Group has several performances in February and March

Provided photos – The Medina Winterguard members competed in Orchard Park on Saturday and finished in third place.

The Pony Guard includes fifth- and sixth-graders.

Press release
Medina Marching Band

MEDINA – The Medina Winterguard, which is part of the Medina Marching Band program, competed at Orchard Park on Saturday in the Scholastic A classification, and took third place (63.57) out of four in that class.

The Winterguard season began in November with auditions and practices. The Varsity Guard includes 25 students in grades 7 through 12. This year’s show is “Dance of the Dolls” with music selections by Shostakovich, Adele and the Hollywood String Orchestra.

Winterguard is under the direction of Jim Steele and Cheri Pritchard. The show was designed by Vincent Monacelli and Kristen Costa, choreographed by Costa and Matt Winans, and instructed by Diana Baker. Winans and Baker are both Medina graduates.

The Winterguard performance schedule is Feb. 15^th at Liverpool, Feb. 22 in Medina, March 1 at Lancaster, March 8 at Marcus Whitman, and March 22 at Holley, with the championships on March 29 at Brockport State College.

The Pony Guard consists of 34 students in grades 5 and 6 and their show this year is “Roar” with music selection by Katy Perry. The show is designed, choreographed and instructed by Patti Page, also a Medina graduate. This group will perform at Medina’s home show on Feb. 22.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Schwenk’s Wine Cellars in Kent pours wine during today’s Wine About Winter, which sold out with 750 participants. Schwenk’s was in the basement of the Bent’s Opera House.

George Lama prepares to take a photo of a group that spent the afternoon at Wine About Winter in Medina. There were 26 locations offering samples of wine. The Medina Business Association planned the event.

The Medina Theatre hosted three bands for Wine About Winter, including the Moon Hunters. Evan Anstey of Middleport, left, leads the band in this song. He is joined by Dave Blumrick of Medina, center, and Zach Busch of Medina, right. Cort McKernan plays the drums.

Zach Busch, right, plays the guitar. He also sings and plays the trombone for the Moon Hunters. Other bands that performed today included The Capitals and the Mercury Blues Band.

750 sample wine from 26 locations in downtown

Photos by Sue Cook – John R. Smith pours Chocolate Obsession for a curious taster. 

By Sue Cook, staff reporter

MEDINA – Wine About Winter started out perfectly picturesque this afternoon as the snow fluttered down Main Street in Medina. The weather didn’t dampen the spirits of anyone attending the event, either.

The wine-tasting event was a sell-out with 750 people going door to door at the 26 participating Medina businesses to sample wines from Orleans County and the Niagara region.

This group of women came out to experience the day together.

Della’s Chocolates was a popular spot and drew in consistent business. Owner Susan Fuller commented, “We’re having some newcomers and some repeat customers. It’s about fifty-fifty.”

Featured in Della’s was the Victorianbourg Wine Estate from Wilson, serving samples of a chocolate wine called Chocolate Obsession. John R. Smith, sales and event manager, said that the Medina Business Association paired him with Della’s and it couldn’t be a better day for both of them.

“The two liquor stores in Medina carry our wines,” he said. “They’re a pleasure to work with. This event is giving us good reception.”

Jerod Thurber, right, gave samples of Leonard Oakes’ Traminette, a dry wine. The winery wanted to offer a different flavor compared to the many sweet, semi-sweet, and semi-dry wines brought by other wineries.

Jerod Thurber of Leonard Oakes Estate Winery in Medina also holds a place on the Medina Business Association. He said that even though the event is a great reminder for locals about Leonard Oakes, it is much more beneficial to Medina merchants.

“It’s a way of spotlighting businesses,” he said.

Wine About Winter brings people back to downtown Medina who may not have been there in a while.

“It’s like a family reunion,” Thurber said.

Paul Schwenk, owner of Schwenk Wine Cellars in Kent, loves the attention that it provides for the area, even outside of Medina.

“There are a lot of people who don’t know where Albion is,” he said. “There’s also a lot of people who don’t know where Kent is.”

RG Lama Studios was in the basement of the Bent’s Opera House taking pictures of groups that wanted to capture the fun from the day using props such as giant sunglasses, blow-up guitars, and crazy hats.

“We are getting a mix of people who don’t know us, and this is a great way to spread word about our services,” Renee Lama said.

It was smiles all around for this group of happy wine samplers.

The businesses had to obtain a one-day liquor license for the event to allow a winery into their store. All of the wines are available for purchase at Main Liquor. Dianne Burns, store manager, said this is the busiest festival Main Liquor participates in each year.

“People look forward to it each year,” she said. “It gives you a chance to see what each store has to offer.”

Rock Paper Salon owner Yvonne Flores made a similar remark.

“This is an opportunity for anyone who would like to come in to who would feel awkward without making a hair appointment, or just aren’t comfortable walking into unfamiliar shops,” she said.

The Medina Business Association sold t-shirts to also commemorate the event.

Sebastian Bonk, employee of Just What The Doctor Ordered, said it was a great day for people discovering the shop, which has a small unassuming entrance, but inside is a large store with many upscale items to offer, including chic hats and beautiful furniture.

“This helps to spark business,” Bonk said. “It gets the energy up. It’s a great flow of people who give that great energy.”

The snowy start didn’t stop a large line from waiting in the cold for their event glasses.

Photos by Sue Cook – Art & Soul is located at 410 N. Main St. next door to the Zambistro restaurant.

By Sue Cook, staff reporter

MEDINA – The American lifestyle is all about doing everything in a New York minute and taking very little time to recuperate from the stresses of the everyday. Art & Soul in Medina offers a space to help people step out of all that. Owner Donna Bryant says it is the area’s first expressive healing arts studio lounge.

The front of the store is a boutique area selling whimsical primitives and handmade gifts. All of the fiber merchandise such as hats and handbags are handmade from natural materials. There is also natural tea for sale that can be sampled during monthly tea tastings on the third Thursday of every month.

The back of the space is where things get really interesting. Classes will be offered to teach basic techniques on the looms, spinning wheels, or sewing machines for crafts that attendees can then try out using studio equipment.

Students of the studio can learn techniques ranging from Saori weaving to what Bryant calls mindful, intuitive sewing. The equipment also can be used at other times besides classes to allow for a creative space when someone needs to take some quiet time.

Looms are available for anyone who would like to try out the craft without having to purchase large, expensive equipment at home.

Bryant says the studio offers an atmosphere that allows for healing with low meditative music and a helping hand whenever someone would like assistance. She thought of starting the studio when she was recovering from spinal surgery. During that time, she made craft items as a type of rehab for herself and wanted to pass the healing onto others.

She sees her shop as a therapeutic venue without the concerns of perfection and judgment from others. It is about overcoming the fear of trying something new and making things for the sake of personal enjoyment. Perhaps you may never make a perfect item on a loom, but if you enjoy the process then that is what is most important, Bryant said.

“Try it,” she said. “Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. You can have as many beginnings as you want.”

Most of the fibers available are quality material such as wool. However, Bryant also offers acrylic yarns that are great for children or anyone who doesn’t want to spend a lot if they are uncertain about the craft. She said classes will be offered that will appeal to children eight years old up to adults. She plans to offer one-day events to let people get a taste of the craft, but also plans to offer classes that could run once or twice a week for several weeks.

An array of colorful materials are available for making crafts in the fiber studio lounge.

Children can work on simple crafts such as basic potholders. Teens can look forward to a Project Runway-style fashion show, interior decorating, altered couture to help change up their wardrobes, and needle felting. Other classes she plans to offer include hand-dyeing fabrics, basket weaving, quilting, and making simple handbags.

Bryant is also looking for people in the community who would be willing to teach classes on other fiber topics. She would love to hear from knitters, crocheters, and anyone else who would like to share their ideas for classes. She wants her business to be used as a healing vehicle and a draw for the area. If there is enough interest she said she would expand to include classes for people with disabilities.

“There’s nothing like this in Rochester or Buffalo,” she said.

The only places she has seen that offer this service have been in places such as Texas, California, and New York City. She wants her business to be known as a studio focused on intuitive creativity and engaging in something fun and different, rather than just a place to shop.

Art & Soul is currently open on Saturdays, although appointments can by made by calling (585) 798-4980 or (585) 318-4314. It will be open during Wine About Winter on Feb. 1. It will also have a free tea-tasting event called Cherubs & Chocolate on Feb. 9 that requires registration by phone.

Provided photo – New homeowners, Ramon and Vera Mendez-Hernandez, receive the keys to their new home from Habitat President Kay Van Nostrand, right.

Press release, Habitat for Humanity

MEDINA – Orleans Habitat for Humanity recently dedicated its 14th house when the organization officially presented the house keys to the new homeowners, Ramon and Vera Mendez-Hernandez.

The dedication service on Jan. 5 was led by Pastor Margie Eason and Habitat President Kay Van Nostrand. A group of nearly 30 family, friends, and volunteers were on hand for the celebration. Joining Ramon and Vera as part of the partner family are their niece, Valentina, and their nephew, Charles.

The home, located at 104 West Oak Orchard Street in the Village of Medina, was donated to the local Habitat affiliate in 2011. A long and extensive rehabbing of the house and property transformed a small, unoccupied house into a beautiful three-bedroom home for the partner family.

A dedicated group of volunteers helped with the project, including the BOCES Building Trades classes, Community Action, GCASA and individual volunteers led by Construction Coordinator Dave Miller and Habitat President Kay Van Nostrand.

Orleans Habitat is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity, International. The local organization is now considering options for its next project under Habitat’s Brush with Kindness program.

File photos by Tom Rivers – Firefighters respond to a fire on Nov. 12 at a former carriage barn on the Walsh Alley off Prospect Street.

MEDINA – The Medina Fire Department responded to a record number of calls in 2013 – 370 fire and 2,385 EMS calls. That is about four times the call volume as in 2006, the last year before Medina took over the ambulance service in western Orleans from Rural Metro.

In 2006, prior to taking over EMS transport services, the Fire Department answered about 700 calls for service. At that time, department had seven career firefighters and 20 call firefighters. Currently, the Fire Department operates with 13 career firefighters and 25 call firefighters.

The Village of Medina Board of Trustees commissioned Emergency Services Consulting Inc. to conduct a Fire Based EMS Feasibility Study in 2006, said firefighter Steve Cooley, the department’s public information officer. The study estimated that there would be approximately 1,500 annual calls for service. That is far below the 2,755 calls in 2013. The department is seeking a federal grant to cover the costs of adding two paid firefighters.

Medina firefighters Josh Wolck, left, and Matt Jackson serve as the honor guard for a new firefighters’ memorial in front of City Hall. The memorial was dedicated on Sept. 28.

The ambulance service revenue received to date for 2013 is $913,000, making the average monthly revenue about $76,000. The department’s budget for 2013 was approximately $1.2 million. Village of Medina taxpayers made up the difference for the fire and EMS services.

The department is on pace to top the 2013 numbers. As of Jan. 21, the Fire Department responded to 208 calls for service, which is up from the 135 calls for service during the same time frame in 2013.

Photo courtesy of Tim Jaccard – The Medina Fire Department in June was honored with “Torch of Life Awards” for the department’s role in accepting a surrendered baby on May 25. Pictured, form left: Medina Fire Chief Todd Zinkievich; Tim Jaccard, president and director of the AMT Children of Hope Foundation – Baby Safe Haven; and Medina firefighter Dennis Pollock. Pollock accepted a newborn baby from a mother in crisis. The baby was then transported to United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Photo by Cheryl Wertman

Kye, the Medina Police K-9 dog makes some new friends at the Medina CSAT boys basketball game tonight at Medina High School. Kye is a Belgian Malinois that works each day with his partner/handler Sgt. Todd Draper.

“Kye loves meeting new people especially children” Sgt. Draper said.  “It is also amazing how he draws the attention of the high school age kids who may not normally want to interact with just a police officer.  They all like petting him and want to be around him.”

While Kye’s main duties are tracking, drug detection, building searches and criminal apprehension, the time he spends going to sporting events helps in his training of just being around other people.

Chris Keller fills top spot after Heiligenthaler resigns

MEDINA – The Board of Education has a new leader after Carol Heiligenthaler resigned last month. The board last week voted to support Chris Keller as the new president.

He will be sworn in this evening at 6:30 during the BOE meeting at the district office. Keller had been vice president. He works as a teacher at Albion Central School.

Heiligenthaler led the board since July 2012. Although she resigned as BOE president, she has agreed to stay on as a board member.

Heiligenthaler has recently been hired as the business administrator for Barker Central School. She resigned as Medina BOE president due to the demands of her new job.

The BOE is expected to soon name a new vice president after Keller vacated the spot to become president.

Press release, Medina Historical Society

MEDINA – The Medina Historical Society will hold its annual “Show and Tell” meeting at 7 p.m. on Jan. 27 at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, 620 West Ave.

Members and non-members are invited to bring along their treasures from the past to share at this popular program.

There are no rigid criteria. Items pertaining to Medina history are of special interest, but all older items will be welcome. Items shared at the 2013 meeting included matchbooks from local businesses, an ornate pocket watch from Hurd’s Jewelers, a metal pin curler for hair, an ash tray made at Tucker’s, and a rock proof fender protector, to name but a few.

“This is such a fun evening,” said Reinhard Rogowski, board president. “There are surprises every year and always a few mystery items.”

Provided photo – There are 23 dancers, ages 7 to 17, from the Dance Theater in medina that will perform at Disney in Florida. Some of the grup members include, front row, from left: Marli Thrash, Tessa Davis, Carly Voelker,Izabella Murphy and Justine Laverty. Middle row: Madeline Bilicki, Lexi Hare, Trevor Hare and Kylie Bielak. Back row: Olivia Eaton, Melanie Hibbard, Dominique Hughes,Cody Crane, Abby Jones, Danielle Metz and Paige Dix.

MEDINA – A group of dancers from Medina will spend a week at Disney in July, performing with Disney’s Performing Arts Program.

The group from the Dance Theater in Medina includes 23 dancers, ages 7 to 17. They are led by Dance Theater owner Brandon Johnson and his staff.

He sent an audition tape of the group to Disney. They were accepted and invited to perform on the Main Stage at Disney on July 3. They will be there for five days as part of Disney’s Performing Arts Program.

“It’s a really big honor,” said Johnson, who has owned the Dance Theater for 11 years. “It will be great exposure for them. They will be seen by thousands of people.”

Some of his dancers have competed at national events at Atlantic City; Hershey, Pa; and Wildwood, NJ. They have brought home national titles through StarQuest and DanceXplosion.

The Dance Theater group will perform in three age levels: minis are 7 to 9 years old, while juniors are 9 to 12, and seniors, 13 to 17.

Johnson said the dancers all bring dedication and a work ethic to the program. Many are also Honor Roll students who participate in sports, marching band, chorus and numerous other activities.

The group will be doing many fundraisers in the community to help pay for the trip to Disney. They have set up a page through the Go Fund Me site for people to give online.

“We’re all definitely looking forward to it,” Johnson said. “It’s going to a be a great opportunity for my dancers.”

MEDINA – Seven people were arrested on drug charges following a six-month investigation into the sale and distribution of prescription narcotics and marijuana in the village of Medina, the Orleans County Major Felony Crime Task Force is reporting today.

The Task Force and the Medina Police Department on Friday executed search warrants at 124 Erin Rd. and 135 State St.

The following were arrested:

Albone

Mathew J. Albone, 32, of 124 Erin Rd. He was charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fourth degree and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree.

Bryan

Stacy D. Bryan, 23, of 525 West Ave., Apartment 3. He was charged with three counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, and one count of welfare fraud in the third degree.

Dillon

Kimberly C. Dillon, 57, of 135 State St., Medina. He was charged with three counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, and one count of welfare fraud in the third degree.

Winters

Serina Winters, 37, of 909 Church Street, Apartment 1. She faces charges of two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, and one count of welfare fraud in the third degree.

Martinez

Lori S. Martinez, 47, of 325 Park Ave. Apartment 1. She was charged with one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, and one count of welfare fraud in the third degree.

Albone, Bryan, Dillon, Winters and Martinez were arraigned in Ridgeway Town Court by Justice Lawrence Sanderson. They were committed to Orleans County Jail on $10,000 bail. They were scheduled to return to Ridgeway Town Court today at 9 a.m.

Kayla Rowling, 22, of 803 South Main St. She was charged with two counts of criminal sale of marijuana in the third degree. Rowling was issued an appearance ticket for Shelby Town Court on March 6 at 9 a.m.

Bradley W. Albone, 63, of 124 Erin Rd. He was charged with one count of unlawful possession of marijuana. He is to appear in Ridgeway Town Court on Feb. 10 at 9 a.m.

The Task Force Supervising Investigator Joe Sacco says the investigation is still ongoing and more charges and arrests are pending.

The welfare fraud charges stem from the individuals being on public assistance and obtaining their prescription drugs through Medicaid. The Orleans County Department of Social Services Welfare Fraud Investigations Unit assisted in the investigation.