(Left) The current sign for Butts Park at 1127 South Main St. is a wooden sign. (Right) The new sign will have a metal exterior with a portrait of John Butts, a recipient of the Medal of Honor for bravery during World War II.

MEDINA – There will soon be a new sign along South Main Street for Butts Park.

The new sign will go over the current wooden sign. The new one will have a metal exterior and will include a portrait of Lt. John Butts, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery during World War II.

Butts was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for “courage, unflinching valor and inspiring actions” in Normandy, France on June 23, 1944.

The new sign will be made by The Print Shop and it is being funded by Rick Drilling. Chris Busch, chairman of the Orleans Renaissance Group, shepherded the project.

The Medina Village Board approved the new sign on Monday during its board meeting.

“That will be lovely,” Mayor Debbie Padoleski said about the new sign. “Thank you to Rick Drilling for that.”

Butts is one of five Medal of Honor recipients from Orleans County and the only one to be awarded it posthumously.

Butts was a Boy Scout and played right guard for the Medina High School football team before enlisting with the New York National Guard on Oct. 12, 1939.

Former Orleans County Historian Matthew Ballard researched the Medal of Honor recipients from Orleans County. He shared the following details in a previous column when he was historian:

When Company F of the 108th Infantry was federalized, Butts was 17 years old and lied about his age in order to join. He was sent to Hawaii in the months following the attack at Pearl Harbor and later returned to the mainland in November of 1942 to enroll in the Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Butts graduated from the school, commissioned as a Second Lieutenant at the age of 19; he was believed to be the youngest commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Ground Forces at that time.

His service overseas began in North Africa with the invasion of French Morocco as part of Operation Torch, where the 60th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion encountered heavy resistance from German forces at an ancient fortress called “the Kasba.” The 9th Infantry Division earned its first Presidential Unit Citation during the Battle of Sedjenane when the unit repulsed a four-pronged attack from two German infantry battalions. Butts was then sent to participate in the invasion of Sicily, landing at Palermo on August 5, 1943 and remaining on the ground there until November of 1943.

After seven months of training at Winchester, England in preparation for the Allied invasion of mainland Europe, the 60th Infantry Regiment landed at Utah Beach just five days after the D-Day landing. Butts was placed in command of four squads in Easy Company of the 60th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Division charged with driving towards St. Colombe, France.

On June 12, 1944, 2nd Battalion progressed so quickly towards their objective that the remainder of 9th Division thought the 60th Infantry was lost. In fact, 2nd Battalion had pushed forward through heavy German resistance and established a bridgehead at the Douve River. Butts was wounded twice, first near Orglandes on June 14th and then at the Douve River just two days later; he refused medical treatment on both occasions in order to remain with his men.

On June 23, 1944, the 60th Infantry led the 9th Division’s advance from the Cotentin Peninsula as part of the breakout from St. Lo. While moving towards Flottemanville-Hague, Butts and his men encountered a German stronghold atop a hill, well defended with tanks, machine guns, and mortars. Butts was struck in the stomach by machine gun fire while progressing towards the objective. Pulling himself into the shelter of a nearby hedgerow, he planned a flanking maneuver with his Sergeants.

One squad was to progress up the left flank, another up the right flank, and the third was to remain in reserve. Holding one hand over his midsection and the other grasping his carbine, Butts charged the hill alone. The might of the entire German stronghold fell upon him directly, Butts falling approximately 10 yards from his objective. The distraction allowed the two flanking squads to outmaneuver the Germans while the third squad hit the hill head-on.

Awarded on July 19, 1945 by President Harry Truman, John Butts’ Medal of Honor citation references the two painful wounds he received in the days leading up to the deadly assault on June 23, 1944. His citation concluded by stating, “By his superb courage, unflinching valor and inspiring actions, 2d Lt. Butts enabled his platoon to take a formidable strong point and contributed greatly to the success of his battalion’s mission.” His brother, Charles, who visited John’s body wrote home to their parents, “John’s life reached a glorious end. It terminated exactly as John hoped it would – while performing magnificently in the face of the enemy…in an effort to relieve pressure on his men and buddies.”

The body of John Butts was interred at the U.S. Cemetery at Ste-Mere-Eglise on June 25, 1944. On April 8, 1948, his body was disinterred and sent home for burial at Medina. His body arrived in Buffalo on July 7, 1948 at the Connecticut Street Armory along with the remains of two other Medal of Honor recipients, Pfc. William Grabiarz and Pfc. Charles DeGlopper. He was buried in the family plot at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Medina.

MEDINA – Signs recently went up on Ohio Street saying “No Parking” and that’s for both sides of the street.

The Village Board on Nov. 24 approved no parking on the street after a resident said people parking on the street often trapped him in his driveway and made it difficult to see and maneuver traffic. The parking restriction was added for 525 feet of the street between Park Avenue and West Center Street.

But at Monday’s meeting, other residents said they didn’t know the no parking regulation was even being considered, or they would have spoken out at the public hearing.

Patricia Stacey said not allowing parking will force many older people who may have mobility issues to park on other streets and then walk to Ohio Street. Stacey said the sidewalks are in rough shape in parts of the area.

Stacey doesn’t have a garage or a double driveway so shifting around cars for her family will be a “nuisance” if they can’t park one briefly on the street.

“This is not New York City,” she said. “It’s Medina.”

Two other residents said the parking ban makes it difficult for them if they need to shuffle cars in their driveway and can’t park on the street.

Jessica Whitehair also submitted a petition to allow on-street parking on Ohio Street.

“This situation is particularly difficult for those living in apartments and households with limited driveway space,” she wrote in her petition. “The lack of street parking impacts the quality of life for many residents. Without easy access to parking, families may struggle with bringing groceries, lawn care, managing daily errands, or hosting social gatherings. The lack of street parking also compromises the safety of children as they are getting to and from vehicles and homes. Elderly and mobility-impaired residents are especially disadvantaged, as they might find it more difficult to walk from distant parking spots to their homes.”

Matt Anelli lives on Ohio Street and he supports the parking ban. He said Ohio Street is narrow, especially in the winter. If people park on the street it’s hard to get out of his driveway, he said.

There used to be a 2-hour limit on the street, but those limits can be difficult to enforce, village officials said.

Fire Chief Steve Cooley said there shouldn’t be parking allowed close to the intersection on Ohio Street because cars in the street would make it difficult for fire trucks to make the turn.

The Village Board will have a new public hearing at 6 p.m. on June 22 to repeal the law passed in November and change the street to parking on the west side of the street only.

Photo from shopgarage.com: Medina’s ladder truck is shown on an online site that sells fire trucks, emergency vehicles and equipment.

MEDINA – The Village of Medina’s ladder truck is officially for sale. It was listed this morning on an online site that sells fire trucks and other emergency vehicles and equipment.

The website, shopgarage.com, lists the 2025 quint fire truck with a 100-foot ladder for $2.4 million. That is about $700,000 more than Medina’s deal for the truck. Medina in March 2023 agreed to pay $1,698,995.

The Village Board on Feb. 9 voted to declare the truck surplus, to begin the process of selling it.

Medina listed the fire truck on shopgarage.com to get a big exposure for the truck, trying to get the biggest price possible, said Scott Bieliski, a Medina trustee. A broker also is helping Medina sell the truck and gets a 5 percent fee or $120,000 if the truck sells for $2.4 million. Garage isn’t the broker, but a marketplace to sell the truck. Garage also can help with freight shipping, warranty and secure payment for the transaction, the company said.

There is a lot of interest in the truck, Bieliski said during Monday’s Village Board meeting. He said a contingent from Rochester, Minnesota was in Medina on Friday to look over the ladder truck.

Three of the five board members on Feb. 9 voted to declare the truck surplus, saying the village can’t afford the truck and an addition on the fire hall to house it.

Shop Garage lists the following about the truck:

• 2025 Pierce Enforcer Quint
• Located in NY
• 1,095 miles
• Brand new, never used
• 100’ Heavy-Duty Steel Aerial Platform
• Engine: PACCAR MX-13
• Horsepower: 510 hp
• Front Suspension: TAK-4 Independent
• Rear Suspension Air
• Waterous Midship 2000 GPM pump
• 300 gallon tank
• Harrison Hydraulic 10 kW generator

The fire truck is currently being kept in the DPW garage but will soon be moved to the compost facility on North Gravel Road. The DPW garage is busy with a lot of vehicles coming and going this time of year, said Jason Watts, the DPW superintendent.

Provided photos

MEDINA – Jill Kelly, Julie Maryjanowski and about 20 members of the “Kindness Crew” were busy today painting a welcome message at the Medina Canal Basin and the bathrooms at Butts Park and State Street Park.

They also painted a few hydrants in the State Street area.

The basin wall got a major overhaul with paint and a message welcoming people to Medina.

Volunteers also painted the building at State Street Park and the bathrooms at Butts.

Mayor Debbie Padoleski said she appreciates the crew volunteering to help the community. Many of the volunteers aren’t even village residents, Padoleski said.

Some of the volunteers enjoy fellowship and some refreshments in the Canal Basin.

Becky Winans creates mandala art – ‘Sometimes I paint all night, I love it so much’

Photos Becky Winans holds her granddaughter, while looking at three pieces of mandala art, which are part of her first show at Marti’s on Main Street.

Becky Winans of Medina wears a Mandala necklace she made.

ALBION – Becky Winans, a wife, mother and grandmother, never aspired to be an artist, and it wasn’t until 2019 that she realized her talent and “let loose.”

She currently has her first show at Marti’s on Main at 20 South Main St. There is an opening reception on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the art gallery.

Winans grew up in Millville, the former Becky Pask. Her great-aunt was Esther Boyle of Medina, an artist and art teacher for the Medina School District for many years.

“She left an impression on me which sparked an interest in painting lake stones, like we did together when I was a small child,” Winans said. “I took up painting in 2018 and started out painting stones I collected from the shores of Lake Ontario.”

Gradually, she began painting on small canvas, and then larger canvas. One of her prized artistic accomplishments was painting a wooden clarinet which had been given to her at a yard sale a couple of years ago. Then a friend gave her an old ukulele and she decided it was a perfect piece on which to create artwork. Both are included in her show.

“I’m always searching for unique things to paint and dabble at a bit with decoupage art,” Winans said.

A self-taught artist, Becky Winans of Medina looks at the clarinet she painted. It is part of her first show which will debut with an opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Marti’s on Main Street in Albion.

When she discovered mandala, she was hooked. The majority of her exhibit is mandala, an art form which Google calls “a geometric configuration of symbols.”

Gallery owner Kim Martillotta Muscarella said mandala was done by monks as a form of meditation.

Winans explains mandala requires intricate work – exact spacing, texture and consistency of paint. She sometimes uses acrylics and, at times, paint pens.

She builds each piece through layers of patterns and colors, allowing her intuition to guide her hand. Her style, she said, often features bright colors that evoke a sense of joy and happiness.

“I draw inspiration from the intricate patterns of nature and spirituality when creating mandala art,” Winans said. “The circular form of the mandala represents the universe and the interconnectedness of all things, illustrating the importance of balance, wholeness and unity in life. This concept profoundly inspires my creative process.”

The clarinet she painted took a lot of work, she said. She first disassembled all the keys, then painted them individually and put them back together.

“Sometimes I paint all night, I love it so much,” she said.

“Mandalas create a calming and meditative space for reflection,” Winans said. “My hope is that my mandalas instill a sense of peace, contemplation and perhaps joy as you immerse yourself in each piece, allowing for personal interpretations that resonate with you.”

Also exhibiting in Friday’s show is Mark Weld of Middleport and Cindy Meal of Lockport.

Weld is a self-taught artist and welder. He creates metal art and has exhibited in regional shows, including the Allentown Art Festival and the Adirondacks National Exhibition.

Meal began painting in 1997. She had been writing poems and short stories in her spare time, but needed something more. She wanted to somehow paint to communicate, and when a friend told her to do it, she did. She learned about plein art, but also strives to paint more creatively using expressionism, impressionism and abstraction.

An opening reception is from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, and the exhibit runs through June 13. Viewing is by appointment by calling (585) 590-9211, or communication may be sent to Marti’s on Main Street, P.O. Box 103, Albion, 14411.

District under tax cap for 17^th straight year

MEDINA – School officials have put together a $47,998,851 proposed budget for the 2026-27 school year.

District residents will go to the polls on May 19 from noon to 8 p.m. in the Oak Orchard Primary School Gymnasium, 335 West Oak Orchard St.

The budget increases spending by 2.89 percent from the current $46,648,693. The tax levy, what the district collects in property taxes, would increase by 1.97 percent – from $9,170,809 to $9,351,474.

State and federal aid are at $36,556,210 and covers 76.2 percent of the budget. Property taxes represent 19.5 percent of the budget.

School officials provided these highlights of the budget:

• Maintaining all existing programs, sports and extracurricular activities
• Continued commitment to providing school supplies for all students
• Review of current and future contractual obligations
• Purchases 2 full-sized buses and one half-sized bus.
• Support for district strategic priorities
• Providing students with the most up-to-date programming and facilities
• Development of a new 5-year staffing plan
• Use of available reserves and fund balance to balance the budget

The budget is again under the tax cap – for the 17^th straight year.

“The budget was developed with the Medina Central School District’s vision and mission in mind, guiding all budgeting decisions,” Board President Alissa Mitchell wrote in a letter to the community. “Additionally, the long-range fiscal planning of our Board of Education has allowed the District to submit a budget below the tax cap for the seventeenth straight year.”

There are three candidates for three open seats on the Board of Education:

Steven Blount – A physician assistant at Rochester Regional Health Medina Family Medicine, Blount has been on the board the past three years. Since 2023, he has earned a Doctorate in Health Administration and an MBA.

“I am running to ensure that our district operates with transparency and accountability while maintaining the excellence in education you have come to expect,” Dr. Blount state din the district newsletter. “I want to bring my experience in complex problem-solving and evidence-based practice to the Board to help navigate the challenges facing our schools, ensuring every child in Medina has the resources and support to reach their fullest potential.”

LuAnn Tierney – A retired teacher at Roy-Hart, Tierney currently is a track and field official for USATF, NCAA and NFHS. She has been on the Board of Education for six years.

“My goal is to help create an environment on the school board that is supportive of education, supportive of our staff, and our community,” Tierney said. “This will allow us to have the ability to weigh everyone’s opinion, come to consensus and respect the outcome. We have always worked to do our best to provide a quality education while keeping the tax rate increases to a minimum. We continue to explore new ways to improve and grow as a district.”

Mackenzie Sullivan – The nursing supervisor for Orleans Community Health/Medina Memorial Hospital, Sullivan is a Medina graduate.

“I would like to serve in this role to help ensure that our standard of excellence continues well into the future,” she said. “As a parent of a current student in our district, I am also a personal stakeholder in the success of the Medina CSD. In my career as a registered nurse, I am well versed in NYS regulatory agencies and the struggles of navigating amongst them, bringing that experience and viewpoint to the board.”

Press Release, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library

MEDINA – The Board of Trustees of Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina has scheduled its annual meeting for 7 p.m. on Monday, May 11, at the library. It will be preceded by the regular meeting at 6 p.m.

The Board will present the Library’s Annual Report to the community as well as the proposed 2026-27 budget. Also on the annual meeting agenda will be the election of one member to the Board of Trustees. Stephen O’Dea is running for a new term.

The Board is proposing a total budget of $963,266 for 2026-27. This includes the first bond payment of $253,222 and an operating budget of $710,044.

The proposed increase to the tax levy is $20,456. The proposed increase is within the state-imposed tax cap allowance; the library has never exceeded the tax cap. The proposed tax levy of $622,795 comprises the majority of the library’s funding and is charged to all property owners in the Medina Central School District.

“Our goal is to provide a high level of service to the community at the lowest tax rate possible,” said Cynthia Kiebala, Board President. “We strive to keep the tax levy in check. This budget provides 2,760 hours of access, staffing, materials and programming.”

The proposed tax increase will primarily be used to offset increased costs for staffing, health insurance and utilities. This is also the first year for the bond repayment of $253,222. This will appear on your school taxes as a separate line from the Operating Budget levied for the library’s normal expenses.

The results of the budget vote will not change the bond levy amount.

Copies of the proposed budget and annual report to the community are available at the library.

Voting on the budget will take place at the library on Tuesday, May 12th from 12 noon until 8 p.m.

Residents of the Medina Central School District over the age of 18 are eligible to vote at the annual meeting and on the budget. Identification and proof of residence are required.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Officers of the Food Pantry at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church are, from left, Michelle Capstick, president; Sally Grimm, volunteer coordinator; Kari Root, new board member and secretary; and Robin Dubai, food pantry coordinator. Absent is board member Marian Fry.

MEDINA – Behind the scenes at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church’s Food Pantry is a dedicated team of volunteers who give of their time and energy to make sure the food pantry is there for those who need it.

Pastor Sohail Akhtar of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church welcomes guests and gives the blessing at the annual luncheon Thursday honoring volunteers of the Food Pantry.

On Thursday, those volunteers were recognized at a luncheon sponsored by St. Peter’s Church.

Robin Dubai has overseen the food pantry for 32 years, with help from her husband Denny and Bob Maryjanowski, who do the heavy work and unload the Foodlink truck. Dubai’s sister Diane Mazur is also a volunteer.

Dubai said the community is generous and they have been very good to the food pantry. She also acknowledged Kathy Iorio’s contribution to the food pantry by doing the double bagging.

President Michelle Capstick has also taken over the treasurer’s duties formerly handled by Jim Hancock, until he retired in 2025 after 45 years. He continues to help by picking up food once a month which has been donated to Lee-Whedon Memorial Library for the pantry.

Dubai said the food pantry serves 60-65 families a month. It is open from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday and Thursday. Days it is not open, those in need of food can go The Vine on Maple Ridge Road.

St. Peter’s food pantry was originally started by Joe and Mary Jane Sczechowiak and Ginny Krownski, and was located in the kitchen and basement of the church parsonage, Dubai said. Dubai first became involved with stocking the shelves. She likes to recall one story of a mother and her children who came regularly to the food pantry.

“One day the oldest son took a big box of cereal out of the bag and said, ‘I’m going to put this under my bed, so when I get hungry at night, I’ll have something to eat.’ I never forgot that, and I’ve hoped some day a successful man would walk in and say that was him. I’d love to know where the family is and that they are doing well.”

Provided photo: Cleaning up Lions Park has been a tradition of Medina Lions for decades. Here Matt Kreutz, Lions Club chairman of the park cleanup (in the plaid shirt at right), poses with Boy Scouts from Troop 28 and Girl Scouts from Troop 82096, after finishing their work Saturday morning.

MEDINA – Medina Lions completed their cleanup of Lions Park on Saturday, with help from Boy Scout Troop 28 and Girl Scout Troop 82096.

The Lions thanked Tim Winters and the village of Medina, who brought mulch.

The Lions have been taking care of Lions Park for decades, said Lion Dean Bellack. He said they received a thank-you call from Mayor Deb Padoleski.

The cleanup was originally scheduled two weeks ago on April 25, but had to be postponed due to heavy rain.

Canal Village Farmers’ Market uses former NAPA site during cold weather months

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Dave Kusmierczak, left, buys a cabbage from Ron Human of Human Farms in Appleton. Human has been a vendor at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market since shortly after it opened more than 10 years ago.

MEDINA – On Saturday, the Canal Village Farmers’ Market will open at its summer location at the corner of West Center Street and West Avenue, featuring new vendors, activities for children and special focus on events of interest to adults. Hours will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekly.

A handful of dedicated vendors have kept the market going since 2015, but to thrive, more vendors are needed and, most importantly, regular shoppers.

“Canal Village Farmers’ Market wants to grow both its vendor base and dedicated customer base,” said market manager Gail Miller. “Vendors won’t stay with the market if they do not have good sales, and attracting customers is not easy if there is not enough variety. The market has a great selection at this time, and will be adding some new vendors this season – another vegetable farm, flowers and crafts. Mushrooms will be back, as Baker Farms will begin selling Hartland Organics mushrooms. We are looking for a soap vendor, wineries and other unique items.”

Rose Baker of Baker Farms talks with market manager Gail Miller, right, while a customer looks on. Baker Farms on Beals Road raises and sells its own beef, pork and eggs.

Miller recommends watching the farmers’ market Facebook and Instagram pages to see all of the products available each week.

Chris Busch, president of Orleans Renaissance Group, sponsor of the market, urged community support of the venture.

“The market has been around for more than 10 years now,” Busch said. “In those earlier years we had more than 500 customers every Saturday, with many of the same vendors and products we have now. We really need our customers to recommit to supporting our community farmers’ market. It’s good for our farmers and producers, and good for the community. Our market isn’t the glitziest, but it has a lot to offer – great products, kids’ activities, live music – and this year we’re adding even more.”

This year’s vendors include Baker Farms (garlic, eggs, beef, pork and scapes); Bower Family Farm and Greenhouse (microgreens, maple syrup and jams); Hazel & Honey Bakes (scones, cookies and sourdough); Human Farms and Greenhouse (vegetables, fruit, eggs and plants); LockRidge Apiary (honey, bees wax); Kimbriel Farm (vegetables); Rosario Farm (fruit and vegetables); Flower Fields Forever (flowers); and crafts (MGERH, Metal Neurosis, EBS Luxuries and two others starting in mid-June.

This list does not show all products available.

A customer buys microgreens from Leonard Bower at Bower Family Farm’s booth at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market in Medina.

Special events planned for kids include, on opening day, a Kids’ Tent where they will show how to do a little art on a cup and plant several seeds in it. In June, the market will participate in Medina Area Partnership’s Faery Festival, and on July 3 the annual Zucchini 500 till take place. All ages are invited to attend this fun event.

Just for adults, on June 6 the market will have a limited number of spots available for folks who need an area to sell items during the Medina Community Yard Sale. Almost any type of merchandise can be sold at the market. In addition, adults will enjoy food demos throughout the season, given by chef Caitlyn from Shelridge County Club. Another event will be “Dog Days of Summer,” where people will vote for the best dog in certain categories. Additional events will be added later in the season, Miller said.

The market also offers free space to non-profits to promote their organization or cause.

For more information or to request a vendor spot, contact canalvillagemarket@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page.

Sue Payne of Medina crochets doilies at her booth at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market at its winter site in the former NAPA Building.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Medina Canal Basin is shown last summer with a houseboat, the Erie Floatel LLC, at left. Another boat owner wants to rent out a yacht as a short-term rental this canal season.

MEDINA – The Medina Village Board has two requests from boat owners to lease space in the Canal Basin this upcoming canal season.

But village officials first want input from the State Canal Corp., where there has been a big increase in using houseboats for short-term rentals on the Erie Canal, said Jeff Wagner, the Medina village trustee.

He has been speaking the Canal Corp. officials about how to best handle the requests. The new canal season starts on May 15 and goes until Oct. 14.

Medina approved a lease in its basin last summer for the Erie Floatel, LLC. That boat was operated by Andrew Meier and Svein Lilleby and it stayed on the south side of the canal, using one of the village’s floating docks.

Medina charged a lease fee of $220, plus another $100 for electric and water consumption for the season.

Rollin Hellner owns a 34-foot-long yacht that he would like to rent out through Airbnb. His father Brian Hellner ran a tour boat business from the Canal Basin but won’t be doing that this year. Rollin would like to keep his boat in the same slip where his father docked the North Star. This is the same boat that Rollin would like to rent out for overnight stays.

“We intend to operate under the same rules, requirements, and fee structure that have already been established and approved for vessel-based Airbnb operations within the Village,” Hellner said in a letter to the Village Board on April 13. “This will be a continuation of an established and successful lodging option that supports tourism and brings additional visitors to Medina’s waterfront and local businesses.”

The Erie Floatel, LLC made its debut in Medina last summer. It is available as a short-term rental directly on the Erie Canal.

Andrew Meier, in an April 13 letter to the board, said Erie Floatel had a great first year last summer with universally positive feedback, earning a rare “5.0 Guest Favorite” status on Airbnb. The houseboat will be exclusively listed on Airbnb and VRBO this year, without direct bookings, Meier said in a letter to the board.

The Erie Floatel is moored and not drivable by guests. There is a two-person maximum occupancy.

Meier offered to pay $500 towards utilities for the boat, up from the $100 in the initial lease.

“The houseboat resulted in many unique visitors to Medina through the course of the summer, who patronized local retail shops and eateries,” Meier write. “It further generated direct revenue to the Village in the form of nightly occupancy taxes. From all accounts, the enterprise was a ‘win-win.’”

Press Release, Velocitii

Jeff Brandt

MEDINA – Velocitii, a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company, is proud to announce its recognition as a recipient of the Top Workplaces 2026 award presented by Rochester Top Workplaces.

This year, Velocitii earned 14th place in the Mid-Size Company category, reflecting the organization’s continued commitment to building a strong, people-first workplace culture.

This recognition highlights Velocitii’s ongoing dedication to fostering employee engagement, supporting professional growth, and strengthening a culture centered on collaboration and accountability. Over the past year, the company has continued to invest in initiatives designed to enhance the employee experience, including expanded engagement programs, structured feedback channels, ongoing leadership development efforts, and continued refinement of internal recognition and growth opportunities.

“At Velocitii, we believe the best outcomes start with empowered people. When our teams feel supported, connected, and equipped to succeed, that impact carries through to every client we serve.” said Jeff Brandt, CIO at Velocitii. “Being recognized as a Top Workplace once again is an honor, and it reflects the progress we continue to make in building a more efficient, supportive, and employee-focused organization.”

This achievement underscores the importance of prioritizing employee satisfaction and engagement within the competitive BPO industry. Velocitii’s continued recognition as a Top Workplace reflects its commitment to building a sustainable culture where employees can grow, contribute meaningfully, and thrive.

About Velocitii:

We partner with brands and organizations to create opportunities, find new customers, generate revenue, and build powerful connections at every touchpoint. Velocitii delivers a complete suite of business services and excels in designing solutions that align with client business goals, strategy, and financial objectives. We thrive on managing complex customer interactions. Our culture empowers our agents, leading to reduced attrition and consistent attainment of performance goals.

Photos by Tom Rivers: St. John’s Episcopal Church is shown on Oct. 18 when the church was featured in an architectural tour to benefit the Cobblestone Museum. The stained-glass windows, some from the 1800s, are the earliest ones in Orleans County.

MEDINA – The annual “Sacred Sites” tour around the state will feature St. John’s Episcopal Church, one of the oldest churches in the county.

St. John’s also is known as “the church in the middle of the road” and has been featured on Ripley’s Believe It or Not.

Provided photo: The church is one of the oldest in the region. Construction started in 1832 and was completed in 1838, with a bell tower added later.

St. John’s church began as St. Luke’s Mission in 1827, a result of a rapidly growing village and a group of men who felt spiritual guidance was needed. The Erie Canal was bringing progress and more people along its path.

Construction was started in 1832 with the Medina sandstone quarried from the banks of the Erie Canal. The building was completed, except for the tower, in 1838.

St. John’s will be part of the New York Landmarks Conservancy’s 16th annual Sacred Sites Open House on May 16 & 17. Visitors are welcome to explore the extraordinary architecture, art and history of diverse houses of worship across New York.

This year’s theme is “Holding Community Memories,” and participating sites will showcase their buildings, histories, and community programs through guided tours, lectures, musical performances, and by opening their archives, the Conservancy stated.

“Open House Weekend is an invitation to explore the architecture, art, and history within religious buildings in your community,” says Peg Breen, President of the New York Landmarks Conservancy.  “It’s an easy and enjoyable way to be a tourist in your own town.”

To date, congregations participating from the Western New York region in Sacred Sites include:

Buffalo

• Blessed Trinity Roman Catholic Church, 317 Leroy Avenue, Saturday, May 16, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Corpus Christi Church, 199 Clark Street – Saturday, May 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, May 17, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Niagara Falls

• Niagara Heritage of Hope and Service, Home of Historic Holy Trinity, 1419 Falls Street – Sunday, May 17, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Medina

• St. John’s Episcopal Church, 200 E Center Street – Saturday, May 16, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information about the New York Landmarks Conservancy Sacred Sites Open House, visit nylandmarks.org.

St. John’s, shown during the Oct. 18 open house, will offer guided tours and music on May 16 as well as games for children.