By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 June 2019 at 10:19 am
‘Together we did some fantastic things and now Medina seems at the brink of a wonderful future and I believe the best is yet to come.’ – Martin Busch
MEDINA – Marty Busch, Medina’s code enforcement officer, is retiring on Sept. 28 with his last day in the office on Aug. 13.
Busch has been the village’s code enforcement officer for 24 years, during a time of renaissance in the downtown business district and expansion in Medina’s Business Park.
In a letter to the Village Board on June 24, Busch thanked the village officials and community for the opportunity to work in Medina.
“The job introduced me to people, took me places and showed me things I never could have imagined,” Busch wrote in his letter. “Most of all I am extremely grateful to have worked with and for the most dedicated, hard working and in some cases brave people I have ever known. Medina is truly blessed to have such public employees and officials.”
Busch said it has been a team effort as Medina has enjoyed significant recent investment in many building projects.
“Together we did some fantastic things and now Medina seems at the brink of a wonderful future and I believe the best is yet to come,” Busch said in his letter.
He attended Monday’s Village Board meeting and updated the board on the new 58-room Cobblestone Suites hotel that is under construction on Maple Ridge Road next to Pride Pak. Busch said the foundation is done and the building will start to take shape soon.
The company wants to open the new hotel in March 2020.
Mayor Michael Sidari praised Busch for his service to the village.
In other action at Monday’s meeting, the board:
• Accepted the resignation of Don Marchner as a callman in the Medina Fire Department. Marchner has been responding to fire calls for 52 years. He is a former career firefighter and then police officer for Medina.
In his retirement, he has remained active with the Fire Department. He also stops by every morning to have coffee with the firefighters, said Fire Chief Tom Lupo.
“He has served us well and we wish him well in his future,” Lupo said.
Marcher sent a June 12 letter to the village, announcing he was stepping down as a callman on June 30.
“I wish to thank the residents of the village for giving me the opportunity to serve them,” Marchner wrote. “I also wish my fellow brother firefighters the best of luck in the future and stay safe. I appreciate what each and every one of you have done for me. Keep up the good work, and remember, Protect and Serve.”
• Approved spending $2,000 to dispose of old court records from 1880 to 2011. The village and towns of Ridgeway and Shelby are each paying $2,000 to dispose of 252 boxes of old court records.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 21 June 2019 at 10:39 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Jim Simon, right, associate dean of Genesee Community College’s Medina and Albion campuses, explains his concerns about traffic in front of the Medina campus to Laura Byer, planning manager for Alta Planning and Design.
MEDINA – There was an open house and presentation at Medina High School on Thursday to hear representatives from Alta Planning and Design outline proposed plans for improvements to the Maple Ridge corridor from Bates Road to Salt Works Road.
The improvements are designed to improve safety and traffic flow for vehicles, bikers and pedestrians along that two-mile stretch of road.
For Mike and Nancy Blount, who own property adjacent to Family Dollar, this would be fantastic. The couple is pleased to see a turning lane is among the proposals.
Mayor Mike Sidari welcomed the residents and explained why there was a need to address traffic issues along this stretch of road.
“Maple Ridge Road is getting crowded because of the growth of the businesses,” Sidari said.
He praised the efforts of those who have been serving on the committee of 10 since last fall, since the village received a $50,000 Genesee Transportation Council grant to study pedestrian and bicycle accommodations from Bates Road to Tops and the former Ames Plaza.
While the overall planning includes Maple Ridge Road from Bates Road to Salt Works Road, the core of the improvements focus on Main Street to Tops.
The first thing the planning committee did was put the proposal out for bids, awarding the contract to Alta Planning and Design, a company with headquarters in Portland, Ore., with offices in Albany.
Kristie Di Cocco, project manager, said the company focuses on vehicle and pedestrian transportation. The steering committee included representatives from Medina Business Park, Medina Central School, the village of Medina, Genesee Transportation Council, town of Shelby, Orleans County Department of Planning and Development, Orleans County Economic Development and state Department of Transportation.
Mike and Nancy Blount of Medina look over maps outlining proposed improvements to Maple Ridge Road.
They did an initial assessment in November and met with the steering committee in December. They also did a web survey and got a huge response, Di Cocco said. They received 560 responses, which she said was impressive, including almost 60 from Medina Estates (Ricky Place).
Di Cocco said they are looking at the concept of “complete streets,” which means they are not just looking at the fastest way to get vehicles from one destination to another, but rather streets which are designed to handle all forms of travel, including bikes, pedestrians and trucks.
In the future, she said Medina Business Park is going to blossom and other businesses continue to grow, adding to traffic.
Plans also include how they can connect the village’s historic district downtown with Maple Ridge Road. This includes a path from Ricky Place into the village.
They will recommend implementation of strategies which will make the project competitive for grants, Di Cocco said.
Their studies included seven intersections from Tops to Bates Road, and the one which experienced the longest delays in exiting to Maple Ridge Road was West Avenue.
A study of the crash history in the last five years showed accidents attributed to animals topped the list, with rear-end collisions second.
Laura Byer, project planner with Alta, said time lapse cameras were installed on Maple Ridge Road to see how people were walking, and they were walking in all conditions and at night.
“There is a precedent for establishing pedestrian and bike paths,” Byer said.
She also said a pedestrian bridge across Oak Orchard Creek is in the works.
Barriers to the proposed improvements include available funding, coordinating with NYDOT and roadway geometrics, i.e., a dip in the road west of Tops which hides oncoming vehicles.
Byer said Medina Central School officials are supportive of their measures and have shared their input.
Kristie Di Cocco, left, project manager with Alta Planning and Design, and Laura Byer, planning manager, discuss proposed improvements to Maple Ridge Road with Jim Lustumbo, owner of Lake Village Mobile Home Park. At left rear is Jim Bensley, director of Orleans County Planning and Development.
Mayor Sidari stressed the importance of the study, and said they are looking to make these improvements for the safety of motorists and pedestrians.
“This is something that needs to be done,” he said. “We are going to see increased vehicle traffic to the Business Park, with the new hotel and the college. Funding is our biggest obstacle.”
A portion of the evening was allocated for residents to share their concerns and ideas. There was a lot of discussion regarding safety of vehicles, especially school buses, exiting Mustang Drive. Di Cocco said they did a traffic analysis there and are going to recommend a traffic light.
She also said there had been a lot of talk about lowering speed limits, but although it is a state road, the village owns that stretch of Maple Ridge Road.
Placing medians in front of Aldi’s and Medina Bowling Lanes to discourage left turns is another proposed option.
Jim Simon, associate dean of the Medina and Albion campuses of Genesee Community College, was concerned about the fact the speed limit changes from 45 to 55 mph right in front of the college. He said when the new hotel goes up, this developing corridor is going to get a lot busier.
He also suggested a pedestrian bridge installed at the back of Ricky Place would create an easy route for employees of Pride Pak, for instance, who want to go downtown for lunch. It would also be a direct line for students who want to walk home in the village. A pedestrian bridge has already been funded, he said.
Other traffic issues included the problem for residents of Lakewood Village who want to exit onto Maple Ridge Road, especially those making a left turn.
Park owner Jim Lustumbo said a 75-foot right-of-way between McDonalds and his storage buildings was established several years ago and agreed to by the landowner. A roadway there would allow residents to drive behind McDonalds and into the former Ames parking lot, where they could then exit onto Maple Ridge Road at the traffic light.
Copies of three concepts for the Maple Ridge Road improvements were made available for residents to vote on, and those who did not attend Thursday’s presentation are encouraged to pick one up at the village hall and fill it out.
Residents can not only pick their favorite concept, but can indicate if there is one or more thing they don’t like about a concept or something they would like to keep.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2019 at 3:37 pm
MEDINA – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced approval of 96 Smart Schools Investment Plans aimed at improving school security and reimagining teaching and learning for the 21st century.
The approved plans, totaling $85 million, are part of the $2 billion Smart Schools Bond Act, and includes $235,256 for Medina in high-tech security.
The Smart Schools projects can include school connectivity, classroom technology or high-tech security.
The money will come from the $2,000,222 approved for Medina in November 2014 in a state-wide referendum as part of the Smart Schools Bond Act.
The school district last year submitted the plan to the state to upgrade security cameras at the school campus. The district wants to replace existing security cameras and add more cameras. The new cameras are higher resolution.
The project includes new cables and wires, and server upgrades for the cameras.
Medina has also submitted a plan to have laptops available for every student in grades 4 through 12 in the next three years. The district is leasing Chromebook laptops and students will be assigned one, pending state approval.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 June 2019 at 9:15 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf
MEDINA – Parents, Scouts and veterans stand at attention as they prepare for their annual flag-retirement ceremony on Flag Day at the Scout camp on School No. 10 Road.
Demonstrating the proper way to dispose of the American flag has been a tradition on Flag Day for Cub and Boy Scouts in Medina for nearly a decade.
Steve Johnson from the American Legion, left, watches a Scout place flags in the fire during a flag retiring ceremony Friday night at the Scout camp on School No 10 Road.
Dozens of Scouts, their parents and members of the American Legion and VFW in Medina gathered at the Scout camp on School No. 10 Road Friday night to burn piles of worn and torn flags.
As Scouts unfolded one flag and demonstrated how the stripes were separated from the blue field of stars, they were reminded this was not a “flag burning,” but a “flag retirement.”
Piles of flags lay on the ground waiting to be properly disposed of Friday night by Scouts in Troop 28 and 35, and Pack 28 and 35 at their Scout camp on School No. 10 Road in Medina. Also participating were members of the American Legion and VFW. Talking in back are Gary Blackburn of Ridgeway and Dave Kusmierczak of Medina, a member of the American Legion and VFW.
This giant flag supplied by Veterans Services Agency Director Earl Schmidt was among the dozens of flags burned in a flag-retirement ceremony Friday night by Scouts and veterans in Medina.
Scouts separate the stripes on an American flag to demonstrate the proper way to dispose of it at a flag retiring ceremony Friday night.
Three of the Scouts who read the meaning of each part of the flag were Tyler Miller, Cade Miller and Jon Thomas. They explained the red stripe signifies the blood shed for our freedom; the white stands for the burning tears shed by Americans who lost their sons; and the blue field is for truth and justice, like the stars that fell from heaven. The stars also represent the 50 sovereign states of our union.
Dave Kusmierczak, a member of the American Legion and VFW, said he has been coming to this ceremony on Flag Day for at least eight years. He said they also retire flags at the Conservation Club on Memorial Day weekend.
Flags which have become too worn to use can be dropped off all year at the VFW on East Center Street, the American Legion on North Main Street, Ace Hardware on East Center Street or the Veterans’ Service Agency office on Route 31 in Albion.
Alicia Vanderwalker, chaplain for Troop 28 and Cubmaster of Pack 28, helps a Scout deposit a flag in the fire.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 June 2019 at 1:04 pm
Photo by Cheryl Wertman
BINGHAMTON – The Medina Mustangs baseball team takes infield practice just before 1 p.m. today.
Medina is in Binghamton for the Class B state semifinals against Schuylerville. The game starts at 2 p.m. at Broome Community College with the victor advancing to Saturday’s state title contest at Binghamton University.
Medina brings a school record 21-2 mark into its second ever appearance in the state semis. The Mustangs advanced by defeating LeRoy 10-2 in the Far West Regional.
Schuylerville, which is 17-7, is making its first ever appearance in the semis.
Orleans Hub will post updates to game. Sports editor Mike Wertman and photographer Cheryl Wertman are at the game.
Provided photo: Ronan Tynan, an acclaimed tenor, first performed in Medina on Sept. 17, 2016.
MEDINA – The Orleans Renaissance Group, Inc. is pleased to announce the return of one of the world’s great voices to Medina. Irish tenor Ronan Tynan will be back in Medina on Oct. 5 for a concert at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
He performed to a sold-out crowd of 650 at St. Mary’s on Sept. 17, 2016.
“Dr. Tynan absolutely electrified a sold-out, capacity audience in 2016,” said Chris Busch, chairman of the ORG. “People came from as far away as California to see him perform here. Experiencing one of the world’s great tenors in the incredible setting of St. Mary’s sanctuary was absolutely breathtaking. This is a must-see concert event and will sell out very quickly.”
The ORG has worked to promote cultural events and preservation projects in the community for more than decade, putting on first-rate concerts highlighted by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the world-renown a cappella quartet, Anonymous 4.
Tynan’s performance in 2016 was ORG’s biggest event to date. The concert sold out with 650 in the historic church. Extra chars had to be retrieved from the balcony and other rooms to accommodate everyone. Tynan’s powerful voice filled the church, and he had the audience laughing with some of his stories. He was joined by his accompanist, Bill Lewis.
Tynan has performed at historic events around the world. His memorable renditions of “God Bless America” have been heard at the World Series, The Belmont Stakes, and other momentous events.
He is a Sony recording artist who has released more than 10 titles, four of which have achieved platinum status. Additionally, between 1981 and 1984, Tynan amassed 18 gold medals and 14 world records while participating in the Paralympics. Nine of his records haven’t been surpassed.
Tynan has also performed for four U.S. Presidents. He performed as a single soloist at the funeral of President Ronald Reagan and most recently at the funeral of President George H. W. Bush. As well, Tynan has sung for two Popes– Pope John Paul II at St. Peter’s Basilica and Pope Benedict at the Concert of Hope.
Tickets are on sale now and available online at www.medinaalive.com. All are general seating.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 June 2019 at 6:16 pm
MEDINA – There will be an open house, public presentation and opportunity for residents to comment on the future of the Maple Ridge Corridor. Medina High School is hosting the June 20 meeting from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The meeting will be in the school cafeteria. The session begins with an open house at 4:30, followed by a presentation at 5 p.m. The presentation will cover the project goals, history, and illustrate the alternatives under consideration.
An interactive session then will follow at 5:30 p.m. where residents are encouraged to share their opinions about the alternative futures for Maple Ridge Road.
The village was approved for a $50,000 grant to study pedestrian and bicycle accommodations on Maple Ridge Road, from Bates Road to the former Ames Plaza.
The study may help Medina make its case for a state grant to help pay for sidewalks on that stretch of Maple Ridge. The $50,000 grant from the Genesee Transportation Council includes a $5,000 local match from the village.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 June 2019 at 5:23 pm
Photo by Tom Rivers: This banner on Main Street features the late Vernon Toussaint, one of 38 put up last month in time for Memorial Day.
MEDINA – The Medina Village Board approved a second round of Hometown Hero banners, although the number and locations are still to be determined.
The board, however, authorized Mary Woodruff to start work on the next group of banners. Woodruff, a Ridgeway town councilwoman, took the lead on the banners late last year.
The first group of 38 banners was installed by the Village Department of Public Works just before Memorial Day last month. Those banners will stay up until right after Veterans’ Day in November.
Most of the banners are on Main Street with a few on East Center Street.
Woodruff has already heard from about 15 people who want to purchase a banner for $200 with the image and name of a loved one who served in the military. The banners highlight veterans from World War II to current soldiers.
The first group of banners went on village-owned poles. As the banners expand to other locations, permission will be needed from National Grid to put the pole’s hardware on the Grid poles.
The Village Board approved the additional banners on Tuesday, with an understanding that National Grid permission will be needed. The board also wants Joe Perry, the DPW superintendent, to have input in where the banners will be going.
Woodruff would next like to focus on Park Avenue, which is on the Memorial Day parade route. She would like more banners on East and West Center streets, and some on Pearl Street, where the former Armory is located. That building is now the Orleans County YMCA.
The vinyl banners are double-sided and 5 feet tall by 2 ½ feet wide. Woodruff, a retired social studies and math teacher at Roy-Hart, pushed to start the Hometown Heroes effort in Medina after seeing a similar one in Alfred.
The Medina Village Clerk’s Office, and Shelby and Ridgeway town clerks helped take applications and funds for the banners for the first round. Woodruff wants to work with them again for the project but isn’t ready to take in applications until she gets the permission for the poles from National Grid, as well as feedback from Perry, the DPW superintendent.
Woodruff wants the new group of banners to go on Main Street and downtown for the first year, before then going to a secondary street the following year. This year’s banners that are currently on display will move to the secondary locations next year.
She expects the banners will last three years. After that, they will be given to the family of each highlighted veteran.
The Village Board suggested there be a cap of 100 banners, but that number wasn’t voted on. The board wants to first hear from National Grid and the DPW superintendent about the number of sites.
For more information about the banners, email Woodruff at curlqt@aol.com.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 11 June 2019 at 2:35 pm
Provided photo: Medina Sandstone Society members Rob Klino, Gabrielle Barone and Mary Zangerle join Medina High School John Ryan Scholarship winner Alissa Blount and Sandstone member Jim Hancock in front of the John Ryan Scholars Wall at Medina High School after Blount was presented with a John Ryan Scholarship for $1,000.
MEDINA – Alissa Blount, a Medina High School senior, is the recipient of the fourth annual John Ryan Scholarship, presented by the Medina Sandstone Society.
Sandstone Society members Jim Hancock, Gabrielle Barone, Mary Zangerle and Rob Klino presented the $1,000 award to Alissa last week at the high school. Alissa’s mom Shannon was also present, and like her daughter was very thrilled with the award.
Alissa plans to attend Daemon College to pursue a career in nursing.
“This $1,000 will definitely help,” said Alissa, who is also the daughter of Eric Blount.
To apply for the scholarship, students had to write an essay about the village of Medina, titled “Roots in the Past. Eyes on the Future.” Alissa indicated she learned so much about the village while doing her research.
“One of the purposes of the scholarship is to get young people to appreciate the history of the village in which they live,” said Hancock, head of the Sandstone’s Scholarship Committee.
The first John Ryan scholarship was awarded in 2015. The award is named for the Medina resident whose sandstone quarry was the first in Orleans County.
Students who receive a John Ryan scholarship have their name placed on the John Ryan Scholars Wall on the second floor of the high school and also have a special medallion attached to their diploma.
Hancock said the award is a joint effort between the Sandstone Society and the Medina High School History Department. He also said the late Robert Waters was the driving force behind establishment of the scholarship, which the late school superintendent Jeff Evoy supported wholeheartedly. Evoy was a member of the Sandstone Society’s board of directors.
The public is welcome to make a donation to the Medina Sandstone Society/John Ryan Scholarship by sending a check to Medina Sandstone Society or Sandstone Trust, P.O. Box 25, Medina, NY 14103.
