Photo by Tom Rivers: Part of Main Street in Medina, north of Center Street, is shown on Monday evening. This is part of the target area for Medina’s $4.5 NY Forward grant.

MEDINA – Building owners in the downtown have until 4 p.m. July 3 to submit an application for part of the $270,000 in the Small Project Fund.

This is money from Medina’s $4.5 million NY Forward grant. Medina and the state opted to carve out the $270,000 so more building owners could access some of the funds. Most of the $4.5 million goes to larger-scale projects.

The Small Project Fund supports building renovations, facade improvements, interior build-outs, permanent equipment acquisition for businesses, public art installations and other improvements.

The village is looking for projects in the $25,000 to $50,000 range. They could be higher or lower. The maximum share from the grant is 75 percent.

Bigger projects could tap into the Small Project Fund but might not get the full 75 percent reimbursement rate.

Medina will form a selection community of downtown and community stakeholders to pick the projects for the grant funds.

The building owners have until Dec. 31, 2027 to complete the projects but they will likely be done well ahead of that because these are smaller-scale efforts, said Lauryn DaCosta of LaBella, who is working with the village to administer the grant.

The proposed projects will need to pass an environmental compliance and also get the State Historic Preservation Office’s approval. LaBella can assist in preparing bids and selecting contractors, she said.

Several downtown building owners have expressed interest in submitting an application, DaCosta said.

Applicants will be asked to detail the proposed building improvements, provide proof of their financial support for the project, state any conflict of interest (whether they work for the village or have family who are village employees), and provide other property information on ownership.

Completed applications can be dropped off at Village Hall (119 Park Ave, Medina, NY 14103) during business hours or e-mailed to Lauryn DaCosta at ldacosta@labellapc.com. Click here to see the application.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Jr.-Sr. High School counselor Audralee Doll shared her inspirational story at Medina High School’s baccalaureate service Sunday, telling how she grew up in a toxic household and forged her parents’ names to enter the Air Force at 17. (Center) MHS senior Mackenzie McGrath introduces keynote speaker, Jr.-Sr. High School counselor Audralee Doll at commencement ceremonies Sunday at the high school. (Right) A closing reflection and prayer for graduates was offered by Pastor Wes Cantrell at Medina High School’s baccalaureate service on Sunday.

MEDINA – Medina High School’s annual baccalaureate service sponsored by Medina Area Association of Churches took place Sunday afternoon at Medina High School.

The Rev. Vince Iorio, vice president of MAAC, welcomed graduates on behalf of president Sue Metzo.

“Baccalaureate is a tradition intended to lift your soul,” the pastor told graduates.

The program included reflective readings from the Bible by seniors Logan Trillizio and Sophia Goyette and a special offering by the A Capella Select Choir, under the direction of Rachel Trillizio.

Senior Mackenzie McGraph introduced keynote speaker Audralee Doll, director of counseling and a high school counselor at MHS. She is also a spin instructor and executive board member with the YMCA.

Medina High School’s A Capella Select Choir, under the direction of Rachel Trillizio,  sang a special offering at baccalaureate.

Doll stated she was taken aback when senior Ryder Jones asked her to be keynote speaker.

“Why would you want to hear your counselor speak?” she asked. “However, it reminded me of a few years ago when a former student, who happened to know a little about my background, suggested I share my story with students. It is because of that, every year before I begin our annual presentation where we give information on preparing for life after high school, I start off by giving my experience growing up in a tumultuous household.”

Due to such, at 17 she joined the Air Force, she said.

During the next seven years, four of which were served overseas, she rose to the rank of staff sergeant and earned more than 10 awards and commendations. Also during her enlistment, she earned her associate’s degree from the Community College of the Air Force and attended the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. She later served with the 146th California Air National Guard, while completing her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Pepperdine University in Malibu.

Returning to New York, Doll earned a master’s degree in human development and school counseling with a concentration in leadership from the University of Rochester. She has since added K-12 school building and district leadership certifications to her credentials.

Fast forward to today, Doll shared she has earned more than half a million dollars in education and is a few courses shy of her doctorate, all the while having zero debt.

“That is all from someone who believed college was not an option for herself,” she said. “The goal of why I share this with seniors is to emphasize that if there is a will, there is a way, but it’s up to you to achieve that.”

(Left) Logan Trillizio leaves the podium after presenting the first reflective reading at Sunday’s baccalaureate service at Medina High School. (Center) Senior Sophia Goyette shared a selection of readings from the Bible during baccalaureate on Sunday. (Right) The Rev. Vince Iorio, vice president of Medina Area Association of Churches, greeted graduates at Medina High School’s baccalaureate service Sunday, which MAAC sponsored.

What Doll wants to stress is how to navigate life when something gets in the way of that will – because it is inevitable and it will happen.

The secret is to be humble and be grateful, she said.

“Throughout all of my experiences in life, I have never felt sorry for myself,” Doll said. “What has helped me is the mindset that ‘someone else always has it worse.”

To her, that means one is looking at the glass half full.

“Taking life in a positive psychology mindset means you recognize others do have a struggle that is greater than yours, and most importantly, it’s appreciating and recognizing the things you do have,” she said. “You cannot choose what happens to you, what people think of you or what goes on in the world. You can choose what you do about it.”

Life right now couldn’t be better for Doll, a proud resident of Medina with her husband Maximillan and their dog Charlie. They are happily hoping to expand their family.

Final reading of the afternoon was William Ernest Henley’s poem “Invictus” by senior Garrett Koch.

Pastor Wes Cantrell of One Church Medina shared a final message to graduates and a closing prayer.

“In the wink of an eye, the last 12 years have become history,” he said. “The decisions you make now will shape your years ahead.”

Others who contributed to the program were Ryder Jones, who designed the invitations; Amanda Kroening, who designed the programs; pianist Diane Stephenson who accompanied guest in singing “Take my Life and Let it Be”; Karen Jones, who assisted in program planning; River Jones for lights and sound; and Robyn Watts for being the liaison between MAAC and the school.

Students and guests enjoyed punch and cookies, courtesy of MAAC.

Bent’s Opera House covering costs this season for free use for public

File photo by Tom Rivers: These three people enjoy hydro-bikes on the Erie Canal in Medina in July 2023 near the Horan Road bridge. The hydro-bikes were offered for free in an “On the Canals” program where hydro-bikes and kayaks can be rented for free through the Orleans County YMCA. Bent’s Opera House is covering the cost for the kayaks and hydro-bikes to be offered free to the community and visitors this season.

MEDINA – This summer the YMCA will again offer its Canal Club program for people to have fun while exercising on Erie Canal with kayaks and hydro-bikes.

Beginning this week the Y will be allowing people to go kayaking and to pedal the hydro-bikes from Thursdays to Saturdays, from noon to 9 p.m. The program ends on Aug. 9.

People can sign up on Event Brite and rent them for free. (Go to eventbrite.com and search for kayaks and hydro-bikes to make a reservation.) The Y has 10 kayaks and four hydro-bikes from prior years. Bent’s Opera House is covering the costs of the Y’s staff time to run the program.

“We want people to get out and enjoy the summer and the canal,” said Coby Albone, who helps run the program for the Y. “It’s here and it’s free for them to use.”

No experience is needed. Participants need to be at least 12 years old. The Y will have the kayaks and hydro-bikes behind Captain Kidz at 143 East Center St.

The Y received the kayaks and hydro-bikes in 2020 through grants from the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation and the Erie Canalway Corridor’s Consolidated Fund.

The state covered the Y’s staffing costs to run the program with the “On the Canals” initiative in 2021 and 2022. About 1,200 people signed up to use the kayaks and hydro-bikes those years. Albone said the Y would like to reach 2,000 users this summer.

He thanked Bent’s Opera House for its financial assistance this year.

Some residents don’t want to see more rental units in village

Photos by Tom Rivers: Ken DeRoller, a former county legislator who is part of a housing task force in the county, urges the Medina Village Board to support a zoning change to allow mixed use housing on 46 vacant acres at 450 West Oak Orchard St.

MEDINA – The Medina Village Board was told 46 vacant acres near the school district on West Oak Orchard Street represents a great opportunity for much-needed housing development in the community.

Sieck Wholesale Florist owns the land off West Oak Orchard Street. The land is zoned light industrial which doesn’t allow housing.

Ed Michel of Sieck Wholesale wants to use 46 acres for housing and keep the other 8.8 acres of the property as light industrial. That land is next to the railroad and includes a cell tower, an old boiler and another older building.

The Village of Medina Planning Board has recommended the zoning be changed for 46 vacant acres to planned residential community. That allows for mixed use housing and also gives the village more oversight in how the property is developed.

During a public hearing on Monday, some residents said the village is saturated with rental properties and they don’t want more poorly kept rental units that could be a blight on the community. One resident said to keep the zoning as light industrial to allow for more business development in Medina.

Nyla Gaylord, the executive director of the United Way in Orleans County, said a housing shortage is threatening the community’s ability to grow. For businesses to come to Medina, there needs to be more housing for their workers, she said.

J. Lincoln Swedrock, an engineer and vice president with BME Associates in Fairport, said the owner of the acres wants to find out if the land will be rezoned before committing to a detailed plan for the property. Ed Michel of Sieck Wholesale wants a mixed-use option for the property with single-family houses as well as multi-family town houses.

Orleans County overall needs more housing options from single family construction, to affordable rentals for young adults and senior citizens, Gaylord said.

“We have some scary data for our community if we don’t allow more property to be developed for housing,” Gaylord said.

A housing report shared last month by the United Way’s Housing Task Force included the following data:

• Orleans County population dipped from 44,178 in 2020 to 42,850 in 2010 to 39,124 in 2024.
• School enrollments at the five districts are down from 8,225 in 2010 to 5,505 in 2022. The enrollments for 2022 include 1,782 in Albion, 1,391 in Medina, 992 in Holley, 708 in Kendall and 632 in Lyndonville.
• The share of population ages 0 to 4 decreased from 5.3 percent in 2010 to 4.7 percent in 2022, while share of population 65 and older increased from 14.4 percent in 2010 to 20.2 percent in 2022.
• Building permits for new houses are trending down. The county had 83 permits for new houses in 2004 but that was down to 33 in 2020, 21 in 2021, 2 in 2022 and 16 in 2023.

Dean Bellack of the United Way said getting more units should be a high priority in the county so more workers can live locally.

“The big question is do you want to stay in a declining county?” Bellack said.

He said more workers in the county are coming from outside Orleans than those who live in the community.

“These are critical problems,” Gaylord said. “We need to make changes now.”

Ken DeRoller, a former county legislator who has been active with the housing task force, said the vacant acres within the village are a great opportunity for Medina to add housing to keep and attract residents.

Other residents said the developer should provide the detailed plans for the property before the zoning change is approved. Once the zoning is changed to housing, Medina will be limited in how it can influence what happens on the property, said Scott Carlton, a village resident.

“We’re getting ahead of ourselves,” he said.

Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman said the development would be subject to scrutiny and more public meetings if the zoning is changed to allow for housing. She said the zoning change is just step one in the process. A site plan would follow later.

J. Lincoln Swedrock, an engineer and vice president with BME Associates in Fairport, responded to concerns that the property may be contaminated. He said the DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) shows there is no contamination on the vacant land. There was a spill from Fisher Price but a monitoring well hasn’t detected any contaminants in about 40 years, Swedrock said.

The developer will work on plans if the zoning change is approved, he said. There needs to be a mix of housing with some townhouses to allow more units so a project would be economically feasible, he said.

The board didn’t vote on the issue on Monday, opting to wait until Trustee Mark Prawel also can be at the meeting. The board may vote on the issue at its next meeting on July 14.

MEDINA – A floating circus will perform in the Erie Canal in Medina on Aug. 6 part of a bicentennial celebration for the canal.

The Flotsam River Circus is performing at canal communities beginning Aug. 1 in Buffalo. The group has performances lined up for six weeks, concluding in New York City from Sept. 9-14.

The tour in the western side of the canal includes Aug. 1-3 in Buffalo, Aug. 4 in Tonawanda, Aug. 5 in Lockport, Aug. 6 in Medina, Aug. 7 in Brockport, Aug. 8-9 in Rochester and Aug. 10 in Fairport. (The Medina performance will start at 7 p.m. in the Canal Basin.)

Flotsam includes a troupe of musicians, circus performers, and puppeteers who perform from a ramshackle raft. There is no admission charge to see the group.

The floating circus started in 2019 and has performed in 13 states and traveled over 2,000 river miles. Last year Flotsam traveled the entire Ohio River from Pittsburgh to Paducah.

The troupe members this year include performers skilled as gymnasts, puppeteers, balance artists, hair suspension and aerial hoop, juggling, clowning, sword swallowing and playing music.

Click here for more information on Flotsam.

Transformer to be offloaded from railroad in Medina, then headed to solar facility in Elba

Photo by Ginny Kropf: One of two giant transformers makes its way down Park Avenue in Medina on Oct. 6, 2021 after leaving the railroad at the Pickle Factory. The 800,000-pound transformer was taken to a new switching station on Route 93 in the Town of Royalton in a project by National Grid and the New York State Power Authority.

MEDINA – The Medina Village Board wants some compensation to have a heavy load move through the village.

The village was notified by Bay Crane Projects that it wants to off load a 375,035-pound transformer from the railroad. It would go on North Avenue, a small part of Gwinn Street, and then down South Main Street (Route 63). From there it goes down Lewiston Road to its destination at 6368 Graham Rd. in Elba.

The transformer would travel on a trailer weighing 152,965, bringing the total weight to about 528,000 pounds.

Village Board members said they were concerned the load could damage village streets. They are going to ask Bay Crane Projects for money, with the starting offer at $250,000. Bay Crane is managing the delivery of the transformer for Hecate Energy, which is building a 500-megawatt solar project over 2,500 acres in Elba and Oakfield.

Medina village officials said the transformer should be off loaded in Genesee County, where the municipalities are to receive about $73 million in revenue for the project over 30 years. Medina board members said the village should get some revenue having the transformer on village streets causing some wear and tear, and for the disruption to traffic.

“Why are we the ones being used for this?” Mayor Marguerite Sherman asked during Monday’s board meeting.

A heavier load went through the village on Oct. 6, 2021 when two transformers went from the Pickle Factory on Park Avenue on their way to Royalton. Those loads were about 800,000 pounds each.

Jason Watts, the village Department of Public Works superintendent, said the loads in 2021 didn’t damage village streets. The trailers had more than a dozen axles to help to spread out the load.

Watts said there is minimal impact on his department with the load headed to Elba because the Bay Crane Projects has arranged the details with escorts for the trip, which will go about 10 miles per hour.

Watts said if the streets are damaged, resurfacing could cost about $50,000.

Village attorney Matt Brooks said Medina should consider a “reasonable fee” for the instances when extremely heavy loads go through Medina. Brooks said it could be difficult to determine that amount.

Watts said he would reach out to highway associations to see if other municipalities have fees for allowing the loads that far exceed the weight limits on village streets.

Gabrielle Barone, the vice president of business development for the Orleans Economic Development Agency, urged Medina to seek some funding for use of village streets.

“There should be a fee,” she said. “There is a strain on your local resources and you should be compensated.”

Sherman said she didn’t receive a specific date for when the transformer would arrive in the area. She believes Bay Crane Projects is trying to work out all the details to get it done in July.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – These three were dressed up as faeries on Saturday for Medina’s “Enchanted Faery Festival.” Pictured form left include Natasha Abdurrafi of Medina, and sisters Amelia and Daisy Marr of Albion.

The Medina Area Partnership organizes the event which usually brings in about 75 to 100 kids dressed as kings, queens, princes and princesses.

Ann Fisher-Bale, one of the festival volunteers, distributes fairy dust at Rotary Park. Her son, Mason Bale, is next to her.

The event included a scavenger hunt. There were 12 faeries and 10 faery houses hidden in windows in downtown shops. There also was a parade.

Haylee Ferrington is dressed as a dragon mother faery while she does face-painting on Morgan Eaton of Rochester.

Photos by Natalie Baron: The Dave Viterna Group jams out at the State Street Park Pavilion on Thursday. Concert series performances run from 6 to 8 p.m.

By Natalie Baron, Orleans Hub intern

Dave Viterna is the lead singer and guitarist for the group. He sings and plays classic rock songs.

MEDINA – The summer concert series, Blue Thursdays, kicked off its first performance of 2025 on Thursday with The Dave Viterna Group providing a strong opening for the event.

The Dave Viterna Group is a local favorite, a blues and classic rock band that plays all over Western New York. The band members are Medina natives. The group includes lead singer and guitarist Dave Viterna, Marty Hobbs on bass guitar and “Scooter” Felice as drums.

Audience members travel from all over the Buffalo/Niagara area to listen to these bands perform. Hundreds of people attend each week. Darlene from Pembroke described what she likes most about the concert series. She said it’s “Just a nice evening out with good music!”

Pat from Medina reminisced on attending high school with the band’s lead singer. “I knew Dave Viterna when he was 17. It’s good to see him.” He added that Jony James is performing next week, on June 26. “He played at my birthday party when I turned 60!”

There is no admission charge for the concerts, which typically draw 600 to 800 people at State Street Park.

The Print Shop is underwriting the event, pairing with the ORG/Orleans Renaissance Group, Inc./medinaalive.com for booking and coordination.

Marty Hobbs plays bass guitar. The Dave Viterna Group is the first in the concert series lineup. The evening was filled with sound and energy.

A sizable crowd gathers at State Street Park. The Medina summer concert series attracts hundreds of audience members from all around Western New York.

The rest of the 2025 lineup features the following bands:

• 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.

All performances this year will be enhanced by professional sound by Sal Licata of Sound Factor.

Vendors and beverage providers at the concert series include Dubby’s Wood Fired Pizza, Greenlief’s On The Go, Oakley’s Ice Cream, Stone Hollow Bakery, NOLA Concessions, Blue Groove Coffee, Northridge Distillery and Schulze Vineyard & Winery.

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.

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.

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.

Peracciny can be reached at (716) 735-7381.

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.

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 200^th 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.”

‘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?”