Photos by Sue Cook – Joey Robinson, left, explains the audio clip they are playing. Matt Roeseler operates the laptop and Brian Bogan provides extra information.

By Sue Cook, staff reporter

MEDINA – The Medina Area Paranormal Society (MAPS) revealed their ghost-hunt findings at a talk at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library last night for more than 75 people.

The group conducted investigations at three locations in Medina: the Greek Revival at 107 Pearl Street, NAPA Auto Parts and the Medina Historical Society.

Catherine Cooper is the director of the Lee-Whedon Library and is a board member of the Medina Historical Society. She invited the MAPS group to reveal their findings to the public to generate interest in the history and because the Halloween season is approaching. MAPS was invited to each location because the owners of each location were experiencing something they believed to be paranormal.

The Historical Society has hosted cemetery tours and ghost walks, with the events drawing good-size crowds. Cooper said there is community interest in the paranormal.

MAPS originally started in 2008 with seven members, when the group members were in high school. As time went on and graduation approached, they disbanded. In 2013, Joey Robinson and Matt Roeseler decided to reform the group and included Brian Bogan and Scott Barber in the four-person team.

Provided photo – A strange mist was captured in the front room of the Medina Historical Society, across the hall from the war room. Their K-II electromagnetic meter was stating they had a high reading and this was photographed at the same time.

“These guys got interested in doing their own research here locally so we asked them last year to speak,” Cooper said. “They’ve done more research this year and so we invited them back. We like the fact that there are young people interested in investigating the past and they’re using new technology to support their interests. They’re very professional.”

MAPS was inspired by watching the television show “Ghost Hunters” and uses similar equipment to conduct their own investigations. They use tape recorders, flashlights, temperature gauges, a camera and K-II meters, which measure electromagnetic fields.

They have also made some of their own equipment such as a full-spectrum camera, which captures non-visible light; an electromagnetic field generator, which is thought to possibly energize spirits; and a ghost box.

Roeseler explained the ghost box, saying, “There’s a lot of different variations of it, but we’ve got a radio that scans through the stations really quickly. I put it in a foil box so it cuts down on the actual voices coming through so it’s more white noise and more validation.”

The Medina Historical Society welcomed MAPS back into its building at 406 West Ave. for a second time. The museum was built in 1841 and belonged to the Merritt family. It was turned into the Town of Ridgeway building and eventually became a museum.

“I’m sure over time people have died there because it was a home and people tended to die at home in the past,” Cooper said. “I think the reason that the Historical Society might be haunted is that we have a collection of items that were of personal use and personal interest and had attachment to people that have gone on. I can only surmise.”

“At the Historical Society, some of the members would be very skeptical and others would be believers,” Cooper said. “Of the believers, a few of the board members attest to having seen a person in the kitchen.”

MAPS also investigated the NAPA Auto Parts building. It was constructed in the 1830s and held a jail cell in the basement. There were also more upper apartments, but a fire destroyed them. At least one death has occurred in the building, but possibly more.

“The owner has the upstairs apartment,” Joey Robinson said. “We validated some of the stuff he’s heard go on there, like he says he hears knocks all the time and these unexplained footsteps.”

The Greek Revival building on Pearl Street was constructed in the 1850s and served as a rooming house for a while. There was a murder at the location in the 1980s.

The audience listens intently to the clips, trying to determine what is being said in them.

MAPS captured electronic voice phenomena (EVPs) at all three locations. EVPs are voices of supposed spirits captured on a recording device that can be heard during playbacks. Many of the recordings are cryptic in nature because the voices are quiet and words can’t always be heard clearly.

Some of the more distinct recordings this year included children’s laughter at the Historical Society and a male voice at NAPA that is possibly saying, “What have I got in my pocket?” The Greek Revival produced an EVP of male voice saying “hey” and another of a little girl saying “matches” in response to the members trying to find matches in the room.

Other sounds the group recorded are footsteps and banging. All the evidence is scrutinized and people may interpret the evidence differently. Much of it can be left to personal interpretation and some people may be highly skeptical of it.

The group works hard to find scientific explanations that may disprove the evidence as well. They have disproved some experiences as light from car headlights, sounds from plumbing or exterior noise. Exposed electrical wiring can even create an electromagnetic field that can cause the brain to send signals to make a person feel like they are being watched or even experiencing something paranormal.

“People can contact us,” said Robinson. “If someone calls and says they have something in their house, we’ll come and investigate their house. As of right now, we’ve done commercial business areas and the museum, but we’re willing to branch out and do other places around here. We like it enough we’ll probably be doing this for a little while, so wherever it goes, it goes.”

To contact MAPS, visit the group’s Facebook page by clicking here.

Historical Society members also welcome people to join them on the last Monday of every month at the Lee-Whedon Library to learn more about local history.

HARTLAND – A Medina man is in serious condition after an accident in Hartland this afternoon, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office reported.

Steven R. Churchfield, 48, of Medina was headed east at about 5 p.m. on the 9400 block of Ridge Road when he failed to negotiate a curve in the road, the Sheriff’s Office reported.

The vehicle traveled onto the south shoulder striking a utility pole, severing the pole in half. The vehicle continued off the road where it overturned coming to rest in a field.

Churchfield was transported by Mercy Flight to Erie County Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. He is currently listed in serious condition at ECMC. The accident is being investigated by Niagara County Sheriff’s Office Accident Investigation Unit. Charges are pending, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Photo by Tom Rivers – John Grimes believes Curvin’s News on Main Street in Medina can be a profitable business. He wants to retire and sell the business after operating it the past 19 years.

MEDINA – It looked like Curvin’s News was closing about a month ago, but owner John Grimes is giving the store more life – but not for long.

Grimes has owned and operated the business the past 19 years. He wants to retire and is looking for a buyer for the business.

“I’m old and out of ideas,” he said. “If someone has an idea they could make a decent amount of business. I think things could be done to make it more profitable.”

Grines is asking $50,000 “or reasonable offer” for Curvin’s, which has been a part of Medina for nearly a century.

Grimes thought he had a buyer for the business but that didn’t come to fruition. He is also trying to sell the next-door video store.

Grimes ran the businesses with his wife Barb. She died on Feb. 12, 2012 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo. Grimes said he has struggled to run the businesses without his wife.

He nearly shut down the business two years ago after a former employee stole about $65,000 worth of lottery tickets.

Curvin’s has long been a popular gathering place for residents. Grimes is hopeful a buyer will step forward and there will be a new generation of Curvin’s for the community.

He welcomes prospective buyers to give him a call at 798-4745 or stop by the store at 540 Main St.

MEDINA – The school district lost a beloved teacher this morning when Barbara Barnes was killed in a car accident in the Town of Newfane.

Jeff Evoy, Medina Central School superintendent, issued the following statement:

“Those of us at the Medina Central School District grieve with the entire community over the tragic accident this morning that claimed the life of one our one of our teachers, Mrs. Barbara Barnes.

“Mrs. Barnes was a long-time teacher at Wise Intermediate/Middle School. She was beloved by students and staff and was extremely dedicated to her students. We ask that you please keep the Barnes family in your thoughts and prayers.

“On behalf of our school community, I want to thank everyone for their support of our students and faculty, as they are also struggling with tremendous sorrow.”

MEDINA – The Medina school community is mourning the loss of teacher Barbara Barnes, who taught at the middle school and died in a car accident this morning.

She was killed an accident at 7:16 a.m. on the way to work. The accident occurred on Lake Road in the Town of Newfane.

School district officials met with her students at 1 p.m. to tell them about the fatal accident. The district also sent a note home with students to inform parents of the news, one of the parents told Orleans Hub.

The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office hasn’t officially released the names of two people who died in the morning accident. The Sheriff’s Office reports that two vehicles collided in a head-on crash. The westbound vehicle, for unknown reasons, crossed the center lane and struck the eastbound vehicle head on.

Both drivers were pronounced dead. The driver in the westbound vehicle had a dog in her vehicle and that dog perished in the crash, the Sheriff’s Office reported.

The Niagara County Accident Investigation Unit is investigating the accident.

Press release, Niagara County Sheriff’s Office

NEWFANE – The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate a fatal head-on crash which occurred this morning in the 6700 block of Lake Road in the Town of Newfane.

Early information indicates the westbound car, driven by Georgia Vaughn, 50, of Olcott crossed the centerline for unknown reasons into the path of an eastbound vehicle operated by Barbara Barnes, 51, of Newfane.

Ms. Vaughn died on the scene. Mrs. Barnes, a middle school teacher in Medina, was transported to Eastern-Niagara Hospital in Newfane where she died a short time later. A dog in Ms. Vaughn’s vehicle also died on the scene.

MEDINA – The Medina Fire Department will have its annual open house this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event for the first time will include a blood drive.

Other activities planned include fire prevention material, equipment on display and an antique fire truck exhibit. The State Police will have its rollover simulator on site for anyone to try.

The Fire Department will also have Chiavetta’s Chicken BBQ from 11 a.m. until sold out. Tickets can be purchased by calling the fire station at (585) 798-1661.

Provided photo – The Medina Mustang Band placed second in its division during a competition Saturday at West Genesee High School.

Press release
Medina Mustang Band

MEDINA – The Medina Mustang Band traveled to the West Genesee High School on Saturday for the band’s third competition this season.

Ten bands in total performed, three of which were in the Small School 1 class. Medina took second place with a score of 79.85 with East Syracuse Minoa in first with 81.45. Oswego took third place with 77.35.

There are three more shows before the state championships at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. The Mustangs will be at Orchard Park on Oct. 4, Victor on Oct. 11 and at Webster on Oct. 18.

Even though you may have seen Medina perform once before, each week the show is a little different as the co-directors make little changes. The students are able to pick up and learn these changes and perform as expected.

Photos by Sue Cook – Joey Robinson wore lederhosen to hand out glasses.

By Sue Cook, staff reporter

MEDINA – The Medina Business Association welcomed the fall season with the annual Ale in Autumn event held downtown. This is the sixth year the group has put on the beer-tasting event.

This year, 24 businesses gave tastings of 28 beers. The 750 people that bought tickets to the event received complimentary glasses to use to sample the drinks.

“From the sale of the glasses to the Chinese auction baskets that we do, we make a good amount of money to where we can do something else major for downtown,” said MBA President Cindy Robinson. “We’re thinking about getting more bike racks made. We’re looking at possibly getting new trash receptacles out there as something that matches more of the historic look.”

Ashlee’s Place, a clothing store, has been a participant all six years of Ale in Autumn. They have seen a lot of new faces at the event, especially people visiting from outside of Medina.

“It’s a beautiful day,” said owner Angela Waldriff. “We are a location that sold tickets for it so we’ve been very busy the last few weeks with people picking up tickets and coming in and asking if they were still available.”

Ashlee’s Place owner Angela Waldriff served apricot Sea Dog.

Kim Keil, owner of Wide Angle Art Gallery, served Dutch and Indian lagers for the event. Her success during the event has her already anticipating Wine About Winter. This was her first downtown Medina event as a business owner.

“It’s really exciting and little bit different because typically we partake in it from the other side of the table. This is the first time being behind the table hosting,” Keil said.

“It’s really interesting that a lot of people are coming in and actually looking at the artwork and taking the time to talk about it,” she continued. “They are interested in classes or possibly putting shows together. It’s a great opportunity for PR and getting to meet the community.”

Andy, Robyn and Tony Ottaviano of Lyndonville raise their glasses. “We’re tasting all these great beers on this perfect day,” said Robyn. Tony added, “There’s been a lot of interesting ones, but we’ve enjoyed them all so far.”

ellen j. goods owner Lynn Brundage was excited that the event started off very strong and didn’t show any sign of slowing down. The business was serving a chili beer which had a chili pepper floating in it. Tasters were commenting that it was a very unique flavor and that it was nice to try something they normally might not.

Julie Tette, an instructor at the new All Yoga Medina studio, was there with the other instructors serving beer for their first Medina event as a new business.

“This is a lot of fun. It’s nice to see a lot of people that we know and some we don’t know. It’s nice to meet new people and give them a chance to see our new place and check it out. The response has been amazing and awesome,” she said.

Tette said that people have already bought class passes and signed up for classes after being able to see the studio for the first time. The event has given them a great opportunity to expand their business while having a fun time.

810 Meadworks had a waiting line for their two special flavors.

The new business, 810 Meadworks, also participated in Ale in Autumn to drum up excitement for their expected opening in late November. Within the first two hours, the meadery had seen almost 200 people with a line stretching out the door.

Bryan DeGraw, co-owner of 810 Meadworks, explained what they were serving. They normally make mead that is more like wine, but offered something a little different for the day.

“We have two meads. One is called Scarlet A, that’s an apple cranberry fermented with blueberry honey. They other is Bee Vomit. That is wildflower honey fermented with cascade hops,” he said. “Both of those are 7 percent and carbonated so they’re more like a beer.”

Stephanie Prawel was serving Presidente in Rosenkrans Pharmacy.

Kimberly Drew comes from Greece, NY, to visit her friends from the area, Danielle and Aaron Montague. They like to go to the downtown Medina events together. They all grew up together in Lyndonville.

“We’re all about the social aspect of the beer tasting,” said Drew. “We are so excited to be here and love to see all the little businesses. I think I’m going to taste a great variety, things I’ve never tried before.”

She added that it was a great way to spend some time in Medina.

“Medina is my playground,” she said. “It was my childhood playground. I love coming here to have fun, like for this and I was here for the wine tasting. I come here for all my fun. Orleans County is awesome.”

Photos by Sue Cook – Managing Instructor Deb Roberts stands outside the studio located at 105 Pearl St. in Medina.

By Sue Cook, staff reporter

MEDINA – Three Medina residentsthis week opened All Yoga Medina, a yoga studio in downtown Medina that offers classes to anyone of any ability in an effort to promote wellness and self value.

Deb Roberts is the managing instructor of the studio and has been practicing yoga for 16 years.

“It can benefit everyone,” she said. “The wellness benefits of yoga are being scientifically proven. Just breathing increases your wellness. It’s a different way to be strong. For me it’s more about bringing your mind and body in alignment.”

Roberts retired last year from the Cornell Cooperative Extension and decided to operate a yoga studio. She loved the space on Pearl Street that formerly belonged to Rock Paper Salon. When the hair salon moved, Roberts contacted the building owner, Tim Cooper, and was told she was the third person to ask about making the space into a yoga studio.

One of the people to inquire about the space was Katie Hartway, another Medina native. Roberts already knew her and after talking the two decided to also ask Julie Tette to work with them. Tette is another Medina resident who is also a yoga instructor at the Lockport schools and Kwandrans Tae Kwan Do in Medina.

Together, the three of them now offer a variety of yoga classes to suit several different needs. Hartway’s focus is on Power Core Yoga and Tette’s expertise is in Yoga Fit. Tette’s class, Yoga for Runners, is already full with Medina residents signing up as well as the Medina High School cross-country team.

Roberts shows the class how to get into a chair pose.

Roberts teaches a more classical style of yoga, which is slower and more meditative. She even tailors her individual classes to meet the abilities of the people who attend. Some classes she may choose to use certain poses if there are advanced students, whereas beginners receive more instruction and assistance.

“We’re all different ages and we’re at all different stages in life,” Roberts said. “We all share a love of yoga, but that means we kind of have something to offer. That’s really important to us. Not everybody wants to sit and be as meditative as some people do. The challenge for us is how to meet everybody’s needs.”

Younger people might prefer to do more vigorous yoga classes while older people might like the more meditative ones, but she also says that different life circumstances can alter what kind of yoga you’re looking for in life, too. People with kids or high-stress jobs might want a different kind of yoga than someone who is full of energy and wants to burn it off.

“You use yoga differently at different times in your life,” she added.

Roberts does not want anyone to be intimidated if they have never tried yoga before. She wants people to understand you only push yourself as far as you are able, regardless of the levels of your classmates.

Roberts addressed concerns that new learners might have, saying, “You don’t have to be flexible. If you can breathe, if you can raise your hands up in the air, that’s yoga. It’s not about being a pretzel, it’s not about being able to do great accomplishments. Yoga meets you where you are. So if you can’t get up and down on the floor, we’ll give you a chair to work in. If you don’t have balance, we’ll send you to hold on to the wall. There’s no perfect way to do yoga.”

Roberts gets into a warrior pose.

For beginners in Robert’s classes, the key points that are introduced are for students to take care of themselves. They will meditate and practice breathing exercises while beginning to learn yoga terminology. After a warm up, students begin to learn basic poses and core work focused on balance and strength. After the cool down, the class enters a meditative state to relax fully and let worldly cares wash away momentarily to end class in a peaceful state.

“As you build, it’s progression,” Roberts said. “We call it yoga practice for a reason. We don’t call it a performance. It is practicing something over and over and each time you practice it you learn something new, you see something new, you can do something new.”

The studio will offer one more class tomorrow free of charge to celebrate their grand opening. From 1 to 2 p.m. Roberts will have an introductory class before Medina’s Ale in Autumn event begins. The studio is located at 105 Pearl Street.

For more information about All Yoga Medina and upcoming class sessions, call (585) 259-1905 or click here.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – A construction crew was at the Bent’s Opera House today, pouring cement for a first floor wall below ground. Catenary Construction Corporation of Rochester was hired for the stabilization project for the building, which was built 150 years ago during the Civil War.

The non-profit Orleans Renaissance Group is owner of the site. It is working to restore the building. The immediate task involves stabilizing the southeast corner of the Main Street structure.

Tim Turner, an employee with Catenary, adds fresh cement as the construction company works to rebuild the front wall on the first floor, which is underground.

Meggie Moo’s offers a slower pace, step back in time

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – A new business celebrated its grand-opening today in downtown Medina. Meggie Moo’s may be new, but it feels like an old-fashioned ice cream parlor from the 1950s.

The servers wear poodle skirts, Elvis is on the wall and ’50s music fills the site at 114 East Center St.

“This is a chance to go back in time and slow down,” said Kathy Blackburn, who opened the business with her family.

Blackburn is pictured in the top photo at left with her daughter-in-law Kelly, granddaughter Megan and Blackburn’s son Jim in back.

Blackburn operated the 31 Club from the location until closing that bar about 2 ½ years ago. She wanted to use the historic building, and her granddaughter suggested it as a soda shop.

Megan Blackburn, 15, makes a strawberry milkshake during the grand opening of Meggie Moo’s today. Her brother Zack, 18, also will be working at Meggie’s.

Jim and Kelly Blackburn both welcomed the endeavor as long as it had a family friendly focus. The site will be available for birthday parties. Meggie’s will host its first one on Saturday with a theme from the popular children’s movie, Frozen.

Jim was pleased to see a father and son come in for dessert, enjoying conservation while the boy worked on homework.

“This is about being able to enjoy yourself,” Blackburn said. “Everything is so fast. People need to slow down.”

The front counter was decorated for the grand opening today.

Kathy Blackburn is the executive director of the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce. She also is vice president of the Medina Business Association. She has been encouraged by the renaissance in downtown Medina, with many new shops and businesses opening.

The new ice cream parlor complements the other businesses, and should draw more visitors and foot traffic to the downtown, Blackburn said.

She is retired from Birdseye Foods, where she was international sales manager. Her son works as buildings and grounds superintendent for the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension in Knowlesville. His wife is a 4-H leader for the Paw Praisers Club.

“This all about the kids,” Kelly Blackburn said.

Photo by Tom Rivers

The outside and inside of the building were painted. The interior floor was also raised. Blackburn said the family would like to add fryers and a grill for an expanded menu, as well as opening a back porch.

“We want to make it a fun place for people to come,” she said.

Photos by Cheryl Wertman

MEDINA – The school district celebrated homecoming this week, and the celebration poured out to the football field, even in a 36-6 loss to Burgard tonight.

In the top photo Homecoming King Adam Cotter and Queen Madeline Bilicki are introduced at halftime.

Ty Hrovat leads the team on to the field.

Coaches and players are on sideline for the national anthem.

The Medina mascot roams the sidelines.

Medina cheerleaders get the crowd energized.

NYSUT President Karen Magee and Medina Teachers’ Assoc. President Joe Byrne.

Provided Photos – Karen Magee meets with teachers at Oak Orchard Elementary School.

MEDINA – The president of the New York State Union of Teachers visited Medina teachers on Tuesday. Karen Magee met with teachers and Medina Teachers’ Association leadership.

State union officials, including Magee, were in Buffalo for the Champions of Public Education Reception, honoring State Sen. Tim Kennedy and several members of the State Assembly for their dedication to student advocacy.

Magee said she was very impressed by the district and the services available to Medina Students. She toured Medina High School and Oak Orchard Elementary School, meeting with teachers at both locations. She was struck by the sense of community in the district, having walked the halls of the high school and elementary schools decorated for Homecoming. Ms. Magee mentioned how impressed she was with the use of technology in the classroom.

The teachers, in preparation for the NYSUT president’s visit wore “Our Classroom Matters” buttons, advocating for the education of students as people, not test scores.

“The president’s choice to visit Medina is a proud day for the union and serves as testament to teachers’ hard work in the classroom and their continuing support as advocates for the children of Medina,” said Joe Byrne, president of Medina Teachers’ Association.