By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 May 2017 at 5:23 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Thomas the Tank Engine has brought thousands of people to Medina this weekend to see the popular train that is much loved by young children.
This photo shows the crowd of people in front of the train by the Medina Railroad Museum on West Avenue. Thomas will be back next weekend as well.
About 10,000 to 12,000 riders are expected to take 25-minute train ride on Thomas.
The train engine is making his 13th stop in Medina. Thomas has 42 events this year in the United and Canada. Medina is the lone stop in New York.
Jameson Cooper, 2, of Buffalo plays with a toy train on the railroad tracks. His parents said they had a lot of fun riding the big train.
Brody George, 18, of Clarence, left, and Cody Catlin, 18, of Carlton are both serving as safety conductors for the train rides.
A section of West Avenue is blocked off near the museum grounds.
Claire Zgaljardic of Orchard Park holds her son Ryan, 2, while he waves to Thomas as the train leaves for a short trip down the railroad tracks.
Gary Lamar of Shelby worked his way through a maze with his grandson Benjamin Strife, 3, of Sanborn.
Rick Hughes, a member of the Medina Lions Club, cooks hot dogs and hamburgers at the food booth run by the Lions Club. His daughter Gracie (left), 14, also is helping.
Many of the families stopped inside the railroad museum.
The museum has a 204-foot-long model train layout, which includes this scene of the Erie Canal in its early days. The HO scale layout is one of the largest in the nation.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 May 2017 at 2:56 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Thomas the Tank Engine is covered up today behind the Olde Pickle Factory in Medina.
He will be busy the next two weekends in Medina, with 10,000 to 12,000 riders expected to take 25-minute train rides on Thomas.
The train engine is making his 13th stop in Medina. Thomas has 42 events this year in the United and Canada. Medina is the lone stop in New York. Thomas is hosted by the Medina Railroad Museum, and many activities are planned on May 20-21, and May 27-28.
In addition to riding the train, there is an imagination station at the Railroad Museum with crafts, photo opportunities, giveaways, storytelling and other live entertainment.
Thomas the Tank Engine is pictured in May 2015, when the train drew big crowds of children and families to Medina.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 May 2017 at 8:40 pm
Wadhams and Harling elected in Albion, while Keppler, Pawlaczyk and Sevenski elected in Medina
The school budgets in Albion and Medina received wide support in budget votes today.
• ALBION – The district’s $34,796,676 budget passed 526 to 123. The budget includes a 1.4 percent tax increase, only the second time school taxes are going up in last 11 years.
Voters elected retired teacher Wayne Wadhams, 513 votes, and Kathy Harling, 491 votes, to five-year terms. Marlene Seielstad wasn’t re-elected. She received 211 votes.
A proposition for $460,000 for bus purchases passed, 559 to 91, and a proposition to collect $687,211 for Hoag Library was approved, 469 to 177.
• MEDINA – The proposed $36,620,793 budget received 91.2 percent support, 423 to 41. The budget reduces taxes by 0.22 percent, down from $8,660,915 to $8,641,861, or $19,054 less in taxes.
The district has steadily been reducing taxes in recent years. The 2013-14 budget had a $9,135,636 tax levy. Medina has now reduced school taxes by $493,775 in four years, a 5.4 percent decrease.
A proposal to reduce the size of the Board of Education from 9 to 7 seats passed, 259 to 198. The board will remain at nine seats in the 2017-18 school year, with the reduction taking effect beginning July 1, 2018.
Four ran for three open seats. The following were elected: Bill Keppler, 329; Arlene Pawlaczyk, 299; and Dave Sevenski, 292 votes. Mary Hare received 267 votes.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 May 2017 at 5:17 pm
Kendall and Medina both earned “Silver Medals” and made the list of high-performing high schools in the latest ranking by U.S. News and World Report.
The news publication posted its annual ranking of the 22,000 high schools in the country, and Kendall placed 2,295th and Medina 2,468th, which puts them near the top 10 percent.
In New York, Kendall was ranked 181st and Medina, 195th. The U.S. News’ Best High Schools List is compiled by first analyzing how well students performed on qualifying high school state assessments such as Regents Exams in Algebra 1 and ELA.
The high schools identified as over performing were then ranked nationally in terms of college readiness, using participation and success in the Advanced Placement program. U.S. News then awarded more than 6,040 gold, silver, and bronze medals to the top-performing schools.
“This is great validation at how well our staff does in preparing our students for post-secondary education and careers,” said Mark Kruzynski, the Medina school district superintendent. “We are very proud to once again receive this honor and be able to recognize the dedication of our students, staff and the community to make Medina High School one of the best high schools in the country. This award is truly an achievement that the entire district can celebrate, as the success we have in the high school builds upon the foundations our students have received at Oak Orchard and Clifford Wise Intermediate Middle School. Congratulations to the entire Medina Central School District.”
Kendall is also a repeat winner.
“This honor respects the hard work and commitment by the entire staff and community of Kendall,” Julie Christensen, Kendall Central School superintendent, said when Kendall was recognized last year.
To see the breakdowns, visit www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Gary Withey is back home in Medina after having a heart attack on April 1. After recuperating at his brother and sister-in-law's in Albion for more than a month, Withey came home to a house that was repainted inside, with new carpet and many new furnishings. Withey is pictured with a family portrait that shows him with his late wife Denise, and their daughters, Allyson and Kelsie.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 May 2017 at 11:22 pm
MEDINA – After a difficult six weeks, following a triple-bypass for a heart attack on April 1, Gary Withey came home on Friday. His house on East Center Street had an extreme makeover, courtesy of Withey’s family. They repainted rooms, put down new carpet, cleared out some extra belongings and added some new furnishings.Withey was caught off guard. Today there was a welcome home celebration, and many of his friends, including bandmates, were there for the party.
When Withey’s sister, Barb Withey Williams, heard her brother had been taken by Mercy Flight on April 1, she drove up from Florida. She hasn’t left, spending about six weeks working on his house.
His sister-in-law, Debbie Withey, devoting about 80 hours a week on the house. She said her brother-in-law has spent a lifetime giving to others.
“He’s a wonderful guy,” said Debbie Withey. “Do you know how many in this community love him? He would give you the shirt off of his back.”
Gary Withey, back row center, is pictured with his family outside his Medina home this evening. The group includes, front row, from left: Debbie Withey (married to Kurt), Kathy Sharp, Barb Withey Williams and Mary Beth Withey (married to Carl). Back row: Georgia Withey (married to Eric), and the Withey brothers, Eric, Gary, Kurt and Carl.
Withey is a well-known local musician who owned Fischer’s Newsstand in Albion for more than 20 years until the business closed on April 30, 2015. His wife was also well-liked. She was often at Fischer’s and worked in community relations for the Arc of Orleans. Denise battled a kidney disease and died on Feb. 27, 2015.
She and Gary married on Aug. 1, 1987 and have two grown daughters, Allyson and Kelsie.
After his wife’s death, Withey had a new roof put on the house, replaced the furnace and fixed up a bathroom. But he didn’t have enough money for more renovations. He admitted he felt overwhelmed with the house.
His family, led by sister Barb and sister-in-law Debbie, decided to take charge and give the house a makeover.
“We did it because we love him,” Debbie said. “The road has been bumpy for him. He needs it.”
Photo courtesy of Wayne Litchfield: Gary Withey plays the keyboards during a jam session this evening with some of his fellow musicians. Withey plays in three bands, as well as the worship band at the Albion Free Methodist Church.
Withey was home on April 1 after working that day as an aide at he Orleans-Niagara BOCES. It was late afternoon when he knew something was wrong. He was sweating profusely, and passed out twice in the upstairs of his home.
Withey tried to stay calm, and made it downstairs to his phone. A friend called, and Withey said he wasn’t feeling right. Then he slumped to the floor, and called 911.
He was having a heart attack. Medina Memorial Hospital gave him a clot buster so he was in good enough shape to fly by helicopter to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Withey praised the local hospital.
“I will credit Medina Memorial for saving my life,” Withey said.
He spent a week in the Rochester hospital and then about five weeks staying with his brother Kurt and sister-in-law Debbie in Albion. He praised the care from his family.
Gary Withey was happy to have some many friends and family over at his home today.
While in the hospital he was also diagnosed with stage 3 of a kidney disease. Withey changed to a strict low-potassium diet the past six weeks, and has been out walking and exercising.
Today, doctors told him there are no signs of the kidney disease.
“They are calling it a miracle,” he said.
He also returned to driving two weeks ago and is scheduled to return to work on June 5.
His sister, Barbara Withey Williams, is thankful her brother survived the heart attack. The family grew closer the past six weeks, even when they were painting or putting down carpet in his house.
Williams lives near Tampa. She is amazed how everyone seems to know her brother in Medina.
“Gary is like a little kid who is always smiling,” his sister said. “He always seems to bounce back no matter what happens to him. We just wanted to show him that we love him. We want him to live in a nice, cheerful environment.”
Withey is a big Boston Bruins fan, and his family made him a hockey room.
Provided photo: Anna Blount (center) receives her check from committee members Kathie Valley and Pat Bellucci. Anna is a student at Kent State University who plans to graduate in 2019 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Merchandising and a minor in Media Studies. Anna won a partial scholarship for the fall of 2017 to study abroad at Kent State’s Florence, Italy Fashion School for Tech and Design. In the spring she will attend Kent’s New York City Fashion Studio.
Press Release, Medina Scholarship Fund
MEDINA – The 2017 school year is soon coming to an end and the Medina High School Honor’s Convocation is just a few weeks away.
It is a time to honor Medina students for their hard work and dedication. The Medina Scholarship Fund would like to thank our generous donors for their support. Without them the Medina Scholarship Fund would not be able to help so many college-bound seniors.
The Medina Scholarship Fund is a non-profit organization founded in 1991 by a group of business, school, and community representatives. Its purpose is to increase opportunities for MHS students to receive a post-high school education.
A local committee determines the scholarship recipients. Applications are evaluated anonymously. The focus is on financial need, class placement, extracurricular and volunteer activities. The Fund awards approximately $6,000 in scholarships annually and contributes $500 to the school’s Presidential Scholarship.
At present, this fund is supplemented by an annual mailing, soliciting donations. Local donors receive a tax deduction and memorials are encouraged.
To make a donation please mail your tax deductible check to: Medina Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 185, Medina , NY 14103.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 May 2017 at 5:26 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Kathy Allen, a Medina math and English teacher, and eighth-grader Bobbie Evers paint over graffiti under the Glenwood Avenue canal bridge in the village this afternoon.
There were 145 students and 55 teachers/staff members doing service projects in the community and at the school campus this afternoon. The district had an early release day, and the students tackled the projects as volunteers in “Mustangs Make An Impact Day.” This is the third year the school has run the community service projects. The supplies were donated by local businesses and community members.
Students and teachers also worked at village parks, Boxwood Cemetery, the Medina Historical Society and at the school grounds.
The group from the school covers up some of the graffiti under the canal bridge.
Sebastian Jackson didn’t mind spending the afternoon making the bridge look more appealing.
Jody Sargent, a high school business teacher, uses a roller to paint underneath the Glenwood Avenue bridge.
Anya Bloom picks up some of the many sticks and branches at Boxwood Cemetery.
These students are giving the Civil War Cannon a fresh coat of black paint. The cannon has been at Boxwood since 1903. It came from the Brooklyn Navy Yards, Village Historian Todd Bensley said. He is also a Medina teacher who helped with some of the service projects today. These students include, from left: Avery VanDerWerf, Laura Washak, Allysen Snook and Dillon Snook.
Allysen Snook works on painting the cannon at Boxwood.
MEDINA – The Rotary Club of Medina inducted a new member during its meeting on May 3. Wendy Jacobson, CEO of Orleans Community Health/Medina Memorial Hospital, is excited to become a Rotarian, again. As a high school student, Wendy was a member and has volunteered throughout her life supporting Rotary.
Jacobson, left, is pictured with Medina Rotary President Bill Bixler and Melisa Shrock – Rotary District 7090 District Governor Nominee for 2018-2019, who conducted the new member orientation.
Medina Rotary meets at the United Methodist Church, site of the former Apple Grove, on Wednesdays at noon. Contact any Medina Rotarian for further details.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 May 2017 at 7:56 am
Photos courtesy of Robert Schuck
LYNDONVILLE – A group of Boy Scouts from Troop 28 in Medina spent an hour filling 150 sandbags at the Lyndonville Department of Public Works on Sunday evening.
Those sandbags will be used to help fight the flooding from the high Lake Ontario.
These Scouts and adults helped with the effort. They include, back row, from left: John Thomas, Fionn Greiner, Jimmy Pelton, Tim Miller, Travis Gotts, Aaron Thomas and Louis Caldwell. Front row: Chris Caldwell, Joe Bruckner, David Pelton, Tyler Miller, Cade Miller and Jackson Caldwell. Front, sitting down: Nick Robinson.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 April 2017 at 10:41 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – The Medina community held its annual Arbor Day celebration this morning with about 500 students in grades K through 3 at Oak Orchard Elementary School.
The students helped plant four trees at Rotary Park on Main Street. The students also sang three Arbor Day songs.
This year Medina is planting 83 trees, mostly along areas of Eagle and Pearl Streets with additional plantings throughout the village. The village has been recognized with the Tree City USA designation by the National Arbor Day Foundation. The award honors Medina’s commitment to community forestry.
Ava King (center), a kindergartner, tosses some dirt on a newly planted tree at Rotary Park. This is one of four new trees in the park that are the Musashino Zelkova variety. These trees are ideal for street use. They have tightly upright branches that allow good vehicle and pedestrian clearance.
This group of kindergartners poses for a group photo after the Arbor Day celebration.
Chris Busch, the Medina Tree Board chairman, joins the kids for the photo. This is the 13th year Medina has held the Arbor Day celebration. Busch and the Tree Board presented a “Friend of the Urban Forest” award to Oak Orchard Elementary School for their participation in the Arbor Day program.
“They have been supporters from the very beginning,” Busch said about the school. “A celebration isn’t a celebration without the kids. They are also the future stewards of our village forest.”
Candlelight Cabinetry in Lockport also was honored as a “Friend of the Urban Forest” for the second straight year. The company makes a generous donation to support tree planting in Medina.
Talia Rupp, a kindergartner, helps with the tree planting. Nicole Goyette (left) is the Arbor Day Coordinator for the village and Creative Studies Teacher with the Medina Central School District.
