MEDINA – Fourteen teams of golfers were all lined up ready for the start of United Way of Orleans County ’s annual golf tournament on June 22 at Shelridge Country Club.
Kaitlyn Delamarter, director of United Way of Orleans County, holds a thank you sign in preparation for United Way’s annual golf tournament at Shelridge Country Club in Medina.
Kevin Foley, left, plant manager at Baxter Healthcare, takes a conference call while waiting for his partner Dennis Cehulik to take his shot during the golf tournament to benefit the United Way of Orleans County.
Golfers, including David Kast (second from right), place raffle tickets in the drawing for a variety of items donated by local businesses and organizations.
Ellen Eaton, a member of United Way of Orleans County ’s board of directors, instructs volunteer Alvaro Ferreira from the Boy Scouts about his duties selling 50/50 tickets on the 17th hole.
From left, United Way of Orleans County’s director Kaitlyn Delamarter, volunteer Melinda Maedl and bookkeeper Patrice Beadle register golfer Dennis Cehulik, who played with a team from Baxter Healthcare.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Main Street in Medina was closed off Aug. 4, 2016 for the first Farm-To-Table dinner, which included a five-course meal on Main Street.
MEDINA – Medina’s third annual Farm-to-Table Dinner will be held on Thursday, August 2, with 200 people sitting down for a five-course meal on Main Street.
The event is hosted by the Orleans Renaissance Group, as part of the annual activities of the Canal Village Farmers’ Market, a Medina enterprise also sponsored by ORG.
Last year due to rain the event had to be shifted to The Gallagher, a barn that has been transformed into an events center on North Gravel Road.
Organizers are looking forward to the event being back in the historic downtown. A section of Main Street will be blocked off for the dinner.
“It’s very exciting to be going into our third year,” said Chris Busch, president of the Orleans Renaissance Group. “While we knew it would be a sensational event, we never dreamed it would be as wildly popular as it has become. People never really stop talking about it.”
The event delivers not only an exquisite meal in a captivating setting, but also an opportunity to experience how farmers and local chefs capitalize on Orleans County’s number one industry: agriculture.
“The venue is magic,” said Cindy Robinson, president of the Medina Business Association and an ORG board member. “Enchanting, delightful – it’s not just any Main Street and it’s not just any event. It’s something very special and once you’ve experienced it, you understand how special it is.”
Last year’s dinner was moved to The Gallagher as thunderstorms threatened. Busch said the Medina community is “extremely fortunate” to have The Gallagher as an alternative site.
Due to the high demand for tickets, the event again will offer 200 seats and the table will stretch nearly the entire length of North Main Street.
This year’s event will feature a couple of new elements. In addition to a 200-seat table, guests will hear live music provided by The Road to Azure and Dark Road Duo. The ensembles are crowd-favorite regulars at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.
Last year, 200 people gathered for dinner at The Gallagher, a barn that is an event center on North Gravel Road. The second annual Farm-To-Table Dinner was moved from Main Street to The Gallagher due to threats of rain.
Also, arriving guests will be treated to a complimentary Chef’s Course paired with award-winning Tiny Bubbles sparkling wine, courtesy of Schulze Vineyard & Winery of Burt. The dinner will deliver a sensational locally-sourced, five- course meal with Zambistro once again collaborating with local culinary colleagues.
Among those joining Zambistro will be Mariachi De Oro, Mile 303, Sourced Market & Eatery and the Shirt Factory. All ingredients used in the meal will be locally sourced and farm-fresh, provided almost entirely from the vendors at Canal Village Farmers’ Market.
“Each year we look for ways to surpass the previous year’s success,” Robinson said. “We’re very excited to have such a great team of chefs, the Main Street venue and great live music. It’s going to be incredible.”
Each course will feature pairings from Niagara Wine Trail wineries, including Leonard Oakes Estate Winery, Medina; Schulze Vineyard & Winery, Burt; Chateau Niagara Winery, Newfane; Freedom Run Winery, Lockport; Liten Buffel, Middleport and 810 Meadworks, Medina.
Following the dinner, “official after-party” location this year will be Fitzgibbons Public House on Main Street in Medina. Fitzgibbons is modeled after an authentic celtic pub.
“As you can imagine, making an event like this a reality requires a great deal of time, talent and treasure,” said Busch. “One of the hallmarks of Medina’s success is everyone working together to make good things happen and this dinner is no exception.”
Annual corporate sponsors of the Farm to Table Dinner include Zambistro, PridePak Inc. with Mr. Steve Carr, CEO; Takeform Architectural Graphics of Medina and LaBella Associates of Rochester.
Patrons of the Canal Village Farmers’ Market will have an opportunity to win two dinner tickets. Starting Saturday, July 7 and running through July 28, every $5 spent at the market earns a chance in a drawing for the tickets. The market runs every Saturday morning at 127 West Center Street in Medina’s downtown.
Limited tickets will go on sale July 6 at 10 a.m. They will be available online at www.medinaalive.com and at the English Rose Tea Shoppe (cash & check only), 527 Main St., Medina (585) 798-4410.
“If it is your intention to attend the dinner, my advice is don’t hesitate to buy your tickets,” Busch said. “This event will sell out very quickly, so don’t delay in securing your tickets.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 June 2018 at 8:05 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – The MAAC Clothing Depot, which goes back to at least 2005 at Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God in Medina, had its last day at the church. Volunteers that run the depot will reopen the newly named MAAC Thrift Depot on July 9 at 536 Orient St., a former Bells supermarket.
A group of volunteers from several Medina churches started the depot about 40 years ago in a church basement. There are now about 40 volunteers running the effort.
“We’ve come a long way, but only with the help of the generous and caring people of the community of Medina,” said Sue Metzo, one of the long-time volunteers.
The clothing depot needed to leave Calvary, the former Medina High School, because the site was acquired by Roger Hungerford and Talis Equity to be converted into apartments.
The Depot has provided a way for residents to donate quality clothing and housewares, which are then purchased by customers, especially many in lower-income families, Metzo said.
The MAAC raises about $30,000 to $35,000 from the Clothing Depot each year and those funds are donated back to the community, assisting Scouts, church projects, senior citizens, high school scholarships, Hospice of Orleans and other organizations.
Provided photo
The former Bells site is owned by Matt Mundion. Metzo said the building will be a better location for displaying the used clothing, furniture and other items. The site has one big room. At Calvary, the MAAC used a larger room and then four smaller rooms.
The MAAC Thrift Depot will be open Monday from 9 a.m. to noon; Tuesday from 9 to noon & 5 to 7 p.m.; Thursday from 9 to noon; and Saturday from 10 to noon. The new “1/2 price day” will be the first Tuesday of the month.
The site on Orient Street will have drop-off windows/chutes that are available 24/7. The MAAC accepts good, clean clothing, shoes, and jewelry; clean household items in good condition, including small appliances, small furniture, books, toys, linens, DVDs, CDs and kitchen items.
“Donate wisely because we have to pay to get rid of unacceptable items,” Metzo said.
The MAAC asks that items not be left in bags or boxes outside. If they are too large for the chute/window, fit in smaller bags.
The MAAC cannot accept TVs, monitors, computers, video equipment, DVD/VHS players, bowling balls or typewriters.
“We want to thank everyone who has helped in any way, whether it was a gift of time and effort, or financial help,” Metzo said. “We are so appreciative.”
Anyone wishing to send a monetary gift can mail it to: MAAC, PO Box 253, Medina, NY 14103.
MEDINA – Sparkling devices are now readily available in New York State. Niagara County has legalized small sparkling devices. Orleans County has not legalized these devices. As they are now available to the public in other jurisdictions safety issues should be addressed.
The sparklers burn at approximately 2,000 degrees. After they have burned down please dispose of the wire remnants properly. A small bucket with water is best. Avoid trash cans with combustible materials or paper products.
The sparks given off by “showering fountains” can spark a grass fire. Please use care in placing the larger showering fountains on the ground. Ornamental grasses and mulch can hold a spark and flare up hours after the sparklers had been enjoyed.
As always firecrackers, bottle rockets and roman candles are still illegal. If you choose to use these types of fireworks please be respectful of your neighbors. Follow the warning label; light fuse and get away. Do not hold the larger firecrackers in your hand.
File photo by Tom Rivers: The lift bridge in Medina is pictured in the background of this photo that shows The Big Apple, a sculpture by Richard Bannister.
Press Release, NY Canal Corporation
ALBANY—The New York State Canal Corporation announced today the lift bridge in Medina will be closed to all vehicular traffic on Route 63 from July 16 to Aug. 4 as repairs are made to the bridge’s lifting system.
Crews will be replacing the counterweight cables to the bridge, which carries traffic over the Erie Canal in the Orleans County village.
The pedestrian walkways will remain open during these repairs, except for a brief time after the bridge is first placed in the raised position. The pedestrian walkways will not be handicap accessible during the scheduled work period.
During the project, a signed detour for vehicles will be posted utilizing Route 31E (West Center Street and State Street), Route 271 (North Main Street) and Route 104 (Ridge Road).
Motorists using the detour routes are encouraged to plan their trips accordingly and leave extra time for travel
This work will not affect the Erie Canalway Trail or navigation on the Canal System. While a barge will slightly encroach into the channel, the normal overhead clearance will not be affected. Mariners should reduce speed, stop all forward motion, and proceed at a “No Wake” speed when traversing this area.
MEDINA – Medina’s Class of 1998 held its 20th reunion on Saturday at the Sacred Heart Club in Medina.
Front Row (L to R): Nick Lacy, Chris Grimm, Tony Tiranno, Christian Hale, Matt Haak, Nathan Pettit, Katie Granchelli, Lyndsey Macmillan (Wagner), Kelly Moriarty, LeanneOlshavsky (Hermann), Mollie McDonough, Sandra Roach (Patterson), Stephanie Thomas (Watts), Melissa Streiff (Lamar), Stephen Houseman, Eric Moule.
Middle Row: Ernest Ribbeck, Colleen Ingersoll (McGrane), Elizabeth Aszkler (Keppler), Michael Kinne, Jeff Klatt, Dale Cleaveland, Tim Winans, David Fuller, Joe Chambers, Jeffrey Elsenheimer, Shannon Jackson (Scalise), Guinevere Panek (Smith), Jessica Babcock (Smith), Jamie Michaels (Johnson), Nick Leszczynski, Mike Powlowski, Robert Ribbeck.
Top Row: Mary Dieter, Brent Barcena, David Carpenter, Jarred Saj, Brandon Myers, Joseph Sands, Kevin Donovan, Courtney Southworth Dzialo, Meghan Fuller (Schiffer), Amy Barcus, Michael Culmo, Anne Joynt, Jennifer Forrest (Root), Tiffany Nesbitt (Hartway), Mike Walter.
Also in attendance but missing from picture: Mike Gray, Jamie Duffina, Amy Fuller and Matthew Caldwell.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 June 2018 at 11:14 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Carson Gates, president of Medina’s Class of 2018, leads the class in moving the tassels on their caps during commencement Friday in the Medina High School Auditorium, when 120 seniors received their diplomas.
The A’Cappella Choir led by Lisa Roeseler sang, “It’s Hard to Say Goodbye” and “The Halls of Ivy.”
Alexzandra Schlegel and Erin Dietz are pictured before graduation.
“I will miss my friends and the school pride,” Schlegel said.
“I will miss the teachers,” Dietz said. “They taught me everything for graduation.”
These three friends, all lacrosse players, pose for a photo while waiting for graduation to start. They include, from left: Luke Wilson, Brendan Luthart and Joe Gates.
Junior girls, who are among the top-ranked students in their class, continue a century-old tradition at Medina by carrying a daisy chain into the auditorium, ahead of the seniors. The students picked daisies and created the chain of flowers.
The daisy chain is placed at the front of the stage.
Jack Hill accepts congratulations from Superintendent Mark Kruzynski, left, and David Sevenski, president of the Board of Education.
Jack Hill gives the salutatorian’s address, which he entitled, “Gratitude.” Each graduate’s diploma included a thank you card, and Hill urged them to write a message, thanking someone for helping them get to this point in their lives.
Hill heaped praise on the teaching staff at Medina. Teachers go above and beyond the job description, with many also coaching teams and leading clubs and other programs. Many send kind notes and give the students steady praise, building their confidence.
“Teachers are some of the best people in the world,” Hill said.
The salutatorian also encouraged his classmates to use their talents as the embark on the next chapter of their lives. The best way to show gratitude, Hill said, is to use their skills in their careers and bettering their community.
They should also repay what they have been given in Medina by showing kindness to others, Hill said.
Madison Kenward, the valedictorian, spoke about a “growth mindset” and not a fixed mindset in her speech, entitled, “Yet.” Madison’s mother, Mindy Kenward, is an elementary school teacher who focuses on a growth mindset in the classroom. When her students are frustrated and worry they can’t learn something, Mrs. Kenward responds, “Maybe you can’t do it, yet.”
Madison asked her classmates through Snapchat what are some of their goals they haven’t accomplished, yet.
The graduates responded with a range of goals, from learning to play the guitar, running a marathon, being a good role model, finding Bigfoot and becoming wealthy enough to donate back to the school.
There will be obstacles in reaching the goals, but with a growth mindset you keep moving forward, taking risks, Kenward said.
Michael Cavanaugh, the high school principal, announces the next graduate: Da’Ron Bellan. His brother Kyson Bellan, standing at right, is next.
Cavanaugh delivered the keynote address to the 120 graduates. Cavanaugh has been their principal since eighth grade.
He said characteristics for success include perseverance, patience and preparation.
“Be humble, be appreciative and invest in relationships,” Cavanaugh said. “Be prepared for anything and let your moral compass be your guide.”
Dan Heil walks across the front of the stage to receive his diploma.
Jalin Cooper has a big smile after he was presented with his diploma.
Emma-Lee Drisdom and Toby Kiebala try a cookie and punch after the ceremony.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 June 2018 at 5:43 pm
7 students seeking to help Camp Good Days
Photos by Tom Rivers: Seven members of McQuaid Jesuit Row Team in Rochester made their way to Medina on the Erie Canal at about 1 p.m. today.
The team is attempting to raise $40,000 for Camp Good Days & Special Times, a camp on Keuka Lake that is available to families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life-threatening challenges. To learn more about Camp Good Days, visit their website at www.campgooddays.org.
The crew team heads to the Canal Basin in Medina. This is the seventh year McQuaid’s crew team is rowing the length of the Erie Canal to raise money for charity. The crew team raised over $200,000 the first six years.
The team has raised $23,000 of its $40,000 goal for Camp Good Days.
The team is on an 8-day trek. Today is the longest effort – 59 miles from Buffalo to Brockport. Some of the rowers already had sore backs and blisters on their hands.
Brian Sanchez, who will be a junior in the fall, shows some of the painful blisters on his hands. He said he hopes they harden up soon and stop hurting.
Sanchez said wanted to be part of the journey with his friends and help the kids at Camp Good Days.
These crew team members include, from left: Gage Gardinier, Paddy Grace, Brian Sanchez, Owen Baira and Jake Penna. Two other members – Patrick Mayo and Rhett Crooks – were in a launch getting a one-hour break from rowing. The crew members row for two hours before getting a one-hour rest.
The crew team will be rowing for about 10 hours each day until reaching Albany. The team typically practices for an hour and a half during its season, so the trip is a big effort above the norm.
“It gets hard really fast,” said Patrick Mayo, who will be a senior this fall at McQuaid.
The crew team will be sleeping in tents. Many parents of the team members are riding along at staying at rest stops to check on the team and give them food.
File photo: Nicole Tuohey cuts the paper chain to start the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in September 2014. She raised money through her mother Mary Lou’s business, Case-Nic Cookies in Medina, by selling elephant cookies that added a new link to the chain. Nicole raised the money in memory of her grandma and grandpa.
MEDINA – The Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be back in Medina on Oct. 13. The Walk is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.
On Oct. 13 family members, caregivers, employers, friends and persons with dementia will gather at State Street Park in Medina to honor all impacted by dementia and to fight for a world without Alzheimer’s. Fundraising dollars ensure the Alzheimer’s Association can continue to provide supportive services and education at no cost.
While there is no fee to register, the Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York encourages participants to fundraise to contribute to the cause and help ensure a vision of a world without Alzheimer’s.
The park in Medina offers plenty of parking, space to enjoy snacks and refreshments, visit with vendors, and buy basket and 50/50 raffle tickets. The roughly 2-mile walk offers a pleasant stroll along the Erie Canal. Incentives for fundraising include the 2018 purple Walk T-shirt.
Registration starts at 9 a.m., with a ceremony at 10 and the walk to start at 10:15.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Hayley Farewell gets a hug from teacher David Stacey during a graduation and achievement night on Thursday for the Orleans County Christian School. Farewell thanked Stacey for the many he helped her get through her algebra class.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 June 2018 at 8:10 pm
Orleans County Christian School will move this fall to Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship
Hayley Farewell, left, and Abbygal Fuller graduated from the Orleans County Christian School.
MEDINA – The Orleans County Christian School celebrated the graduation of three students on Thursday, bringing the number to 32 who have graduated from the school since it started in 1996.
The first five years were at the Harvest Christian Fellowship church on Route 31 in Albion. After five years the school moved to Medina at Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God, which uses the old Medina High School at 324 Catherine St.
The Christian School uses the northeast wing of the old school, and it’s been a great fit, said Linda Strickland, administrator of OCCS.
“This has been the perfect building for us,” she said. “It has an auditorium, hallways, big classrooms, the gymnasium.”
But the school is moving out, headed to the Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship on South Gravel Road in Shelby. The old high school has been purchased by Roger Hungerford and Talis Equity and will be renovated into apartments.
“It is bittersweet leaving this building,” Strickland said. “Calvary Tabernacle has been very good to OCCS, and we will be eternally grateful for their hospitality.”
Vince Iorio, pastor of Calvary Tabernacle, welcomes the audience to the graduation and achievement night program. Iorio graduated from the old Medina High School with the Class of 1972. He said the church has been proud to partner with OCCS the past 17 years.
Hayley Farewell
There were 21 students enrolled at OCCS this school year in grades 1 through 12. Three students – Hayley Farewell, Abbygal Fuller and Camille Pollock – graduated on Thursday, when many alumni returned for the final graduation program and achievement night at the old high school.
Farewell delivered the graduate address on Thursday. She has been a student at the school for eight years, and praised the staff for their support, especially since her mother, Christina Ashton, died on June 27, 2016.
“The OCCS staff has been there for me in the worst time of my life and the best time,” Farewell said.
She has been a student the past two years at the Orleans-Niagara BOCES, taking classes in the security and law enforcement program. She will attend St. John Fisher College in Rochester this fall to study law enforcement. Her goal is to become a state trooper.
Linda Strickland, school administrator, congratulates students during achievement night.
Russ Peters, pastor of Alabama Full Gospel Fellowship, said the church is pleased to welcome the school starting in the fall.
Abbygal Fuller was praised by Strickland, the school administrator.
“She is always willing to try and she conquers,” Strickland said. “OCCS is better because Abby walked our halls.”
The other graduate, Camille Pollock, was unable to attend the ceremony because she has a key role in a dance recital. She was expected to be presented her diploma during the recital.
Strickland said the school is Christian based, and has a weekly chapel service. The small-school atmosphere is nurturing for students, she said.
“There is a need in the county for this school,” Strickland said. “As long as they need, we’ll stay open.”
Many of the students have struggled in the public schools before coming to OCCS.
“We focus on what you can do,” Strickland said. “We’re here primarily for the Christian education, but we’ve also become a comfortable place for people to learn and be themselves.”
