MEDINA – Medina’s Canal Village Farmer’s Market has found a new home for the winter – in the basement of the former NAPA building on North Main Street.

Previously, the market occupied the first floor of the building, but that is now home to the Triennial Hub, according to Chris Busch, president of Orleans Renaissance Group, which sponsors the market.

The market’s new location from now through spring is in the lower, rear section of the building, with storefront access in the canal basin. Hours will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

The NAPA building had previously been owned by Craig Lacy and his family since 1925. He recently sold the building to Samantha Rae Hughes of Hughes Martin, LLC of Lockport, who is in the process of redeveloping the site.

“The new owner has been great to us,” said Gail Miller, manager of the market. “The Canal Village Winter Farmer’s Market will actually be located Canalside this year. We are incredibly grateful to Samantha for allowing us to use this beautiful space for the winter. Without it, there’d be no winter market.”

In years past, the canal basin space was occupied by Bob’s Electronics, but has sat empty for several years, according to Busch.

“We’re very excited to embrace the new spot,” Miller said. “There’s plenty of parking in the basin and plenty of room for our vendors, too.”

Plans are currently underway to redevelop the current summer market site at 127 West Center St. into an entirely new facility, on the site where once existed a Shell gas station, circa 1964, and later a drive-thru bank. The summer market operates there from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays from June through October.

In 2024, a successful grant of $4.5 million was awarded by New York State to the village of Medina, including $725,000 for an exciting and transformative redevelopment of the entire market site. The project will feature a new addition to the existing structure, affording more interior, year-round operating space, along with an entire redevelopment of this pivotal location in downtown Medina.

It will be the first truly impactful development on-site in more than 60 years, according to Busch.

To date, $750,000 has been secured toward the goal of $1.2 million to fully complete this transformative project as envisioned.

To that end, ORG continues to pursue every avenue of additional funding via grants, charitable foundations and private contributions, according to information provided by Busch.

Once completed, the new facility will provide the market with year-round conditioned space and the ability for expanded hours and offerings.

“We’re very lucky to have Canal Village Farmer’s Market year-round, but it takes generous volunteers and benefactors who believe in its importance to the community,” Busch said.

In addition to a dedicated core of volunteers, Busch said the market also benefits from generous community sponsorship from Takeform, Medina Lumber and Hardware and Maureen Sanderson, who lend financial support to the operation.

The market has operated at its summer site on West Center Street and West Avenue since 2015.

“It’s a great spot for a festive, open-air summer market, but the current facilities are tired,” Busch said. “We need our customers to hang in there and support us while we get through this project. Once the new facility is complete, it will be a game-changer, not only for the market, but for the site, downtown and the community. We envision a bigger, better, expanded market, along with a site that can support great community activities. It will be a hub for downtown.”

A start date for construction has not yet been set, but according to Busch,’ “It will be sooner, rather than later.”

Vendors at the newly-located winter market will include Human Farms and Greenhouse (assorted vegetables, spice blends and BBQ sauces), Stone Hollow Farms (fresh bread), Baker Farms (local meats, eggs and garlic), LockRidge Apiary (local honey and honey products), Bower Family Farms and Greenhouse (microgreens, pumpkins, mums and apples) and MBHERR (dog paw creams and moisturizers and seasonal crafts).

The winter market will also continue the Kid’s Tent, featuring crafts and a scavenger hunt with prizes.

Community groups continue to be invited to frequent the “Community Table,” a space for non-profits and groups to connect with the public.

Additionally, the market will serve as a canned/non-perishable food drop-off center for the Medina Emergency Food Pantry. No food will be distributed at the market, but can be obtained at the Emergency Food Pantry located at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church at 1355 West Ave., from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“Shoppers are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to help others in need,” Miller said. “People really require our help right now. Circumstances are especially difficult and the market is happy to be able to provide a collection site.”

Donations must be suitable for consumption, Busch said. No expired or damaged items will be accepted, or no broken boxes/bags.

Additional information about the market or any of its features is available by e-mailing Miller at canalvillagemarket@gmail.com or via FB Message.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Rindy Punch, a resident of the North Wing, hands out candy to a young visitor during Wednesday’s Halloween party. (Right) North Wing activities director Adrian Belson, left, and Anna Lewis, activities coordinator, pose in costume with Lewis’ Golden Retriever Billie at the annual Halloween party for residents of the residential wing at Medina Memorial Hospital.

MEDINA – Residents of Medina Memorial Hospital’s North Wing showed their Halloween spirit on Friday morning at the annual party planned by Activities Director Adrian Belson.

Belson started the party seven or eight years ago, and it has grown into a Halloween tradition.

Each year, all the residents are dressed in costume, with help from staff and family. The activities department has an assortment of costumes, and families brought in items so all the residents were decked out for the occasion.

Residents of Medina Memorial Hospital’s North Wing dressed in costume and lined both hallways during their annual Halloween Party. Here, in front, resident Pat Watson is visited by her daughters, Sue Weese at left and Ann Watson, right.

All 28 residents of the North Wing are dressed in a costume and given a bucket of candy to hand out to children who visit. This includes children of staff and friends and the P ‘Raising Day Care Center, who visit every year.

“Adrian has got this event down to a science,” said certified nursing assistant Tina Kelley. “She’s been doing it for years. The whole Activities Department does a wonderful job here. They also do a big celebration for Thanksgiving with staff and family members, as well as Christmas.”

(Left) Makenzie Muck and Kaitlyn Albone of Lyndonville are dressed as a chicken and duck for their visit to the North Wing’s Halloween party on Wednesday morning. Kaitlyn holds her daughter Nova, who will be 1 on Nov. 11. They said Anna Lewis told them about the party and they wanted to visit because their grandma used to be a resident there. (Right) Lindsay Wilston, a certified nursing assistant at the North Wing, was dressed in costume for the Halloween party for residents. Residents were given buckets of candy to hand out to visitors, which included children from P ‘Raising Kids Day Care.

One resident was Audrey Bieliski, who dressed as a nurse. It was a fitting costume, as Bieliski actually worked as a nurse in the hospital for 36 years, said her daughter Margo Sarchia.

“It’s amazing they do this,” Sarchia said. “It takes so much time but they always put the residents first.”

After children and other guests visited all the residents who lined the halls and got their candy, they were given punch and Halloween cookies.

Nicki Fredericks visits her brother Fulton Rogers there every day and thought the costume party was wonderful.

“It’s great they do something like this,” Fredericks said. “Every resident is in costume, even if it’s just a hat or a neckerchief. They do a good job here. It’s nice to see.”

Visiting Medina Memorial Hospital’s North Wing Halloween party were, from left, Tom Bloomer, North Wing administrator; Rebecca Mannella, director of nursing; and Cassie Maynard, charge nurse.

Audrey Bieliski dressed as a nurse, a fitting costume, as she was a nurse on the North Wing for 36 years. On the wall behind her is a picture of her in uniform with three staff members, taken in 1975. Friday morning she handed out candy with other North Wing residents to young children who visited, many from P ‘Raising Kids Day Care. Waiting for his candy is Jon Kirkpatrick, 2, of Lyndonville, whose mom Amber works in the unit.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) In addition to installation of a wheelchair-accessible lift outside the Knights of Columbus in Medina, council members raised enough money to put in new aluminum stairs at the back of their building. (Right) Jim Mirand, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus in Medina, takes a ride on their new lift with Medina mayor Marguerite Sherman and David Feltz, campaign chair, prior to cutting the ribbon celebrating completion of the lift on Wednesday.

MEDINA – A nearly year-long fundraising campaign was celebrated on Wednesday morning with a ribbon cutting by Medina’s Knights of Columbus Council, recognizing installation of an enclosed wheelchair lift and new aluminum stairs at their rear of their building.

Participating in the ceremony were Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman, Grand Knight Jim Mirand, fundraising campaign chairman David Feltz and bar president Steve Winans.

Sherman and Mirand rode on the elevator to the second floor Council rooms, as he explained its purpose in providing access to wheelchair or handicapped individuals. He said it is designed for outdoor use and will not be affected by the cold.

“This will be a game-changer for us,” Feltz said. “This will allow access for anyone who wants to visit our Council but is handicapped.”

Mirand said they are also constructing a new unisex bathroom in their facility.

The lift project was completed because of a successful fundraising campaign that started in July 2024 and ended on Easter Sunday 2025, Mirand said. When the Knights were unsuccessful in obtaining grant money from the New York Forward project when the winners were announced in May 2024, Mirand said they were disappointed, but not defeated.

“The organization moved forward with an aggressive fundraising campaign,” Mirand said. “The campaign was spearheaded by myself and campaign chair David Feltz, along with Bar President Steve Winans, who played a significant role during the construction phase of the project.”

Mayor Marguerite Sherman, left, joins Knights of Columbus members Steve Winans, Bar President; Grand Knight Jim Mirand; and campaign chairman David Feltz in cutting the ribbon to celebrate the installation of a lift outside their council building on Main Street in Medina.

More than $140,000 was raised from donations received from more than 160 individuals, families and organizations. Donations ranged from $100 to $25,000. The Knights raised an additional $25,000 through raffles and dinners that were held during the same period. The balance of the funds came from savings and loans secured by the Knights.

A grand total of $230,000 was spent on the lift, along with a new set of aluminum stairs which meet ADA standards. Additionally, there was new electrical work completed and new air conditioning for the banquet hall, plus concrete and masonry work. A new entrance was also installed on the front of the building.

Medina Knights of Columbus Council 651 was founded on March 17, 1902. Although the history of the transaction is somewhat unclear, the Knights obtained the deed to their building at 418-422 Main St. in 1921.

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men’s organization that was founded March 29, 1882 by Father Michael McGivney in New Haven, Conn. The Medina Knights was the 651st council to receive a charter, Currently, there are more than 17,000 Knights councils worldwide, with more than 1.5 million members.  Medina’s council claims around 100 members.

The Medina Knights have a long and proud history of supporting the local community, Mirand said. They have sponsored a scholarship to a graduating Medina High School senior for the past 25 years. They proudly support local veterans through donations to Operation Honor and the patriot trip.

Each year they sponsor a member-driven food drive that benefits the Medina Emergency Food Pantry. They have held bowling, shuffleboard and golf tournaments for more than 30 years to raise funds to support their other charitable donations to the local community.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Alma de México does a folkloric dance on Oct. 26, 2024 during a Day of the Dead celebration at the Orleans County YMCA. After six years at the YMCA, the event will move to the Medina Triennial at 345 North Main St. on Saturday.

MEDINA – The Día de los Muertos Festival “Day of the Dead” will be on Saturday in Medina, and will be at a different location this year.

After six years at the YMCA on Pearl Street, the event is shifting to the Medina Triennial headquarters at North Main St. The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!) continues as the main organizer of this event.

The celebration is reimagined this year as an exhibit-based cultural education program, keeping the traditions alive while helping to provide accessibility and safety, organizers said.

Some of the exhibits and features will include:

• Large Ofrenda (altar): For community members and students to place battery-operated candles, photos and letters to loved ones.
• Mojigangas: Giant papier-mâché or cardboard puppets, often 10–12 feet tall. They’re worn over a performer’s body with a harness or frame. The person inside sees through a mesh or cutout near the puppet’s neck or chest. Their purpose is to bring humor, liveliness, and visual spectacle to the celebration, a mix of satire and joy symbolizing the unity of life and death.
• Storyboard Wall: Large, bilingual (English/Spanish) visual timeline introducing the history, meaning, and evolution of Día de los Muertos — from its Indigenous roots to modern-day traditions.
• Video Screenings: Past festival footage and short documentaries played on screens.
• Interactive Kids’ Activities (field trips & public):
• Tissue paper marigolds (symbolic flower).
• “Catrina” figurines (cone dress, marshmallow head, tissue hat, pipe cleaner arms, Día de los Muertos designs).
• Picture frame + remembrance letter project (for altar display).
• Cultural Introduction: Brief introduction of Medina Triennial and Dia de los Muertos at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. by Federico Rosario, Community Engagement & Programs Coordinator of Medina Triennial.

Provided photos: The group is shown at the American Legion Butts-Clark Post 204 at 305 North Main St.

Information courtesy of Deborah Berry, VFW Auxiliary Treasurer

MEDINA – The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and Auxiliary members from the VFW Lincoln Post 1483 in Medina as well as members from the community held a Stop 22 Walk to increase the public awareness of veteran suicide.

The members walked 22 minutes along Medina Business District in the village of Medina.  An average of 22 veterans die by suicide every day.

A veteran in any type of need or service is encouraged to reach out to our VFW Post 1483 at 216 East Center Street in Medina. Help is also available at the National Veteran Crisis Hotline 1-800-273-8255.

Participants in the walk include VFW 1483 Post members Patrick Little, Louis Chraston, Steve Earle, and Gregg Smith.  VFW  Aux members Dave and Debbie Berry, Donna Little, Tammy Pogel, Evon Parker, Becky Persons, and Joe Meyer.  Community members Jenn Arnold, Kevin Dennis and Joe Fearby.

The walkers are pictured in front of the VFW Post 1483 at 216 East Center St.

Photos and information courtesy of Medina Marching Band

SYRACUSE – The NYS Field Band Conference held their championship show on Sunday at the JMA Dome in Syracuse. This championship competition brings together over 50 of the finest high school marching bands in the northeastern US and is the culmination of an eight-week season.

Band members, directors, staff and boosters from each competing school spent countless hours preparing for this prestigious event.

Bands are divided into six different classifications based on school size and past competitive  experience. Each band performs a musical and visual show lasting about 10 minutes before a panel of judges. Each band receives a plaque and the highest scoring NYS band in each class will take home the coveted Governor’s Cup.

Medina competed in the SS1 division with 8 other schools and Medina placed 9th with a score of 84.35. The scores for SS1 include Mineola in 1st with 95.05, followed Roslyn in second with 93, New Hartford in 3rd with 92.20, Phoenix in 4th with 90.45, Central Square in 5th with 89.775, East Irondequoit in 6th with 88.25, East Syracuse Minoa in 7th with 87.5, and Malverne in 8th with 86.80.

The first-place bands in the other divisions include: SS2 – Oswego with 87.35; SS3 – Jordan Elbridge with 83.20; LS3 – Hilton with 81.20; LS2 – Brentwood with 92.0; National class – Liverpool with 96.325.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Mike Snyder, left, vice president of Sacred Heart Club, stands with president John “JT” Thomas next to the new plaque on the wall, where the names of members with 50 or more years of membership will be added. (Right) John Thomas looks at a list of the founding members of Sacred Heart Club, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024.

MEDINA – John “JT” Thomas, president of Sacred Heart Club, has unveiled a new way the club has started to honor long-standing members.

In the future, members who reach 50 years of membership will have their name on a plaque on the wall. The names have already been added of 45 members who reached that milestone. Topping the list is the late Stanley Stack, who was a member for more than 60 years.

“I wanted to acknowledge and recognize those members who do good things,” Thomas said. “It’s about thanking those guys. We couldn’t do it without you.”

The plaque has already been hung on the wall and 45 names are on it, and others will be added as they reach the 50-year membership level.

“We’ve never had anything like this here,” Thomas said.

Thomas shared the history of Sacred Heart Club, the church and school.

Polish settlers started arriving in Medina in the late 1870s. There was no Polish parish, so most of them attended St. Mary’s with a few going to the Polish parish in Albion. As Medina’s Polish community grew, Henry Piatek began to lay the groundwork for a parish. A delegation approached the Albion priest and on June 20,1909, he held the first Polish Mass in the home of Vincenty Wysocki on Commercial Street.

John “JT” Thomas, president of Sacred Heart Club, left, talks to a handful of members about a new feature to honor longtime members. There is a plaque on the wall on which is placed the names of those with 50 years or more of membership. At right front is Jack Davis, 89, a member with 47 years at Sacred Heart.

Parish members began building a church on Ann Street in 1909 and it was completed Feb. 1, 1910. Founding members were Franciszek Waclowski, Andrew Kujawa, Wojciech Dorski, Leon Fracszak, Stanislaw Levandowski, Thomas Gottovi, Michael Balcerzak and Josef Maryjanowski.

As the church was being built, a group of 24 leading Polish men from the Sacred Heart purchased a plot of land on North Gravel Road to be used as a parish cemetery. The first interment in Sacred Heart Cemetery was Sept. 4, 1910.

Sacred Heart members next purchased a clubhouse on North Gravel Road, and it became the Sacred Heart Club. It was officially incorporated as the Sacred Heart Society on May 24, 1924

In 1925, the Sisters of St. Joseph were petitioned to come to Medina and establish a school. A school was built and on Jan 2, 1926, it officially opened, admitting 61 students. Hundreds of students were educated there until its closing in 1969.

The church suffered a tragic fire in 1981, when an arsonist set it ablaze. The interior was badly damaged and took two years to remodel.

“The church may have survived the fire, but it couldn’t hold up to the economic decline of the region,” Thomas said. “In 2008 the Sacred Heart of Jesus joined with St. Mary’s in Medina and St. Stephen’s in Middleport to create the Holy Trinity Parish, resulting in the closing of Sacred Heart Church.”

The mission previous members passed down to Sacred Heart Club is dedication to support local worthwhile charities financially and otherwise, including youth, seniors and a veterans’ group. They continue to support St. Peter’s Food Pantry, the yearly Veterans’ trip to Washington, D.C., Wreaths Across America and other multiple veterans’ causes, the Orleans County 4-H Fair, YMCA, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, police and fire departments and a $500 yearly scholarship at Medina High School.

In closing, Thomas said they honor, not only members who have passed, but they honor and thank members who have served Sacred Heart Society for 50 consecutive years or more.

“Without the pillars you created, this Society would not be in existence,” Thomas said of the long-term members. “Your legacy of service inspires us all, and we are eager to continue building on the foundation you have helped create for the future of this Society. Thank you for being a vital part of our past, present and future. We are incredibly proud to celebrate your service and accomplishments and to share our deepest appreciation for all you’ve done for the Society.”

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Iris Rosario Reyes and Gerardo Lareto Diaz work in their farm’s booth at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.

MEDINA – Realizing their life’s dream didn’t happen overnight for Pablo and Beatrice Rosario of West Lee Road.

The couple immigrated to the United States from Mexico more than 30 years ago, settling in Florida and working farms there. They picked oranges and tomatoes there, then one year decided to come north in the fall to pick apples.

They had always dreamed of having a farm of their own and decided to stay in Orleans County, said daughter Iris Rosario Reyes. In 2016 the opportunity arose to purchase their own farm on West Lee Road, Albion.

“We did so many renovations,” Reyes said. “We bought tractors and built greenhouses.”

Rosario Farms now specializes in berries, with 85 acres of apples, peaches, blueberries, raspberries, pears, plums and nectarines.

“Every little crack of land, we plant something,” Reyes said.

They also rent a farm on Route 104.

“The best part of farming is being alone with nature,” Reyes said. “We mow the orchards and they look so cool.”

This is the family’s first year as a vendor at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market. In addition to that, they have a stand at each of their farm’s locations. They welcome the opportunity to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to the community.

Located at the corner of West Center Street and West Avenue, the market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The farmers’ market will shift to its winter site at 345 Main St. beginning on Nov. 1, using the part of the building closer to the canal rather than the side facing Main Street.

Provided photo: These cornhole boards will be raffled off during a tournament on Nov. 8 at the Knights of Columbus in Medina.

MEDINA – Operation Honor is trying a cornhole tournament on Nov. 8 as a fundraiser for local veterans.

The event is a shift away from a 5K in Medina that Operation Honor had been organizing around Veterans Day. The new cornhole tournament also includes a basket raffle.

The event will be at the Knights of Columbus in Medina.  The tournament starts at 1 p.m., and baskets will be drawn at 5 p.m.

Doors will open at noon for practice and the basket raffle. There will be drinks and food available all day. Spots are still available for the cornhole tournament.  The registration fee is $60 per team. The basket raffle is open to the public.

To register, contact Jenn Thom, Operation Honor director, at 585-356-9596 or operationhonor18@gmail.com.

Basket raffle donations can be dropped off at 415 West Ave., Suite 2.

Operation Honor is a non-profit organization in Orleans County that provides financial assistance and support to local military veterans and their families. It helps with utility bills, car payments and heating pellets, and it also supports other veteran-focused initiatives, such as a van service for medical appointments.

Photos courtesy of Dave Miller: The Parade of Lights banner leads off last year’s parade. Plans are well underway for this year’s parade Nov. 29.

MEDINA – Days are getting shorter and temperatures are dropping, but one thing which is picking up speed is planning for this year’s Parade of Lights, scheduled Nov. 29.

Jim Hancock heads the Parade of Lights Committee, which met Monday night at the home Reinhard Rogowski. Members include Barb Hancock, Todd and Nikki Bensley, Dave and Gail Miller, Dave Stacey, Kathie Valley and Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus (Kevin and Sue DeHollander).

Hancock was delighted to report he already has a number of first-time entrants and several returning floats, and is urging citizens, business people, organizations and fire companies to put their thinking caps on and come up with a float.

Entry forms to enter a float or become a sponsor are available online at www.christmasinmedina.com. Deadline to submit entries is Nov. 25. The parade follows a day-long Christmas celebration in Medina, sponsored by the Medina Area Partnership.

The Parade of Lights has been a major attraction in Medina and beyond since its inception 16 years ago, attracting thousands of people every year and 35 to 45 parade entries.

A musical group, the Hit Men from Rochester, will perform at 5 p.m. in Rotary Park. Other musical groups marching in the parade are Medina Mustang Marching Band, the Mark Time Marchers and Pembroke High School Marching Band.

Sponsorship levels are available at diamond, platinum, gold, bronze and silver levels.

Entrants may choose to compete in one of seven categories – Non-profit, Commercial, Religious, Fire Department, Service Club/Organization, Agriculture and Other.

Floats will be judged by a panel of judges and prizes awarded in each class for Best in Class, in addition to a Grand Prize.

Again this year, a tree light ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. in Rotary Park and fireworks by Young Explosives of Rochester will take place at 5:45 p.m.

Anyone with questions may call Hancock at (585) 798-2118.

Niagara-Orleans BOCES was the grand champion in last year’s Parade of Lights on Nov. 30, 2024.  The parade committee is accepting applications until Nov. 25 for floats for this year’s parade on Nov. 29.

Inductees include St. Stephen’s Church in Middleport, Christ Church in Rochester, Albion Academy Apartments (former Grammar School) with Sandstone Park in Albion to receive Heritage Award

Photos by Tom Rivers: The former Albion Grammar School, now the Albion Academy Apartments, will be inducted into the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame today, one of three new inductees.

MEDINA – The Medina Sandstone Society will induct three sites into its Hall of Fame today during at 1:30 p.m. ceremony at Medina’s City Hall.

The new inductees bring the total to 46 since the Hall of Fame was started in 2013. The Hall of Fame is located in the main meeting room at Medina City Hall, 600 Main St.

The new inductees include:

STEPHEN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, Middleport, NY

St. Stephen’s Catholic Church was built in 1908 at 21 Vernon St. in Middleport.

For more than a century, St. Stephen’s Catholic Church was a spiritual home for the faithful in Middleport, a village in eastern Niagara County.

The congregation formed in 1854, and the church building was constructed in 1908 at 21 Vernon St. The local Catholics were diligent stewards of this site for the next 117 years.

St. Stephen’s celebrated its final Mass on Jan. 12, 2025. It closed as part of a restructuring in the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo due to a shortage of priests and declining attendance.

The church has been combined with St. Mary’s Church in Medina as part of the Holy Trinity Parish.

“We recall the great many blessings that have come into our lives and community from this church,” Father Mark Noonan said during the final Mass.

The church was the site for more than a century for baptisms, weddings, funerals, communions and confessions.

St. Stephen’s may be on a side street, but it is a dominant building in the community. The building has been a landmark in Middleport since the building’s construction. The top of the large church looms over trees and downtown buildings that are blocks away.

St. Stephen’s was inducted into the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame on Oct. 23, 2025.

CHRIST CHURCH, Rochester NY

Christ Church at 141 East Ave. in Rochester was built in stages between 1883 and 1894 with the Johnson Tower, the tallest part of the church, completed in 1903.

Christ Church in Rochester was founded as an Episcopal parish in 1854. The cornerstone of Gothic Revival edifice was laid in 1883. The church at 141 East Ave. was built in stages between 1883 and 1894, using rock-faced red sandstone from Albion. The Johnson Tower, the tallest part of the church, was added in 1903.

The church was designed by nationally renowned architect Robert Gibson, and includes buttresses, flying buttresses, and a polygonal apse.

Christ Church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. It is also part of the Eastman Historic District. In 2022, Christ Church received a Merit Award from the Landmark Society of Western New York for a restoration project to repair its aging infrastructure and preserve its historic beauty.

The church is noted for its soaring ceilings, excellent acoustics, and numerous Tiffany stained-glass windows, mosaics and tiling. The church’s location and superb acoustics have made it a major musical venue in Rochester. Many Eastman School of Music rehearse and perform there.

Christ Church also embraces artistic expression and contemplative practices. In addition to its regular services, it hosts candlelight and virtual concerts, gallery exhibits, and seasonal events.

ALBION ACADEMY APARTMENTS (FORMER GRAMMAR SCHOOL), Albion, NY

This photo shows the community room in the former Grammar School, which was turned into 30 apartments for senior citizens, as well as the base for Meals on Wheels and a day rehabilitation program for Arc GLOW.

The striking grey Medina Sandstone building at 16 East Academy St. in Albion was originally a four-story school, built in 1906.

The 55,000-square-foot site has been transformed, becoming 30 apartments for senior citizens on the second to fourth floors, while the bottom floor is used for Meals on Wheels, and a day rehabilitation program for Arc GLOW.

The $7 million renovation has given the build a new purpose, providing vital services in the community for housing, nutrition and rehabilitation.

PathStone, known as Rural Opportunities at the time, took on the ambitious project with construction starting in September 2007 and the building opening in 2009.

The project involved repairing the Medina Sandstone exterior, restoring the grand main entrance with wood wainscoting and stamped tin ceilings, and preserving the grand staircase, moldings, and wood trim throughout the building.

Modern apartments were created within the former classrooms and auditorium, designed to maximize natural light and utilize the original window openings. The entire building was made fully accessible in accordance with ADA standards.

This project was honored by AIA Rochester for urban building re-use, the APWA with a Historic Preservation Award, and the NAIOP with a Historic Adaptive/Re-Use Award.

Heritage Award – SANDSTONE PARK, Albion NY

This photo shows one of the Little League teams for Sandstone Park in the late 1950s. Sandstone Park was an original member of the Albion Midget League in 1956 and has fielded a team every season. Next year will be the 70th anniversary of the league.

In 1954, volunteers created a baseball field and park on East State Street in Albion by a former quarry. Since then, generations of families have cared for the property, and fielded a Little League team every year.

Sandstone Park wears a distinctive bright orange uniform. The teams are often among the top contenders in the Albion Midget League. Sandstone is one of the original teams in a league that formed in 1956. Sandstone has had a team every year, and they play on one of the best fields in the area.

That field got a major makeover in 2021 with new bleachers, dugouts, a fence in the outfield, upgraded backstop and a new flagpole. Other improvements have followed with a new concessions stand, rehabbed equipment shed, and expanded parking.

A non-profit board oversees the park, and many, many volunteers keep up the field and work with the team.

They keep “Sandstone” prominent in the Albion community, and continue to bring pride to the quarrymen families who helped establish the park more than 70 years ago. Those families in the neighborhood back in 1954 paid the village $25 for 16 acres to create the park.

A sandstone plaque in the shape of home plate was placed near the base of the new flagpole in 2021. That plaque states:

“Sandstone Park – Our Greatest Generation created a unique neighborhood recreation area for the children on East State Street and the village. Generations of volunteers allowed Sandstone to provide and maintain the sense of fair play and sportsmanship the founders worked to instill in their children. The residents of East State Street and the Village of Albion are forever in their debt. To the Greatest Generation – Thank You!”

Sandstone Park recently completed several improvements to the field on East State Street which is named in honor of the late Steve Coville, a long-time coach of the team.

Editor’s Note: Orleans Hub editor Tom Rivers is a member of the Medina Sandstone Society board of directors and is currently chairman of the Hall of Fame Committee.

Site at former Medina Savings & Loan will become ESL in 2026

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Generations Bank on Tuesday presented $50,000 in grants to nine non-profit organizations. Eight of them received $5,000 each and one other, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, was awarded $10,000.

Pictured from left in front include: Debbie Taylor, fire chief of East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company; Samantha Covis, assistant direct at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library; AG Cutrona, executive vice president and chief banking officer of Generations Bank; Angela Krezmer, CEO of Generations Bank; Jim Hancock, treasurer of the Medina Emergency Food Pantry; and Amy Crandall, assistant vice president and market manager of Orleans County at Generations Bank.

Back row: Patty Coffee, director of People for Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) of Orleans County; Mary Zelazny, treasurer of Knights Kaderli Memorial Fund; Renee Hungerford, CEO of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee; Andrew Houseman, senior program director of the Orleans County YMCA; Steve Winans, volunteer for Operation Honor; Howie Gardner, member Board of Directors at Generations Bank; Megan Johnson, executive director of Orleans Community Health Foundation; Cindy Hewitt, vice president (Orleans County) of Generations Bank; Derek Dyson, senior vice president and chief information officer of Generations Bank.

This is the third year Generations has offered the $50,000 in grants to non-profits. In prior years, the funds were disbursed to organizations near Seneca Falls and Union Springs. Generations will become ESL Federal Credit Union with a target date of Jan. 1.

ESL is acquiring the assets of Generations Bank. The two organizations announced an acquisition deal in September 2024.

Generations merged with the former Medina Savings & Loan in 2018. Generations is based at Seneca Falls and has nine locations including a site in Medina on Maple Ridge Road.

Angela Krezmer, CEO of Generations Bank, said Generations wanted to give back to the non-profit organizations that serve many people in Orleans County. Generations was able to access the funds through the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York.

The nine grant recipients are: Community Action of Orleans and Genesee (Albion), East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company (Medina), Knights Kaderli Memorial Fund (Medina), The Lee Whedon Memorial Library (Medina), Medina Emergency Food Pantry (St. Peters Lutheran Church), Operation Honor (Medina), Orleans Community Health Foundation Inc. (Medina), Orleans County YMCA (Medina), and People for Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) of Orleans County (Albion).

Erik Fix (left), executive director of GLOW YMCA, and Andrew Houseman, senior program director of the YMCA in Orleans County, accept the grant from Howie Gardner, a board member for Generations.

Fix said the $5,000 will support services for community members, regardless of ability to pay, including scholarships for individuals and families to use the Y on Pearl Street.

Kristina Ettinger, left, community services manager at Community Action, and Renee Hungerford, CEO of Community Action, said the $5,000 grant will help the agency that faces significant uncertainty with its federal funding. The $5,000 will support essential needs, including food, rental and utility assistance.

East Shelby Fire Chief Debbie Taylor and President Mike Fuller accept $5,000 on behalf of the fire company from AG Cutrona, executive vice president and chief banking officer.

East Shelby plans to use the money for a new set of turnout gear and other personal protective equipment and tools.

The Knights Kaderli Memorial Fund, which assists Orleans County residents battling cancer, received $5,000. The fund has been assisting local families for more than 30 years, helping people with some of their bills. Pictured from left include Kevin Kaderli, Laura Marek, Mary Zelazny, Mike Zelazny and Brad Jones, the Generations chairman of the board.

Patty Coffee, director of the PAWS Animal Shelter, accepts a grant and a gift from Amy Crandall, assistant vice president and market manager of Orleans County at Generations Bank. Angela Krezmer, CEO of Generations Bank, is in back. The $5,000 will cover veterinary costs for animals to be spayed/neutered and vaccinated.

Marc Shurtz, CEO of Orleans Community Health, and Megan Johnson, director of the OCH Foundation, accept $5,000 from Howie Gardner, a Generations board member. The grant will go towards expanding services and healthcare access at OCH.

Steve Winans, a volunteer with Operation Honor, accepts a $5,000 grant for the organization that assist veterans with some of their bills and also contributions to a medical van transport service. AG Cutrona, executive vice president and chief banking officer, presents the grant.

Jim Hancock, left, thanks Generations Bank for the $5,000 grant to the Medina Emergency Food Pantry, which is based at St. Peter Lutheran Church. The money will allow the food pantry to acquire food during a time of decreased donations.

More photos will be posted soon.