By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 June 2014 at 12:00 am
MEDINA No arrests have been made from an early Sunday morning brawl when a patron outside O’Brien’s Tavern was stabbed and three gun shots were fired up in the air.
Medina Police Chief Jose Avila said an investigation is continuing.
The person who was stabbed suffered minor injuries. The shots that were fired don’t appear to have been directed at anyone, Avila said.
The incident occurred on the south side of O’Brien’s. The bar was packed with the band Zero performing on Saturday night and into early Sunday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 June 2014 at 12:00 am
File photo by Tom Rivers – Brunner International is planning a 48,000-square-foot addition to its complex at the corner of Route 31 and Bates Road in Medina.
MEDINA – Brunner International will save more than $500,000 in local taxes, plus another $1 million in financing costs through deals approved Friday by the Orleans Economic Development Agency.
The company is investing $13.5 million in an expansion in Medina that will add 35 new jobs. Brunner also will keep 363 existing jobs in the community as part of a 48,000-square-foot expansion at the corner of Bates Road and Route 31.
The EDA board agreed to back a tax-exempt bond for the company’s project. That will save Brunner an estimated $1,066,000 in financing costs for the $13.5 million loan.
The EDA isn’t financially liable for the loan, said Jim Whipple, the EDA executive director.
The agency can use the tax-exempt bonds as an incentive for companies doing industrial expansions, he said.
The EDA approved a tax savings plan known as a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) on Friday. The 15-year agreement will save Brunner $426,012 in property taxes to the town of Ridgeway, Orleans County and Medina Central School. The project is just outside the village of Medina.
The PILOT applies to the entire Brunner property, not just the addition. The entire complex, which is about 300,000 square feet, has an estimated assessment of $1,761,000. Brunner will pay 25 percent of the tax burden for the property in the first year with an additional 5 percent added each of the following years until it is paying the full tax burden in year 16.
The PILOT also commits the company to paying $639,018 in taxes over the 15 years.
The company expects to spend $1.9 million for building and equipment improvements. The Orleans EDA waived $76,000 in sales tax plus $53,252 in the mortgage recording tax for the expansion. That saves the company an additional $129,252.
The EDA will collect a $38,000 fee for its role in the project. That fee was determined by multiplying 2 percent by the $1.9 million in building improvements.
When the fee is subtracted from the sales and mortgage tax savings, the EDA estimated the Brunner will see $91,252 in first-year savings. That doesn’t include the savings through the PILOT and bond financing spread over many years.
Brunner produces components for heavy-duty trucks and trailers. It is working to have the new addition up and operational by the end of the year.
Students get a lesson from Mr. Byrne on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial.
Story and pictures courtesy of
Tim Lincoln, Medina teacher
A group of Medina 8th grade students explored Washington, D.C. and its rich history from Wednesday to Friday last week. The trip marks the culmination of a two-year study of the history of the United States, its government, and the remarkable individuals that have influenced our great nation.
Throughout the trip, students were able to make connections to their study in the areas of history, literature, and science. Eighth-grader Leah Sheelar felt that the trip was more valuable than a typical week at school. “We were able to learn social studies first-hand, visiting the White House, Capitol Building, and the monuments.”
On Wednesday, students explored the Newseum, which featured the late Tim Russert’s office on display. Russert, a Buffalo native and dedicated Bills fan, was the moderator of NBC’s “Meet the Press” for 16 years. Following dinner at Fuel Pizza, the students visited the Martin Luther King, Jr. and FDR memorials.
Thursday’s itinerary included a subway ride from the hotel to the National Mall, where students visited several museums at the Smithsonian Institution. Future science majors Ian Joseph and Jacob Bensley enjoyed the hands-on activities at the Smithsonian Institution, especially the Air and Space Museum.
Nick Boyle and Bryan Bale were particularly moved by their visit to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Bale remarked that the museum “made it feel like you were one of (the Jews in Germany).” Each student is given an ID card and a brief biography of a concentration camp resident prior to the tour, providing a powerful first-hand narrative of the atrocities experienced by the victims of the Holocaust.
“Bao Bao” at the Smithsonian Institution
On the early summer evening, fireflies abundant, students were led on a tour of the monuments by Medina teacher and aspiring docent, Joe Byrne. Destiny Satkowski was most impressed by the Vietnam Memorial. “You could feel the energy and the respect for the veterans that gave their lives for their country.”
The trip concluded on Friday with a guided tour of Arlington National Cemetery and a visit to the National Zoo. At the zoo, students were able to visit Bao Bao (Chinese meaning “Treasure”), a panda born at the zoo in August of last year.
Overall, the trip was invaluable to the group. The adventure provided a tremendous learning opportunity for the students, while creating long-lasting memories for classmates and teachers.
The trip was made possible through the efforts of Medina parents, teachers, and administrators in conjunction with First Choice Travel in Batavia.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 June 2014 at 12:00 am
MEDINA – The Orleans Economic Development Agency has hired a consultant to do a feasibility study for a new hotel in Medina.
Orleans County doesn’t have a brand name hotel in the county. That is one reason why county officials believe Orleans has the lowest visitor spending of any county in the state. Many of the visitors are day-trippers. A brand name hotel could prompt more visitors to stay and spend money in the county.
The Orleans Economic Development Agency voted on Friday to pay Interim Hospitality Consultants $3,500 to do a feasibility study for a hotel in the Medina area. Interim is based in Tallahassee, Fla.
Cobblestone Inn officials have visited the county twice to look at potential sites for a hotel, said Jim Whipple, EDA chief executive officer.
The company prefers Medina over Albion because Albion is on Route 98 and not too far from the cluster of hotels in Batavia.
“Medina is away from the Batavia strip,” Whipple said.
Cobblestone hotels tend to locally owned and in smaller markets. Whipple thinks Orleans County could prove to be an ideal marketplace.
Many visitors come for family events, reunions, graduation parties and business travel, as well as for other special events, he said. The proposed STAMP site in the town of Alabama, which is projected to bring 10,000 jobs to the community, could also make the Medina area attractive for a hotel.
Interim will evaluate the market potential of a new hotel; project levels of market penetration, occupancy and average room rate for the first five years of operation; comment on appropriate number, types and sizes of guest rooms, food and beverage facilities, meeting rooms and other amenities; prepare projections of cash flow from operations; and provide a written conclusion on financial projections for a proposed hotel.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 June 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Tom Snyder (pictured) and his father Warren five years ago opened Medina Lumber and Hardware at 305 East Center St. They have gradually grown the business and have plans to expand their home and garden to a neighboring Medina sandstone mill that was built in the 1840s.
The former mill has either been vacant or used for storage the past century. Tom Snyder will use the first floor for home and garden supplies, and may sell sporting equipment in the second floor.
MEDINA – When Somerset Lumber shut down in Medina in February 2009, Tom Snyder and his father Warren feared there would be a void in the community, especially for contractors and do-it-yourselfers.
The Snyders opened Medina Lumber and Hardware on June 5, 2009. They initially focused on lumber but have gradually expanded their selection of hardware items since then, with renovations and added inventory to the hardware store about a year ago.
“We have what I call the ‘Cheers Effect,’” the younder Snyder said. “When you walk in here everybody’s knows your name. We have a positive attitude and we offer great service.”
Snyder works as a contractor in the community. He has learned what customers want from bigger projects to smaller ones. He shares what he has learned with customers from his experiences working with older buildings and more modern ones.
“We enjoy helping people solve their problems,” he said.
The father and son team with four employees in the business. The Snyders seem more potential at the site. They are working on renovating a former mill behind the hardware and lumber store at 305 East Center St. That former mill was built in the 1840s. It has been either vacant or used for storage the past century.
Ken Nice, a mason from Knowlesville, works on a window sill in the former mill from the 1840s. Nice is removing the old wood and will replace it with a sandstone sill.
The Snyders are putting in windows made from repurposed wooden barn beams from the late 1800s. They claimed the wood from a barn that fell down.
They are making other upgrades to the building and expect to start selling home and garden supplies from there later this month.
Tom Snyder is working to upgrade the former mill along the canal. He is standing on the second floor, which he said may be used to selling sporting equipment in the future.
The hardware and lumber store will have an anniversary celebration today from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be free hot dogs and hamburgers from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and other prizes. Several experts in shingles, decks and other supplies will also be at the store to take questions from the public.
Photos by Sue Cook – The graduates switched their tassels over after receiving their diplomas. From left: Athan Brown, Joshua Parker and Justin Boardway.
‘It’s smaller classes, so it’s a more personal experience. You get to know the teacher better and the teacher gets to know you.’ – OCCC graduate Athan Brown
By Sue Cook, staff reporter
MEDINA – Three seniors at the Orleans County Christian School graduated Thursday night. Joshua Parker, Athan Brown and Justin Boardway walked the stage with heads held high as they received their diplomas.
School Administrator Linda Strickland led the graduation ceremony. After knowing the young men so well, she admitted it was difficult and amazing to watch them go.
“It’s bittersweet because you’re excited that they’re moving on to the next step, and yet, we have just little quirks and little things and you miss it terribly,” said Strickland. “I guarantee they will be back next year to visit. It really is a family atmosphere.”
Nearly all 19 families with students enrolled attended the commencement. The school had 25 students this year, taught by a small group of teachers that provide an education with a Christian foundation. This is the school’s 18th year.
“It’s smaller classes, so it’s a more personal experience,” said Brown, one of the graduates. “You get to know the teacher better and the teacher gets to know you.”
Provided photo – Pastor Brandon Scholes took this selfie on stage with the graduates before delivering his keynote. A video at the beginning of the commencement showed students taking various selfies and snapshots of each other throughout the year.
During the keynote address, Pastor Brandon Scholes, who teaches Bible classes, told the audience that the Bible always leads to Jesus. He reminded everyone that the Bible’s teachings remind them to be humble and to do things in the name of God instead of for their own personal glory.
“Gentlemen, I hope in my prayers that you always come back to this great question, even when you think there’s greater questions that loom,” Scholes said. “Does my heart, does my life, does my motivation in this point to Christ? When you come back to this question, you realize it’s never too late. There’s nothing you can do or can’t do that would change His love for you.”
During the laying on of hands in prayer, Pastor Scholes told the young men that their gifts are from Heaven and that if they have struggles, temptation or fear, they can turn to the Lord for help because through Jesus all things are possible.
Athan Brown was this year’s valedictorian. He joined the school five years ago. He received a SkillsUSA tassel from BOCES for his study in Allied Health, which is a medically oriented program. Athan is planning to go to NCCC to become a Registered Nurse. Athan earned a $1,500 scholarship granted by the New York State Board of Regents for scholastic excellence.
“Athan will excel in anything he wants to do. He just masters everything,” said Strickland.
Athan Brown receives his diploma from Administrator Strickland.
Justin Boardway joined the school five years ago and also received a tassel for his SkillsUSA BOCES study of Computer Technology. Justin is planning to attend GCC for computer networking and repair.
Strickland said that she was not surprised that Boardway had chosen to go on to study computers, noting his success at BOCES being a clear guide for a future.
Joshua Parker joined the Christian school in 5th grade after struggling with being bullied in his previous school. He said the significantly smaller class sizes and tight community formed between the students made for a good atmosphere.
“People don’t shun you away here. They let you come into their lives,” he said.
Parker is planning to take online courses that are computer-oriented, though he is not sure exactly what major or degree he plans to work toward yet. Strickland feels that once Joshua seeks work, he will be able to find a job that will make him happy and continue his success throughout his life.
Teacher Carole Watson, who had the graduates at different times throughout their education, was very happy for them as well.
Watson said, “All three are awesome young men. We’re very proud of them and we’re going to miss them a lot.”
The graduates were given a standing ovation and some of their classmates shed tears at their leaving, but no one doubts that they are bound for greater things.
The new label for Blanc d’ Orleans features artwork by Jackie Fleckenstein.
Press release
Hospice of Orleans
MEDINA – Approaching her 90th birthday, Eloise Oakes asked her family to stop giving her “stuff.” Instead, she suggested contributing to Hospice of Orleans in her honor.
The wine-making family obliged and have continued, even since her death five years ago, by designating one of their white wines, Blanc d’ Orleans, as a beneficiary to Hospice. From every bottle sold, Leonard Oakes Estate Winery donates $1 of the proceeds to what they deem “an exceptional organization.”
LOEW will release its 2013 vintage of Blanc d’ Orleans from 6 to 9 p.m. today at 10609 Ridge Road, Medina. The public is invited.
“Our ‘White of Orleans’ reflects the pride in our heritage, our legacy and our little corner of the world,” said Wendy Oakes Wilson, LOEW president. “Jackie Fleckenstein’s artwork showcases the beauty and character unique in our region.”
The event will include board and staff from Hospice for a “Meet and Greet,” an introduction to J.L. Fleckenstein and her artwork that was chosen for the label, music by Mike and Lisa Zelazny, a free glass of Blanc d’ Orleans paired with First Light Creamery cheeses, and a couple of testimonies from the Oakes family as to “why Hospice means so much to us.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 June 2014 at 12:00 am
Paratrooper from Medina recalled for ‘beautiful spirit’
Photos by Tom Rivers – The Honor Guard from the NY National Guard leads Sgt. Shaina Schmigel into a hearse outside the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel in Batavia.
The Patriot Guard and Hogs and Heroes Foundation provide a presence outside the funeral home during a service for Sgt. Shaina Schmigel.
BATAVIA – Friends and family said good-bye today to Sgt. Shaina Schmigel, a 21-year-old paratrooper from Medina who loved her career in the U.S. Army.
Schmigel
“You are so brave, so courageous,” her brother Matthew Scroger of Lackawanna wrote in a letter read by Navy Chaplain Rev. David Glassmire. “Your beautiful spirit, love and energy will forever take care of us.”
About 200 people filled the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel in Batavia for Schmigel’s funeral. She died on May 30 in a night-time training accident at Fort Bragg. She took her job seriously as a paratrooper, and continuously was looking to improve herself and her the 82nd Airborne.
“For some people it’s just a paycheck, but it was never a paycheck just to her,” said Staff Sgt. Scott Kuznia who worked in the same unit with Schmigel for 2 ½ years.
She was promoted in January to sergeant after having a rank as a specialist. She often did jobs above her rank, and earned the confidence and respect of the other soldiers, Kuznia said today before the funeral.
“She could get everything done and take charge,” Kuznia said. “She was outstanding. She loved being a paratrooper and a soldier.”
Firefighters and police officers stand at attention outside the funeral home with a giant American Flag held high on Route 5 by the ladder trucks from the town and city of Batavia fire departments.
On Tuesday 240 paratroopers jumped from airplanes as a tribute to Schmigel at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Kuzmia said.
Schmigel was devoted to her family, and loved to entertain them with her “goofy antics” and an “infectious smile,” said Rev. Glassmire, the priest at Ascension Parish in Batavia.
The Rev. David Glassmire, a Navy chaplain and pastor of Ascension Parish in Batavia, stands outside the hearse after leading a service for Sgt. Shaina Schmigel.
Glassmire shared how Schmigel enjoyed country music and NASCAR racing. At a NASCAR race at Watkins Glen, she watched Ryan Newman race for NASCAR when she was in high school. She met Newman after the race and was determined to serve in the Army. However, she wouldn’t serve on the ground. She would jump out of airplanes.
“Thank you for being so brave and serving our country,” her 16-year-old sister Sheniqua Samol of Medina shared in a letter read by the chaplain. “What will I do without you? I will survive, but I will never be the same.”
Outside the funeral home, a crowd gathered along Route 5 and held American flags.
Schmigel’s uncle Mark Schmigel led the group in singing “Amazing Grace.” Two songs were also played by Toby Keith: “American Soldier” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.”
Schmigel was escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders and Hogs for Heroes Foundation. She was buried in Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Corfu with full military honors.
A processional of motorcyclists from the Patriot Guard Riders and Hogs and Heroes Foundation led Schmigel and her family to the cemetery in Corfu.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 June 2014 at 12:00 am
MEDINA – The committee looking at a possible dissolution of the village of Medina government will meet at 8 a.m. Thursday at City Hall. It will be the committee’s first meeting since a May 6 public meeting, when most speakers were strongly against dissolution.
The committee will weigh public comments as it works to craft a final document that will be presented to the Village Board. Don Colquhoun, the committee chairman, said he expects the committee will be able to complete its work with another meeting after Thursday.
The Medina Dissolution Committee accepted a draft of the plan in April. It faced its first public scrutiny on May 6 when about 300 people attended a forum at the middle school. Many of the speakers at the May 6 meeting lived outside the village in the towns of Ridgeway and Shelby. They don’t want to see their taxes go up as part of the dissolution.
Outside-village residents in Ridgeway would see a 46 percent increase in their town taxes while Shelby residents outside the village would see a 10 percent increase in town taxes, according to the plan.
Dissolution would reduce the current rate for village residents in Ridgeway from $19.49 per $1,000 of assessed property to $14.30. That $5.20 reduction would save a homeowner with a $70,000 house $363 a year in taxes.
In Shelby, village residents currently pay a $19.80 rate for village and town taxes. That would drop by $6.70 or 34 percent if the dissolution plan takes effect.
Medina Mayor Andrew Meier sees dissolution as the first step of a two-step process for a leaner government. The tax increase outside the village could be reduced if the towns of Ridgeway and Shelby merge into the town of Medina, Meier has said.
Meier and others in the community are pushing “One Medina” as the ultimate goal for town/village government in the community.
If the village dissolution goes to a public referendum, only village residents will be eligible to vote.
Press release, Orleans Community Health and Catholic Health
MEDINA – In an effort to enhance healthcare delivery in Orleans County and expand access to care for residents throughout the region, Orleans Community Health/Medina Memorial Hospital has approved an affiliation agreement with Catholic Health, based in Buffalo.
The affiliation will strengthen healthcare services in Orleans County, while giving residents greater access to medical specialists and advanced medical and surgical services.
“With the changes we are experiencing in healthcare, it was clear we needed to align our hospital with a larger health system that could support and strengthen the services we offer in Orleans County,” said Dolores Horvath, President and CEO of Orleans Community Health/Medina Memorial Hospital. “We considered several options from Rochester to Buffalo and Catholic Health was the best fit for our organization. Catholic Health and its leadership team have a genuine interest in our success, as well as the depth of resources and uncompromising commitment to quality we were looking for in an affiliation partner.”
The purpose of the affiliation is to ensure that individuals and families throughout Orleans County continue to have access to high quality, affordable healthcare services. Catholic Health will help Medina Memorial gain operational efficiencies and support the hospital’s physician recruitment efforts. Plans are already underway to expand cardiology services at Medina Memorial Hospital with a cardiac specialist from Catholic Health.
“We understand the challenges rural hospitals face and believe patients should have equal access to care regardless of where they live,” said Joe McDonald, President and CEO of Catholic Health. “Our goal is to earn the trust of the residents of Orleans County by first helping to strengthen healthcare services in the local community, and then, when needed, by improving access specialty services, like advanced cardiac, stroke, orthopedic and vascular care.”
The Orleans Community Health Board of Directors will retain governance responsibility for Medina Memorial Hospital and the Orleans Community Health Center in Albion.
“This affiliation gives us the best opportunity to continue serving the community, while ensuring that area residents have access to health services not available in Orleans County,” said Bruce Krenning, chairman of the Orleans Community Health/Medina Memorial Hospital Board of Directors.
Catholic Health has similar affiliation agreements with Bertrand Chaffee Hospital in Springville and Mount St. Mary’s Hospital in Niagara Falls, which recently announced plans to formally join Catholic Health.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 June 2014 at 12:00 am
Community gathers to honor Shaina Schmigel
Photos by Tom Rivers
Albion and Medina Fire Department ladder trucks suspend the flag over Main St.
Members of the Patriot Guard Riders and the Hogs and Heroes Foundation ride in the processional.
Calling hours will be on Tue., June 10, from 2 to 8 p.m., at The Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, located at 4120 West Main Street Rd. Schmigel’s funeral will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the same location. After the funeral, Schmigel will be buried with full military honors at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Corfu.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 June 2014 at 12:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers – Two people embrace after a motorcade passed through downtown Medina at about 6 p.m. today. Several hundred people lined Main Street. The motorcade arrived about a half hour earlier than expected.
More than 100 motorcyclists served as escorts for Sgt. Shaina Schmigel.
‘It takes a special breed to jump out of an airplane. You have to have no fear.’ – Keith Gilbert, friend of the Schmigel family
MEDINA – They stood holding American flags, and many of the hundreds lined up along Main Street saluted as a motorcade passed by carrying the body of Sgt. Shaina Schmigel.
Schmigel, 21, came home this afternoon and the Medina community came out in big numbers. The motorcade was a half hour ahead of schedule when it reached downtown Medina.
“It’s important that we support our service people,” said Sherri Luthart of Medina. “I get all choked up about it. She paid the ultimate price for our freedom.”
Photos by Tom Rivers
American flags seemed to multiply on Main Street when the motorcade passed through downtown Medina.
Schmigel is a Medina native. She was killed May 30 during a night-time training drill. Schmigel was a paratrooper at Fort Bragg with the 82nd Airborne Division. She was in the Army for four years, and was promoted to sergeant in January.
“She wanted to go for all she could go for,” said Keith Gilbert, a close family friend from the town of Alabama. “She wasn’t afraid of anything.”
Schmigel was a cheerleader at Medina, a member of the Class of 2010.
“She was a sweet, sweet girl who was always smiling and always happy,” said Judy Gilbert, Keith’s wife.
Judy Gilbert holds a picture of Sgt. Shaina Schmigel of Medina.
When Schmigel was a Fort Bragg she developed a love for rodeos. She kept in touch with her family and considered her mother Karie Schmigel to be a best friend. The two got matching tattoos on their shoulder last month of a tiger lily, Mrs. Gilbert said.
“Most kids don’t want anything to do with their parents, but Shaina loved her family and would do anything for them,” Gilbert said.
As a paratrooper in the Army, she deployed to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn from July to November 2011.
Mercy Flight followed overhead as a motorcade entered Medina. The ladder trucks for the Albion and Medina Fire Departments held a giant American flag high over Main Street.
Mr. Gilbert would ask Schmigel about jumping out of an airplane.
“She told me you just think of the free fall, opening the chute and the landing,” he said. “It takes a special breed to jump out of an airplane. You have to have no fear.”
Her awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Parachutist Badge.
Lisa Trippensee was out along the street waving an American flag for Schmigel.
“I’ve heard amazing things about her,” Trippensee said. “She was definitely a go-getter. You couldn’t hold her down. She was very determined.”
Photos by Tom Rivers
The crowd today included many veterans and Scouts. Brian Bogan, 17, and Boy Scouts from Troop 35 in Medina stood along Main Street while the motorcade went by.
Bogan was impressed by the escort that included many police cars, a Mercy Flight helicopter and more than 100 motorcyclists.
“I’m thankful to all of them that would come out and do what they do,” Bogan said.
Local veterans’ groups tried to rally community support for the motorcade. Larry Montello, commander of the American Legion in Medina, wasn’t surprised by the turnout.
“We wanted to show her and her family that she’s not forgotten,” Montello said. “She’s a fallen comrade and we’re paying respect for her service to our country.”
That motorcade escorted Schmigel’s body from the airport in Buffalo to Medina and then to Batavia.
The Patriot Guard Riders joined the motorcade.
Calling hours will be on Tuesday from 2 to 8 p.m. at The Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, located at 4120 West Main Street Rd. Schmigel’s funeral will be there at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. After the funeral, Schmigel will be buried with full military honors at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Corfu.
The flight landed in Buffalo about a half hour early. After the motorcade passed through town, many people were still descending on the downtown. The crowd would have been bigger if the motorcade had arrived at 6:30, as scheduled.
But Mr. Gilbert, the close family friend, said the community made its presence felt.
“I’m sure the family is very impressed,” he said. “Medina is a tight-knit community. In a small town even if you’re not family you are.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 June 2014 at 12:00 am
Shaina Schmigel
MEDINA – When Shaina Schmigel is escorted home through Medina later today she will likely be accompanied by at least 100 motorcyclists in the Patriot Guard Riders.
The group provides a presence for a soldier’s homecoming, during calling hours at funeral homes, during services and at the burials in cemeteries.
“It’s all about the men and women who wear the uniform,” said Bill Blainard, a ride captain with the Patriot Guard.
Schmigel, 21, died in a training exercise at Fort Bragg on May 30. Her body is scheduled to arrive at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport at 5 p.m. The Patriot Guard Riders will be at the airport and will lead her back through Medina, coming up from Route 77 to Main Street in Medina at about 6:30 p.m.
“I’m expecting a great turnout with 100 to 150 motorcycles,” Blainard said about the ride later today. “There will be a lot of people who want to come out and honor this young lady.”
After being escorted through Medina, Schmigel will be taken to Batavia at The Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel. The Patriot Guard will be outside the funeral during calling hours on Tuesday from 2 to 8 p.m.
Tomaszewski’s is located at 4120 West Main Street Rd. The site also will be used for Schmigel’s funeral at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. After the funeral, Schmigel will be buried with full military honors at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Corfu.
Blainard said many of Patriot Guard Riders will use vacation time to provide a presence for Schmigel and her family.
“We’ll do it with as much honor and respect for her,” Blainard said. “It’s not about us. We want people to see the flags and know there are patriots out there who care about the military.”
Debbie Johnson is another Patriot Guard ride captain. She lost her son Aram Bass, a staff sergeant, in the Iraq War in 2005. She joined the Patriot Guard in 2006.
“We do it to honor those who protect our freedom and the families who have lost someone doing so,” she said.
Provided photo – The Medina Mustang Band’s student staff for 2014-2015 pose for a picture after a banquet Friday at the Sacred Heart Club.
MEDINA – The 43rd annual Medina Mustang Band Banquet and Awards Ceremony was held at the Sacred Heart Club on Friday with band members and Boosters recognized for another award-winning season.
The following were honored:
Dean Morgan and Mike Dreyfus with the “Harry L. Dinkle” award. It was established to recognize someone who is not a Booster officer but who volunteers a great deal of personal time and effort to the band and the Boosters to make the program a success.
Cameron Morgan received the NYSFBC Scholarship and Kelsey Evoy was awarded the Mustang Band Booster Service Scholarship.
Outstanding Rookie went to Kody Leno, Sarah Cochrane, Naomi Slingerland and Kyrah Baes.
Most Improved went to Chase Jenkinson, Emma Baldwin, Ben Zakes and Alexis Neuman.
Most Valuable went to Marc Vanderlaan, Jenna Brien, James Soha and Krystal Kerstetter.
Director Awards were given by Mr. Steele to Brielle Lederhouse and Charles Beach, and by Mrs. Pritchard to Shelby Martin and Caelan Holland.
The Alfred Hartway Drum Major Award was started in 1968 by his family. Mr. Hartway was a bus driver and always involved with the band. This year’s recipients were Cameron Morgan, Matt Prawel and Jenna Brien.
The Joseph C. McCain Award is given to a junior and senior to recognize their dedication and commitment to the band and reflects the ideals of its founder. This year’s recipients are Matt Prawel (senior) and Derek Donley (junior).
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the 2014-2015 student staff:
Drum Major: Chris Keller; Assistant DM: Derek Donley and Brian Bogan; Flute Section Leaders: Krista Nellist and Briana Bellan; Clarinet SL: Bailey Allen; Saxophone SL: Brian Bogan; Mellophone SL: Kristian Snyder; Trumpet SL: Nick Dieter; Trombone/Baritone SL: Kyle Herman; Tuba SL: Ryan Webber; Pit SL: Megan Furness; Band Managers: Tristan Sanders, Jon Carlo Gonzales, Cody Taylor, Tyler Soha and Corey Strickland; Attendance Officer: Tessa White; Uniform Managers: Addison Zavitz and Andrea Toussaint; Secretary/Librarian: Amanda Lunden/Tristan Sanders; Colorguard Managers: Allison Hibbard, Marissa Pecorella and Alexis Neuman; Colorguard Captain: Krystal Kerstetter; Head of percussion: Derek Donley; and Back Field Conductor: Briale Lederhouse.
The Fall Field Show for 2014 will be a portrayal of “Miss Saigon” Work begins immediately as the students learn their music before Band Camp in August. Fundraisers also begin this summer with 4-H Parking in July, and a car wash and chicken BBQ in August.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 June 2014 at 12:00 am
Veterans seek big turnout on Main Street at 6:30 p.m.
Schmigel
MEDINA – The body of Medina native Shaina B. Schmigel, a paratrooper who died in a training exercise at Fort Bragg, will return home on Monday.
Schmigel, 21, died on May 30 during a night-time training drill. She served in the Army for four years and was promoted to sergeant in January.
Her family and local veterans’ groups welcome the community to line Main Street in Medina around 6:30 p.m. on Monday when she will be escorted into town by the Patriot Guard and state police.
‘The family wants people to be out,” said Jim Freas, a past commander of the VFW in Medina. “We want to line Main Street.”
Schmigel is a 2010 Medina graduate. She moved from Batavia to Medina about six years ago. She was a cheerleader at Medina.
Schmigel’s body is scheduled to arrive at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport at 5 p.m. After being escorted through Medina, she will be taken to Batavia at The Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel.
There will be calling hours there on Tuesday from 2 to 8 p.m. Tomaszewski’s is located at 4120 West Main Street Rd. The site also will be used for Schmigel’s funeral at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. The funeral home seats about 250 people. After the funeral, Schmigel will be buried at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Corfu.
