. They would like to meet them on their level.
Some seniors meet kindergarteners they know. They warmly greeted the kids.
Graduation will take place Friday, June 27 at 7 p.m. at Vet’s Park Stadium.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 June 2025 at 8:04 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – A boat that is proposed for a guest rental for overnight stays is tied up in Medina’s Canal Basin. Andrew Meier would like to make the boat available to stay in through Airbnb and Vrbo as a short-term rental.
Meier said the boat would stay stationary in the basin with access to village electric and water. The Village Board is determining a fee for a designated spot at its docks and also for access to the utilities.
“This year is the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal,” Meier told the board during its meeting on Monday. “I think it would put Medina on the map.”
Meier works as an attorney and also owns the Hart House Hotel with nine rooms at 113 West Ave. He also developed the Bunkhaus Hostel with three bedrooms at 511 West Ave., two blocks from the Erie Canal.
The boat could draw visitors to Medina which should be a boost to local restaurants, and those with travel boats, he said.
Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman said a portion of the fee for using the dock gets shared with the NYS Canal Corp. She said she supports having the boat available for overnight stays.
Meier would need to have $2 million liability insurance as part of an agreement with the village, Sherman said.
Brian Hellner, owner of North Star Cruises, has been offering boat rides in the canal at Medina since 2023. He urged villages officials and Meier to make sure the boat is property inspected to ensure the safety of people on board. Meier’s boat is 24 feet long.
Hellner leases dock space from Medina. He said he would appreciate access to water as well to clean his boat. The board said it would agree to that and will discuss a fee for water at the basin.
Sherman told Hellner and Meier she appreciates their efforts to bring services to the canal basin.
“We’re all in this together and want to make Medina a better place,” she said.
Meier said this year is more of a trial with the boat, but so far “the feedback has been very positive.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 June 2025 at 11:55 am
‘I can no longer work for an administration that doesn’t fully support a vision that aligns with mine.’ – Fire Chief Matt Jackson
File photos: Fire Chief Matt Jackson led tours of the Medina fire hall on March 12, 2023. He shows photos that highlight concerns in the fire hall and on the ladder truck.
MEDINA – The Medina Fire Department will soon be without its fire chief, a second long-time leader in the department, and two other firefighters.
The Medina Village Board on Monday accepted the resignations of Fire Chief Matt Jackson and two firefighters, Tiffany Petry and Dylan Schreader. Captain Jonathan Higgins also submitted a letter that he will be retiring after 18 ½ years with the Medina FD, including the past 11 years as a captain.
Jackson has been with the department for 19 years, including the past 5 ½ as the fire chief. The department has lost several new firefighters to lateral transfers where the pay is far more in neighboring counties.
But Jackson cited a strained relationship with some of the board members and reluctance by some on the board to move forward with needed infrastructure upgrades.
Jackson, in a letter dated May 21, said he will be formally resigning as fire chief on July 12.
Jackson said the past year has been “a constant battle” with some of the board members “to ensure adequate equipment and a safe work environment for our team.”
Jackson said the budget approved by the board on April 28 left the fire department too short on funds. The budget also reduced the fire department paid staff from 20 to 16.
“I cannot balance the budget this board has adopted while maintaining a safe and effective response for the department, the Village and the adjacent communities we serve, and I will not compromise my reputation, integrity or character at the cost of their health and wellness,” Jackson wrote in the resignation letter.
The work environment with the board “has remained consistently negative,” he said. Jackson has tried to adapt and engage constructively with board members, but he said he can no longer perform at the highest level in the current circumstances, nor does he see a positive path forward with the village.
“I can no longer work for an administration that doesn’t fully support a vision that aligns with mine,” he wrote.
Jackson said the decision to resign wasn’t made lightly because he values the hard work of the firefighters in the department.
He said he is committed to a smooth transition of his responsibilities.
“We have built an amazing team and an outstanding leadership cadre, and I am confident this transition will take place with minimal interruption.”
Pictured from left include Medina Fire Department Captain Jonathan Higgins, and firefighters Dylan Schreader and Tiffany Petry. The photos show Higgins and Schreader assisting youth during fire department open houses.
The board has other positions to fill in the fire department besides the fire chief.
Jonathan Higgins, a captain with the Medina FD since 2013 and firefighter with Medina for 18 1/2 years, sent a letter to the board that he will be retiring on Aug. 6 with his last day at work on July 8.
“It has been an honor working with a very dedicated and talented group of firefighters over the years,” Higgins wrote in his letter.
He also commended the village employees in the Police Department, DPW, and Clerk’s Office.
“Working with this group of individuals definitely made things much easier to provide a great service to the residents of Medina,” Higgins wrote. “I also want to thank all our neighboring fire departments for their assistance over the years. I appreciate all the opportunities that have been provided to me while being able to serve this great community.”
Tiffany Petry resigned as a firefighter, sending in a letter June 6. Her final day with the Medina FD will be June 20.
“I would like to thank you for the opportunity to have worked in this position the last 18 months. I have learned a great deal from my Officers and fellow Firefighters during my time with the Medina Fire Department.”
Petry shared with village officials that she was made sick by fumes from the ladder truck, and that carbon monoxide exposure should be a major concern for the board.
Dylan Schreader, a firefighter/EMT with Medina, also announced his resignation, effective June 22. He is joining the City of Tonawanda Fire Department. He said it is a new opportunity that aligns with his career goals.
“While I am excited about this new chapter, I will greatly miss the camaraderie, experiences and invaluable lessons learned during my time serving with the Village of Medina Fire Department,” he wrote in his letter. “I am deeply grateful for the support, mentorship and friendships I have developed here. Thank you for the opportunities provided to me, and for the chance to serve alongside such dedicated professionals.”
Mayor Marguerite Sherman said the village will put a call to civil service to try to fill the openings in the fire department.
Jackson was able to get the board to move forward with replacing a ladder truck but the board has yet to reach a decision on an addition to the fire hall. Some of the board members also have tried to rescind the fire truck purchase and see if Medina could get out of buying that truck for close to $1.7 million. The truck is due to arrive in December but the current fire hall isn’t big enough for it.
The Medina ladder truck from 1996 is shown in March 2023 when the fire department had an open house showing the tight quarters at the fire hall, especially for the ladder truck which only has 2 inches of clearance in pulling in and out of the fire hall. The ladder truck was recently taken out of service due to disrepair.
Jackson and the fire department suggested a two-bay addition and additional work on the current building which is cramped with eroding floors, cracking walls and other deficiencies. But the price tag for an addition and work on the current building would likely top $4.5 million, an engineering firm said.
The board scaled the project down to just a one-bay addition at about $1.4 million, but no final decision has been made.
Mayor Sherman said she expects she can soon announce a temporary spot for the new truck.
The board on Monday noted the current ladder truck has been taken out of service after an inspection on May 28 from Sam’s Apparatus Maintenance showed many problems with multiple exhaust leaks, a crack on right side of windshield, the need for new muffler, and left rear brake shoes are contaminated with gas and oil and will need to be replaced.
The truck also has worn tires, leaking oil, a non-functioning backup alarm, and other valve leaks.
Board members said they inquired about canceling the order for the new truck and said the village would face a $340,000 fee for that, and would be without a new truck. The village would still need to replace the 29-year-old truck. Putting in a new order for a ladder truck, waiting for an addition to be built, would likely put a nee truck at about $2.2 million in today’s pricing. That’s about $500,000 more than Medina’s contract from March 2023, and Medina might have to wait four years for the delivery with a new contract.
Sherman said having no ladder truck in service for an extended period could also affect the village’s ISO ratings and push up property insurance costs for building owners.
“Unfortunately there is no easy answer to this,” said Trustee Debbie Padoleski. She has spoken out many times about the escalating taxes in the village.
Trustee Mark Prawel said the village should still keep the old truck maintained and in service. The village mechanic will try to put together an estimated cost to get the 1996 ladder truck back in service. Board members said it may be cost prohibitive to sink a lot of money into the old ladder truck.
Sherman said there may be other financing options for paying for the new truck, including leasing that could make it more affordable for the village. She said she continues to explore options for the village.
She said she continues to seek state and federal assistance, especially with the addition, and remains hopeful the County Legislature will unfreeze the local sales tax share with towns and villages. The 10 towns and four villages haven’t seen an increase in the sales tax revenue since 2001. Collectively the 14 municipalities share $1,366,671 with Medina getting $159,630 in 2025. The county keeps about 95 percent of the local sales tax which totals about $24 million locally.
Trustee Scott Bielski said neighboring towns who rely on the village for mutual aid should be asked to help the village bear the costs of the services, especially with Medina FD going outside the village on many calls.
“We should ask for more assistance from the towns,” he said. “Do they want us showing up in a pickup truck?”
Photo and information courtesy of Medina Marching Band
MEDINA – The Medina Mustang Band marked the close of the 2024-2025 season on Sunday with the 52nd annual band banquet held at the Shelby Fire Hall and prepared by their members.
Ric Jones offered a prayer before dinner and Dr. Mark Kruzynski, district superintendent, and Mollie Mark, High School assistant principal, were present.
The evening was spent recognizing the individuals who had contributed to the band season’s success as well as a number of scholarships awarded to several students for their special contributions and accomplishments.
Student staff members for next year’s season were named including Carmen Stalker as next year’s drum major and with Sophia Lopez and Madelyn Elliott serving as assistant drum majors.
Next year’s fall marching band show was announced as “Fragile World – The Way We Were.”
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 June 2025 at 3:55 pm
Photos by Sherry Tuohey-Sipple: The board of Medina Senior Center gathered around Kelly Shaw as she was presented with a cake for her 20 years as director. With her, from left are Sandy Thaine, secretary; Lynn Creasey, president; Jean Wetherbee, treasurer/membership secretary; Lee Smith, vice president; Ginny Kropf; Larry Morgott; Donna Frey; Jim Sipple; and Dave Lindsay.
MEDINA – The June dinner meeting of the Senior Center of Western Orleans was a special occasion Monday, with celebration of Kelly Shaw’s 20th year as director.
After a potluck meal, the seniors enjoyed a delicious cake made by Hans’s Bakery.
Shaw was pleasantly surprised and shared her love for the job and seniors. She answered the ad she saw in the Pennysaver, and with only two hours of training for running a senior center from former director Chris Capurso, Shaw jumped in wholeheartedly to maintain membership, add programming and create new fundraisers.
Kelly Shaw was honored Monday at the June meeting of the Western Orleans Senior Center in Medina for 20 years as director of the organization.
She had previously worked for a bank in Albion until her department shut down.
“I had also worked for 10 years in a nursing home, so I knew I would get along very well with seniors,” Shaw said.
She said what she did was just “common sense” stuff.
With small (and much appreciated) donations from the towns of Shelby and Ridgeway, the village of Medina and United Way, it was necessary for the Senior Center to have fundraisers to keep going.
Shaw introduced two basket raffles a year (which net several thousand dollars), cash drawings, rummage sales, a monthly drawing for donated prizes (which brings in $700 to $800 a year) and in recent years, a very successful chicken barbecue.
“I couldn’t do any of these things with the support and cooperation of my volunteers,” Shaw said.
Once a month, craft classes are held, and every Wednesday morning the Office for the Aging holds exercise classes at the Center.
Card games have become increasingly popular, with euchre every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. and pinochle on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
The Senior Center is open from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and noon to 4 on Friday. Day-old baked goods from Tops are available to members every day. Shaw has also provided leftover baked goods to the homeless.
Membership runs from 275, to 400 at its peak, and new members are always welcome. It costs only $10 a year to join.
The monthly luncheon meeting is a prepared meal three times a month, and potluck one week. Catered meals are provided on major holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. An annual picnic takes place every summer.
Shaw said the best part of her job is spending the day with all her friends.
“Never once in 20 years did I consider this a job,” she said.
Press Release, Sherburne-Earlville Central School District
Provided photo from Sherburne-Earlville Central School District: Medina won the Albert Whitney Award for the overall championship at the 76th Sherburne Pageant of Bands on Saturday at Sherburne-Earlville. Accepting the award on behalf of the Medina Marching Band include Medina seniors Ryder Jones, Riley Tompkins and drum major Mackenzie McGrath.
Congratulations to Medina High School on winning five major awards during the 76th Sherburne Pageant of Bands, which ran June 5-7.
As the host school, Sherburne-Earlville’s Marching Band and Color Guard started the annual parade with an exhibition march down Main Street to the Sherburne-Earlville Central School District stadium. Twenty-five other schools and a number of clubs and organizations followed the same route to S-E’s new turf field for the 2025 Awards Ceremony.
Medina earned the coveted Albert Whitney (overall), Frank Miller (outstanding band director), Ernie Marano (best overall color guard), Drum Major, and Best in Class AA awards.
Pulaski won the Norman Palmiter Jr. Percussion Award for best overall drumline and was named Best in Class A. Other Best In Class awards went to Bloomfield (B), Marion (C), and Worcester (D), and Mexico Middle School won the Junior High Award for overall achievement.
Award-winners from all three days of the 76th Sherburne Pageant of Bands are below.
Major Awards
Albert Whitney Award (Overall): Medina.
Frank Miller Award (Outstanding Band Director): Medina.
Ernie Marano Award (Best Overall Color Guard): Medina.
Norman Palmiter Jr. Percussion Award (Best Overall Drumline): Pulaski.
Drum Major Award: 1, Medina; 2, Naples.
Junior High Award (Overall Achievement): Mexico Middle School.
Best In Class: Medina (AA); Pulaski (A); Bloomfield (B); Marion (C); Worcester (D).
Press Release, Orleans Renaissance Group – Blue Thursdays
MEDINA – Blue Thursdays, the incredibly popular summer music series in Medina, is back for another run in 2025 with eight of the most outstanding blues bands in WNY.
The free summer blues concerts take place Thursday evenings, June 19 through Aug. 7 at the State Street Park Pavilion in Medina. The event attracts several hundred to Medina each week.
The Print Shop of Medina is the sole underwriter of the event, partnering with the ORG/Orleans Renaissance Group, Inc./medinaalive.com in booking and coordinating top regional blues talent from the Buffalo/Niagara area.
Headlining the much-anticipated opening night of the series is local favorite, the Dave Viterna Group. Viterna, a Medina native, has been performing across WNY for decades. That performance is set for June 19 at 6 p.m.
The artists booked for the event are highly acclaimed, award-winning blues bands from the Buffalo/Niagara area.
“We continue to book top-tier, sensational talent that people may not have had a chance to see locally,” said Chris Busch of ORG. “Many of these artists are hall-of-famers, nationally renowned and award-winning musicians, songwriters and recording artists. They have been performing for decades with some of the greatest names in the business and we’re excited to bring bands of this caliber to Medina.”
The 2025 Blue Thursdays big line-up includes:
June 19 – legendary guitarist and recording artist Dave Viterna with the Dave Viterna Group.
June 26 – Jony James, a Buffalo-born, Chicago raised guitarist, songwriter & recording artist, who is often compared to Stevie Ray Vaughn and a true Buffalo icon!
July 3 – Growlers Blues Band, one of the top bands in Buffalo, awarded “best traditional blues band.”
July 10 – Grosh, featuring the phenomenal award-winning guitarist, songwriter & recording artist, Grace Lougen.
July 17 – Pat Harrington Trio, featuring Pat Harrington, lead guitarist with Grammy Nominated and Multi-Blues Music Award winning band Victor Wainwright & The Train.
July 24 – High Horse, recording artists and legendary classic rock/blues from Buffalo.
July 31 – Rusty Fisher Band – high energy blues with a dose of Jimi from legendary guitarist Rusty Fisher.
August 7 – The Thurman Brothers Band from Niagara Falls, presenting “an evening with” featuring the timeless music of the Allman Brothers.
New this year, all shows will feature professional sound provided by Sal Licata of Sound Factor.
“We’re very excited at add Sal’s services to BT this year. Every show is going to sound incredible. It’s really going to elevate the experience.”
All the concerts are free and open to the public. Shows run from 6 to 8 p.m. There are no rain dates.
A wide variety of food and beverages will be available on site, including Dubby’s Wood Fired Pizza, Greenlief’s On The Go, Oakley’s Ice Cream, Stone Hollow Bakery, NOLA Concessions, Blue Groove Coffee. Beverages are provided by Northridge Distillery and Schulze Vineyard & Winery. Additional vendors may be added at a later date.
“The public should start arriving at 5:30 or before, get a great spot on the lawn and grab a bite to eat,” said Mike Fuller of the Print Shop. “These gigs are a fantastic summer evening of food, drink and the best blues music in WNY – an excellent way to start the weekend.”
Event updates, any cancellations and venue information will be posted at “Blue Thursdays Medina” Facebook page. The Print Shop, in partnership with the Orleans Renaissance Group/medinaalive.com produces the series.
Photos courtesy of KeyBank: Volunteers from KeyBank spread mulch, planted flowers and did other landscaping work at Butts Park in Medina near the Luke Nelson Skate Park and the new basketball courts.
Press Release, KeyBank
MEDINA/ALBION – KeyBank hosted its 34th annual Neighbors Make the Difference Day on Wednesday. Bank employees in Orleans County worked on projects at Butts Park in Medina and Bullard Park in Albion.
From 1 to 5 p.m., hundreds of teammates in Western New York spent time volunteering with community organizations in the region.
KeyBank employees helped clean and beautify the Luke Nelson Skate Park in Medina and Bullard Park in Albion by weeding, spreading mulch, planting flowers and picking up garbage.
They joined thousands of KeyBank teammates nationwide in receiving paid time off to volunteer at more than 550 projects in the neighborhoods where they live and work. In 2025, Neighbors Make the Difference Day coincided with KeyBank’s year-long bicentennial which celebrates the bank’s two centuries of service and enduring commitment to clients, teammates and communities.
Neighbors Make the Difference Day launched in 1991, with a group of KeyBank employees in Alaska who volunteered for service projects. By 1993, KeyBank extended the concept to many of the communities it served, making it an official day of employee volunteerism. Now, Neighbors Make the Difference Day is a hallmark program and leading corporate volunteerism effort in America, showcasing KeyBank’s commitment to communities.
The KeyBank employees are shown at Butts Park in Medina.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 8 June 2025 at 7:52 am
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Renee Hemby of Albion, new events coordinator at the Medina Railroad Museum, points to one of her favorite exhibits.
MEDINA – Railroad buffs can look forward to a varied schedule of events at the Medina Railroad Museum, with the hiring of Renee Hemby of Albion as the new events coordinator.
Hemby has a background as a wedding planner and a passion for big events.
Hemby studied criminal justice at Genesee Community College, and after her own wedding, she started selling wedding décor, signs, floral arrangements and arbors, then went to work at Vizcarra Vineyards. When she saw the position at Medina Railroad Museum advertised on the Internet, she thought it sounded interesting.
She is excited to be planning some new events at the museum, including a music series outside, featuring blues and country and food trucks. She is also looking into story hours for children on Saturday afternoons.
These new events will complement the old favorites, such as the return of Day Out With Thomas, wine trains, fall foliage rides and the ever-popular Polar Express.
After a two-year absence, Day Out With Thomas will return for two weekends on Sept. 17, 18, 20 and 21.
Fall foliage train rides will be scheduled every weekend in October, with several wine trains on Oct. 12.
Hemby is hopeful the museum can restore a café car it owns in order to rent it for private parties and showers.
The museum owns three first-class dining cars, which always sell out first. Ticket information is available on Medina Railroad Museum’s website.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 June 2025 at 10:03 pm
MEDINA – The school district will have its annual “Parade of Graduates” on June 13, when members of the Class of 2025 walk from the high school along a sidewalk past the district office, to the intermediate school and concluding at Vet’s Park.
Students will dismiss at 8:35 a.m. with the parade to start at 8:45.
“This is an opportunity to cheer on our graduates as they make their last walk through the district,” said Michael Cavanagh, the high school principal. “This should only take a few minutes, but definitely has a lasting impact on our graduates. Classes will resume as soon as the graduates have passed by.”
Parents and other spectators can park at Vet’s Park and line the sidewalk in front of Vet’s Park going towards the Wise Intermediate School.
“Parents can follow the seniors into Vet’s Park and sit in the bleachers to view a special ending,” Cavanagh said.
Kindergarteners will meet the seniors at the 50-yard line to share some “words of wisdom,” he said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 2 June 2025 at 8:59 am
Skyven Technologies planned first-of-its-kind system at Western New York Energy
Photo by Tom Rivers: Western New York Energy has operated an ethanol plant at the corner of Bates Road and Maple Ridge Road in Medina since 2007. This photo was taken on Sunday.
MEDINA – A federal grant for $15 million would have helped build the first-of-its-kind industrial decarbonization system at Western New York Energy.
But that project, and 23 other clean energy and manufacturing innovation projects across the country, were cancelled last week by the Trump Administration.
Skyven Technologies was looking to build the industrial decarbonization system at the ethanol plant. The company said the nationally significant project uses electrified high-temperature steam production, calling it a critical need for decarbonizing U.S. manufacturing.
Skyven said its system would have reduced annual operating costs at the ethanol plant, cut carbon local emissions, and served as a replicable model for food, beverage and chemical manufacturers across the country.
“This groundbreaking project is a major step forward in reducing carbon emissions in the industrial space,” Skyven, a Texas-based company, announced in September. “Arcturus will cut 20,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year from WNYE’s facility, which is equivalent to removing 4,300 cars from the road annually. And this is just the beginning of what our cutting-edge technology can achieve.”
The project had already attracted major private investment and was expected to drive an additional $150 million to the Medina site, the company said. Skyven in September announced it had been approved for a federal grant for the project.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Friday announced that $3.7 billion in project grants were being cancelled by the Department of Energy.
After a thorough and individualized financial review of each award, the DOW found the projects “failed to advance the energy needs of the American people, were not economically viable and would not generate a positive return on investment of taxpayer dollars,” according to a press release from the DOE.
The grants were primarily targeted for carbon capture and sequestration, and decarbonization initiatives.
“While the previous administration failed to conduct a thorough financial review before signing away billions of taxpayer dollars, the Trump administration is doing our due diligence to ensure we are utilizing taxpayer dollars to strengthen our national security, bolster affordable, reliable energy sources and advance projects that generate the highest possible return on investment,” Wright said in a statement. “Today, we are acting in the best interest of the American people by cancelling these 24 awards.”
