Majority of board believes used fire truck with no fire hall addition makes most sense

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Medina Village Board moved its meeting on Thursday evening to the high school auditorium due to a larger crowd expected as the board tries to determine whether it will put a new ladder truck into service and put an addition on the fire hall for the new truck. From left include Village Trustee Debbie Padoleski, Trustee Jess Marciano, Clerk/Treasurer Jada Burgess, Mayor Marguerite Sherman, Trustee Mark Prawel, Trustee Scott Bieliski and Village Attorney Matt Brooks.

MEDINA – In a meeting that stretched more than four hours, Village Board members and the pubic debated on Thursday night whether to keep a $1.7 million ladder truck for the fire department and put an addition on the fire hall.

Three of the board members – Debbie Padoleski, Mark Prawel and Scott Bieliski – voted to have the board pursue options to sell the new truck and see if a used ladder truck is available that would fit in the existing fire hall.

That trio of trustees said the new truck and an addition is too costly for the community where many residents are already overwhelmed by taxes.

Padoleski said the truck and addition would raise the village tax rate by at least $1 per $1,000 of assessed property, and it would be a 20-year commitment to pay off the truck and addition.

Bieliski noted that Medina in March 2023 agreed to pay $1,698,995 to Pierce Manufacturing  in Appleton, Wisc. for a new fire truck with a 100-foot-long ladder. It took nearly three years for the truck to be manufactured. It hasn’t been put into service yet.

Since Medina’s contract nearly three years ago, the costs for ladder trucks have continued to escalate. The Albion Joint Fire District on Aug. 14 voted to buy a new ladder truck at a cost of $2,480,698 from Pierce Manufacturing.

Bieliski said he will reach out to a broker to see if there is interest in Medina’s new truck and at what price. He expects the truck could command $2 million, which would allow Medina to pay off its loan for the truck and have extra money to pursue a used ladder truck.

If Medina would take a loss on selling the truck, Bieliski said it shouldn’t be sold.

Village resident Brian Wiesinger speaks during Thursday’s board meeting. About 150 people attended the meeting that stretched more than four hours, starting at 6 p.m. and ending at 10:20. Wiesinger said the village should look at a more affordable option with a ladder truck.

Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman and Trustee Jess Marciano said they remain committed to keeping the new ladder truck and putting on a one-bay addition.

Marciano noted the fire hall addition and upgrades were cut from about $6 million to just over $1 million.

Sherman said she continues to seek grants and assistance with the addition. She met last week with representatives from U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. The village needs more detailed drawings and cost estimates for the addition to move forward with seeking grants, Sherman said.

She hasn’t been able to get the majority of the board’s support to hire a firm for those cost estimates.

Village resident Robin Wehling said she supports giving the Medina firefighters the equipment they need to best serve the community. She said the new ladder truck would account for a 48-cent in the tax rate.

Trustees and Padoleski and Bieliski said the cost of the addition puts the total expense for the new truck closer to about $4 million when financing is included over 20 years. They said that amounts to about $1 more in the tax rate.

(Left) Jason Cogovan said he supports the Medina Fire Department but it needs to be at an affordable level for the community. “It’s about delivering services in a responsible way,” he said. He suggested going to a volunteer fire department and looking at contracting for EMS services.

(Right) Village resident Linda Limina, who is also a Shelby town councilwoman, said the Medina board needs to reach out to neighboring towns about helping to pay more for services provided by the village.

“Village residents shouldn’t be the only ones funding the service,” she said.

She worries the added debt from the ladder truck and addition will push village taxes even higher.

Medina firefighter Steve Miller said the Village Board has known for many years the fire hall needed upgrades and that a new ladder truck wouldn’t fit in the current building.

He said the board hasn’t been properly planning for the fire department for more than a decade.

Trustee Bieliski told Miller and the firefighters in attendance they were using “fear-mongering” to pressure the board into keeping the truck and putting on an addition.

Miller said not getting the new ladder truck could result in higher insurance costs for residents and businesses if Medina’s ISO rating is negatively impacted.

He also said there could be delays in response times if the community needs to wait for a ladder truck from elsewhere.

“This is not a scare tactic,” Miller said. “This is simply the truth.”

Trustee Debbie Padoleski, left, says Medina is bearing too much of the expense for fire protection and EMS services in the community.

Padoleski said data from 2024 shows Medina’s ladder truck only was used for 33 calls, with 12 inside the village and 21 outside.

“The Village of Medina taxpayers cannot and should not subsidize mutal aid in the county,” Padoleski said.

Medina’s Ladder 40 is 30 years old and has been out of service since June due to mechanical issues.

The village put it up for sale and sold it for $8,700 at Thursday’s meeting. It was listed online for sale through an auction company. Trustee Mark Prawel wanted to oppose the sale but the title had already been signed over and the deal done without a final village vote. Prawel thought the old truck was worth more than $8,700.

In the future, the board said none of the sales from items declared surplus will be finalized until a board vote to approve the sale.

State now contributing nearly $1.7 million to $5.2 million project

This rendering from Passero Associates shows the front of the library in Medina, which includes an overhang near the entrance. This is part of a $5 million capital project at the library, which includes a 4,785-square-foot addition.

MEDINA – Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina has received confirmation of an additional $874,124 grant from New York State Public Library Construction Aid towards the library’s $5.2 million expansion.

This is the second state library construction grant. Lee-Whedon also received a $795,320 grant in construction aid which brings the total from the state to $1,669,444.

In December, Lee-Whedon also received $25,000 in funding from the Garmin Family Foundation administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.

“Lee-Whedon has received a total of $1,697,444 in grants toward expansion costs exceeding our goal of $1.5 million,” said Kristine Mostyn, the library executive director.

Lee-Whedon will host a gala and auction from 7 to 10 p.m. on Feb. 6. That is expected to be the final big fundraising event for the library expansion. Click here for more information about that event.

Lee-Whedon celebrated a ground-breaking on Aug. 22, 2025 for a 4,785-square-foot addition on the back of the current library, which is 11,100 square feet. That project is expected to be complete in July.

The addition will create space for two meeting rooms, two tutoring rooms, a programming room with makerspace, Friends of the Library book sale room, a quiet research room, an art gallery, a teen room and 14 parking spots.

There will also be additional restrooms, a new circulation desk, a new entry portico with automatic sliding doors, about a 10 percent increase in the collection and upgraded technology.

“The library’s expansion project is designed to meet growing community needs and ensure the facility can continue to provide high-quality service for decades to come,” Mostyn said.

MEDINA – The Medina Village Board has rescheduled this evening’s board meeting to Thursday at 6 p.m. The meeting will be at the Medina High School auditorium due to a big crowd expected.

The Village Board is trying to determine its next steps with accepting a new ladder truck and finding a place to house it. The current Medina fire hall is too small to accommodate the truck. Some of the board members would prefer to sell the new truck and not put an addition on the fire hall, saying the truck and addition are too costly for village taxpayers.

Mayor Marguerite Sherman wants to move forward with the ladder truck and addition, saying they are critical to the Medina Fire Department to provide fire protection services to the community.

Other items on Thursday’s agenda include:

• Discussion/resolution on locations for Medina Triennial art projects
• Discussion/resolution to accept the donation of tables to be placed by the Sydney Gross Memorial
• Discussion/resolution on Medina Community Garden location
• Resolution to approve Hospice banner request at Rotary Park
• Resolution to approve MAP’s request for Wine About Winter
• Resolution to appoint of election inspectors for March 18 election
• Resolution to accept Wreaths Across America donations and a resolution to accept Hometown Hero donations
• Resolution on furnace replacement at the Department of Public Works
• Resolution to purchase an Allison 4000 RDS Series Dump Truck utilizing CHIPS funding
• Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign an annual agreement between the Village of Medina and Matthew Brooks, Esq.

MEDINA – A Medina Village Board meeting scheduled for Monday has been cancelled and may be rescheduled for later in the week, said Mayor Marguerite Sherman.

The meeting was moved to the Medina High School auditorium due to a large crowd expected as the board tries to determines its next steps with accepting a new ladder truck and finding a place to house it. The current Medina fire hall is too small to accommodate the truck.

The board has discussed a one-bay addition to the fire hall but hasn’t reached a consensus.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Hunter, 10, and Evelyn, 7, children of Josh and Ashley Schmidbauer of Middleport play Go Fishin’ at Nola’s Gaming & Crafting Cafe in Medina. The family had been out to supper and stopped in to see what it was all about, after looking in the window on their way to the car. (Right) New Orleans native Steven Sones displays pieces of King cake which he made. The cakes are a tradition in New Orleans from Epiphany until Mardi Gras and can be ordered from Sones or enjoyed at his new business, Nola’s Gaming & Crafting Café, with a cup of homemade hot chocolate or delicious chicory coffee.

MEDINA – A parent looking for something to occupy the children on a day off from school, an adult looking for something different to do in Medina or a shopper wanting to get in out of the cold and enjoy a cup of homemade hot chocolate need look no further.

 Nola’s Gaming & Crafting Cafe has the answer.

Located at 525 Main St., Nola’s is a Gaming & Crafting Café, where all ages can sip, play and create by paying a nominal fee for a set amount of time. It is the brainchild of Steven and Jennifer Sones of Millville, who said they got the idea because they both love to play games. The name “Nola” is an acronym of New Orleans, La.

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Sones: Jennifer and Steven Sones stand by a painting created in their new store, Nola’s Gaming & Crafting Café,  which they recently opened at 525 Main St. The business is described as a New Orleans-themed gaming and crafting café. The name Nola’s is an acronym for New Orleans, La.

Steven, a native of New Orleans, has had various jobs in management throughout his life, while Jennifer does auditing of Early Intervention in New York state. They met while both were living in Florida, and moved back near Jennifer’s home town of Lockport, where they married and raised their five children. They eventually decided to move to Orleans County and found a house in Millville.

The decision to go into business came as a result of wanting something to do in their spare time, their love of games and Jennifer’s interest in crafts.

“Medina has bars, restaurants, beauty salons, specialty shops and antique shops, but nothing for people to do for entertainment,” Steven said.

After searching for space in Brockport, Albion, Medina, Middleport and Lockport, they discovered the store formerly occupied by Into the Enigma at 525 Main St., Medina.

“We really wanted to be in Medina,” Steven said. “We love Medina.”

Cindy Robinson, who owns the English Rose Tea Shoppe a few doors away, convinced them they should be open in time for the Parade of Lights, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. They have since planned a grand opening on Monday, with special events planned all week. There will be paper mache Mardi Gras mask crafts, gaming specials and a princess party, with treats such as beignets and King Cake, both New Orleans favorites, especially at Mardi Gras.

“We are geared toward family days every day,” Jennifer said. “We will be hosting weekly family events on Saturdays.”

Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and on Sunday for special events.  This week on Monday Nola’s will begin their week-long grand opening with hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Going forward Monday will be reserved for Magic Monday events. This Wednesday will feature a Dungeons and Dragons character build for the D&D campaign scheduled on the first and third Sundays. They will host a weekly Date Night on Saturdays with events geared strictly for adults.

Steven said their business is a great experience for home-schooled children.

Nola’s Gaming & Crafting has one of the largest libraries of games for all ages in Western New York, Steven said.

Some of the crafts featured are macrame, beaded jewelry, candle pouring, crocheting, air drying clay and vision board (collage) workshops.

A popular feature of the store are the New Orleans-themed beignets (pronounced ben-yea), king cakes and Snowballs, along with homemade hot chocolate or his special coffee with chicory.

Steven has been selling his snowballs at local events, including the Canal Village Farmer’s Market in summer and the Orleans County 4-H Fair, where they have been a big hit, especially with children.

Steven Sones serves Erica Waniecski of Medina a beignet and homemade hot chocolate at the new business he and wife Jennifer have opened in Medina. Sones, a native of New Orleans, makes the beignets, a pillowy soft, air-fried piece of dough topped with a heavy coating of powdered sugar. The confections are a tradition in New Orleans, especially at the famed Café du Monde.

Beignets are pillowy-soft, deep-fried pieces of dough, traditionally topped with a heavy coating of powdered sugar. Originating from France, they are famously known as the official state doughnut of Louisiana, where they were introduced by French settlers and became a staple of New Orleans, particularly at the iconic Café Du Monde.

King cakes are a tradition served primarily from Jan. 6, or the Epiphany, until Mardi Gras. The cakes are usually made from a rich brioche-like dough twisted into a ring and filled with ingredients like cinnamon, cream cheese or pecans. It is very common to find a small plastic baby figurine hidden within a ring of king cake. While there are many beliefs, some say that the figurine represents the Baby Jesus. The history and figurine are taped to the inside of each box for the customers to use as they see fit, Jennifer said.

He makes his king cakes with cinnamon or cream cheese and raspberry. In addition to selling the cakes by the slice, he also takes orders for whole cakes. Orders can be placed during carnival season on social media or by calling (585) 318-4001. Beignets may be ordered at any time.

 “We want Nola’s to become a community hub,” Steven said.

Union for firefighters says board inaction puts public safety at risk

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Medina ladder truck from 1996 is shown in March 2023 when the fire department had an open house showing the tight quarters at the fire hall, especially for the ladder truck which only had 2 inches of clearance in pulling in and out of the fire hall. This truck has been out of service since June due to mechanical problems. Medina has new fire truck but it doesn’t fit in the existing fire hall. The board has discussed a one-bay addition to the fire hall but hasn’t moved forward with that project.

MEDINA – The Village Board is moving Monday’s meeting site from the Shelby Town Hall to the Medina High School auditorium due to a large crowd expected.

The union representing Medina’s career firefighters has been urging the public to attend the meeting and share their concerns about public safety as some of the board members favor not putting a new ladder truck into service and selling it.

Trustees Deb Padoleski and Mark Prawel said during the Jan. 12 meeting they favor selling the truck.

They think the cost of the truck, plus for an addition to house it, is too much for village taxpayers.

Trustee Scott Bieliski also said he wants to hold off on putting the new truck into service to maximize its value in case it’s sold. He wants to reach out to a broker to see what another municipality would pay for the truck, and if a smaller used ladder truck is available that would fit in the existing fire hall.

The new ladder truck doesn’t fit in the current fire hall. The board has discussed a one-bay addition that is expected to be in the $1.1 to $1.4 million range. Bieliski said that price seems too high for only a one-bay addition.

Mayor Marguerite Sherman and Trustee Jess Marciano both said they support buying the new ladder truck for $1.7 million and moving forward with the addition (while pursuing grants to help offset the costs for the addition).

Medina Fire Chief Steve Cooley is expected to present the results of a report from 2020 looking at the ISO ratings for the community and how they would be impacted without a ladder truck – and the potential for higher insurance rates in the village.

“Important decisions affecting public safety in our community are being discussed,” the firefighters union stated on their Facebook page. “This is your opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and make your voices heard. We will be there before and after the meeting to talk with you and answer your questions. Come get facts and data, not rumor and rhetoric.”

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the high school.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Michael Prezioso, left, and Mario Campana stand among some of the antique furnishings in their new store on East Center Street in Medina.

MEDINA – Two local businessmen have combined their talents to open a new store, located on East Center Street and aptly named Just East of Main.

Michael Prezioso and Mario Campana are owners of the store, which offers an eclectic mix of furniture, art, home décor and clothing, with the anticipation of adding a larger selection of items when they open up the space next door which formerly housed Corky’s Bakery.

Prezioso, formerly of Buffalo, and Campana, formerly of Niagara Falls, each have a background in business – Prezioso in big box marketing and advertising and Campana in big box retail. Campana also does estate sales.

The couple first became familiar with Medina in 2015 when a friend came to shop at a lily & a sparrow and fell in love with the village, Prezioso said.

“We had lunch and just loved this quaint little village,” he said.

They first purchased the former Corky’s building on East Center Street in 2019, and started renovating the building, Campana said.

Next, they bought the building at 116 East Center St., which housed Ashlee’s Place until it closed in 2024 after 33 years.

“When Angie (Waldriff) decided to retire, we started renovating this building,” Campana said.

(Left) This is just a sampling of the one-of-a-kind furniture, elegant china and artwork for sale at Just East of Main Street, located in the store which housed Ashlee’s Place. (Right) The latest business to open in Medina is an antique and vintage shop featuring furniture, collectibles, artwork, clothing and home décor.  It is aptly named Just East of Main Street, being located on East Center Street in the space formerly occupied by Ashlee’s Place.

Prezioso and Campana brought back the original floor and ceiling and exposed an original brick wall. The building was built in 1890, but a new façade was built after a fire in 1902. At the time, the building was owned by Mahar Furniture. Prezioso and Campana are interested in the history of the building and if anyone has newspaper clippings or pictures from the olden days, they would love to see them.

“We really believe in rebuilding and restoring architecturally significant homes and buildings,” Prezioso said.

“We have also purchased the former Houseman Funeral Home on Park Avenue and started renovating that,” Campana said.

“As we expand into Corky’s building, a larger selection of antique furnishings and vintage clothing, toys and primitives will become available,” Prezioso said.

Their current store, which opened Nov. 29, 2025, has exceptional brands of furniture, such as Ethan Allen, Kittenger, Henkel-Harris and other American made brands.

“For us, it has been really nice here,” Campana said. “Medina is a community of shops that support each other’s business efforts. We have been very well received by the community and a lot of repeat buyers.”

Collectibles, antiques and more are on display at Just East of Main Street, where renovation exposed the original brick wall.

Both Prezioso and Campana commended the Village Board for being so helpful when they were planning their renovations, especially retired code enforcement officer Marty Busch and current officer Dan Gardner.

In addition to their new venture in owning a retail store, Prezioso teaches art in his studio on the third floor of the furniture building and at Carnegie Library in North Tonawanda.

Just East of Main Street is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from January through March; from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays in March through December; and by appointment all year-round by calling (716) 566-8032.

Senior Center in Medina offers many activities, chances for residents to stay connected

Provided photo: Medina attorney Andrew Meier, who specializes in elder law, spoke to members of Medina Senior Center at their January luncheon meeting.

MEDINA – Members of the Medina Senior Center meet regularly on the second Monday of the month, with a business meeting at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch and a speaker or program.

Meetings alternate between pot luck and a prepared meal for $8. The Feb. 9 meeting will be ham and scalloped potatoes, followed by speaker Brittany Dix from Hospice of Orleans County.

At the January meeting, guest speaker was local attorney Andrew Meier, who specializes in elder law. Meier shared a wealth of information for seniors on financial planning, such as the benefits of a trust, having a will and avoiding probate.

A will does not avoid probate, Meier said. He explained how complex and time-consuming probate can be.

He also stressed the need for every senior to have a power of attorney, regardless of their health. In the event of an unexpected illness in which a senior cannot act on his own, without a power of attorney the courts will appoint a guardianship and will likely go to probate. This can be costly and time-consuming, Meier said.

Another topic of interest was protecting a senior’s investments in the event a senior has to enter a nursing home or assisted living. Meier said it is never too late to protect one’s assets.

Another interesting note was the fact that a person in a nursing home is allowed $50 of their money to spend monthly. That figure hasn’t changed in 30 years, Meier said.

Anyone wishing more information on financial planning for their senior years may contact Meier at either of his offices in Medina or Lockport.

The Medina Senior Center is open from 9 a.m. to noon Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Friday. Day-old baked goods from Tops are available to members every day.

A coffee and crafts session is led by Robin Wehling at 10 a.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month. January’s project will be making Valentine cards, and February’s will be St. Patrick’s Day shadow boxes.

The Orleans County Office for the Aging conducts a popular exercise class at 11 a.m. the first Wednesday of the month and at 10 a.m. the other three Wednesdays.

Euchre games have become very popular, with a full house nearly every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons. Games begin at 1 p.m. and the cost is $2.

Any senior is welcome to join the Senior Center for $10 a year. A raffle for awesome prizes takes place at the monthly dinner meeting, and only members may participate.

The community is reminded the Senior Center accepts donations of cans and bottles and they may be dropped off at the Center, and at Medina Bottles & Cans on East Center Street or JCo Returns on South Main Street and designated for the Senior Center.

‘This is a big step to make sure the service remains sustainable’

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Orleans Community Health has announced Lake Plains Dialysis on West Center Street Extension will be closing by March 31 and will merge with its Batavia location.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced plans to consolidate its dialysis services by merging its Lake Plains Dialysis in Medina with Lake Plains Dialysis-Batavia, effective March 31.

This strategic move will bring all dialysis services under one roof in Batavia, enhancing sustainability, efficiency and long-term access to high-quality, life-sustaining care for patients across the region, the hospital said in a press release from Scott Robinson, director of marketing.

The Medina site has been open about 25 years. The move comes after a comprehensive evaluation of resources, facility needs and financial sustainability, the hospital said. The consolidation allows Orleans Community Health to focus investments and clinical expertise in a single, modernized setting, while ensuring uninterrupted dialysis care for patients.

“Our priority throughout this process is continuity of care,” said Marc Shurtz, chief executive officer at Orleans Community Health. “By combining services in Batavia, we can strengthen our dialysis program, maintain high standards of care and ensure patients continue to receive the treatment they depend on without interruption.”

All patients currently receiving dialysis care at the Medina location will be welcomed at Lake Plains Dialysis in Batavia, located at 587 East Main St. Additionally, and importantly, all team members currently working at Lake Plains Dialysis-Medina are being offered positions as part of this transition, reinforcing Orleans Community Health’s commitment to both its patients and its workforce.

To provide transparency and answer questions from patients, families, staff and community members, Orleans Community Health will host a public meeting at Medina Memorial Hospital from 3 to 4 p.m. Jan. 28. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the service consolidation, transition process and ongoing support available.

“We value the relationships built with our patients and remain committed to supporting each individual through this transition,” said Joanna Miller, vice president of renal services at Orleans Community Health. “This consolidation positions our dialysis services for long-term stability, while keeping patient care at the center of every decision.”

“This is a big step to make sure the service remains sustainable,” Robinson said. “For the team at Medina, they’re invaluable. We’re hoping they all transfer to the new location. We’re also supplying additional information to patients, in hopes they can also continue care with us in Batavia.”

Additionally, Robinson added that healthcare continues to change nationwide, and dialysis care requires specialized staffing, equipment and infrastructure. By bringing services together in Batavia, Robinson said it strengthens clinical support and staffing coverage, improves operational efficiency, ensures long-term sustainability of dialysis services and continues delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.

The hospital stresses patients will still receive safe, high-quality dialysis care from the dedicated team, with the added benefit of consolidated resources and support services.

They also insist the Batavia dialysis location has adequate space, equipment and staffing capacity to safely accommodate current and transitioning patients.

Care teams will work closely with patients to minimize disruption in their dialysis schedule. While some scheduling adjustments may be needed, every effort will be made to maintain consistency and convenience.

Transportation options will be available for nursing home patients. The Medina team will continue coordinating transportation needs with partner agencies to ensure access to care.

Robinson stresses that Medina patients will be supported throughout the transition. Their dialysis and care coordination teams will provide clear communication about timing and next steps, assistance with scheduling and ongoing clinical support during the transition.

He added that offering positions to the entire Medina dialysis team is a top priority.

“Our focus is on continuity of care,” Robinson said. “Dialysis team members remain an essential part of delivering services, and staffing plans are designed to support both team members and patient needs.”

Patients and families with questions or concerns are urged to speak directly with their dialysis care team or contact Orleans Community Health for additional support and information.

Jimmer’s brother Andrew will attempt 50-mile ‘Beast of Burden’ run in Lockport as fundraiser

Jimmer Szatkowski and his brother Andrew of Medina are shown at Fenway Park when the two went to a Pearl Jam concert in September 2024.

A Medina native who was diagnosed with ALS about five years ago has now raised more than $500,000 for ALS research.

Jimmer Szatkowski, 53, was diagnosed in March 2021. He has raised $532,633, which has been directed to the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital. To donate to ALS research through Jimmer Szatkowski’s fundraising page, click here.

His brother Andrew Szatkowski of Medina has helped with several of the fundraisers and is planning another one when he attempts running the Beast of Burden 50-mile run on Feb. 7 from Lockport to Middleport, running the loop twice that day. That race is known as one of the most challenging in Western New York.

Jimmer graduated from Medina in 1990. He now lives in Central New York and opened the first Chick-fil-A restaurant in Upstate New York in 2018 in Cicero. He continues to be a part of the restaurant’s daily operations.

Jimmer responded to a few questions about living with ALS. He said he is most grateful for being able to see his daughter Samantha and son Jack graduate from college. He also watched Jack become an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. Jimmer also is grateful to see younger son Hunter grow up.

He is very thankful to have experience five more Christmases and see so many more thrilling Buffalo Bills games since his diagnosis. ALS has taken his mobility and ability to verbally speak.

He remains deeply motivated to remain active and present for his wife, Betty, and their children, and to continue “fulfilling my purpose as a Chick-Fil-A operator.”

ALS has taught him valuable lessons in patience and humility, Jimmer said.

His experiences growing up in Medina, helped make him strong to withstand the battle with ALS.

“Dying is easy, Living is Hard,” he responded when asked about a life lesson from living with ALS.

Provided photos: The varsity winterguard involves includes 14 students in grades 9 to 12 and their show is “Dreams.”

Courtesy of Medina Mustang Boosters

Medina opened its winterguard season  on Jan 17th with a competition at Marcus Whitman HS in Rushville, Ontario County.

Winterguard is a hybrid art form that combines elements of music, dance and military-like precision marching in a competitive arena for a total entertainment package. WG started about 30 years ago and involves the manipulation (spins, tosses, flips) of equipment (flags, rifles, sabers) while moving around the performance space.

Medina is sponsoring 2 guard units this season – junior varsity and varsity.

Both guards competed at Marcus Whitman on Saturday. The JV guard came in 1st in the cadet class. The varsity guard came in 2nd out of 3 in the A1 class.

Both will compete again on Saturday, Jan 24th at Orchard Park.

The junior varsity winterguard includes 14 members from 5th to 8th grade who started practicing in mid-November.  Three students have joined for the first time. Their show is “The Big Cheese” about a day at the races.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – The Breakout Band performed on Friday night to about 125 people at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina.

The band plays many classic rock songs. From left include Gary Withey, Timothy Stoll and Alan Biano. John Lynch, not pictured, plays the drums.

Lee-Whedon has offered the “Finally Fridays!” concert series during the winter since 2002.

The season usually goes to early March but this year will only be during January due to the library’s expansion project that is under construction.

The Breakout Band kept the crowd entertained on a wintry Friday night.

The Creek Bend Band opened the series on Jan. 2, followed by Tom Keefer & Celtic Cross on Jan. 9.

There are two more concerts that begin at 7 p.m. with the Hennan Brothers on Jan. 23 and Doc’s Pocket Change on Jan. 30.

There is no charge for admission. The concerts received funding from the New York State Council on the Arts. Go Art! administers that funding for the state.

This group worked together on a puzzle while listening to the music. From left include Georgia Thomas and Barb Hancock with Fred Cavers at right. Thomas said sometimes “The Puzzle Group” can put together a 1,000-piece puzzle in an hour. This trip put together a 300-piece puzzle on Friday evening.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Ian and Claudia perform on aerial silks at the Clifford Wise Intermediate School. Billy Martin’s Cole All Star Circus did two shows on Friday at Clifford Wise with some of the proceeds going to the Orleans Community Health Foundation.

Ian and Claudia showcased strength, flexibility and balance in their performance on the aerial silks.

The circus is led by Billy Martin, who is now in his 49^th season of leading the circus. He and his group of a dozen perform go to about 150 schools each year. Their 2026 season started on Jan. 9 in Coudersport, Pa.

They have three more shows in Orleans County:

• Albion Elementary School on Jan. 19 at 6:30 p.m.
• Holley Elementary School on Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m.
• Kendall High School Gym on Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m.

Children 12 years and younger are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.  Adults at the door are $20 each. Each school offers a special $5 discount on advance adult tickets, which reduces the cost to $15 per adult.

Sophia performs a juggling routine.

These kids are delighted watching a performer in the show ring.

Jake McPherson of Medina and his son Connor, age 9, get their photo taken with one of the circus’s stars, Slinko. This year marks Slinko’s 25^th season.

Tatyana Johnson, 9, gets her face painted as the Lady Bug character during intermission at the circus.

The Fudi sisters juggled hats, pins and hoops as part of their routine.

MEDINA – Clementine Gold Group, which is fielding a survey on the Western New York Digital Coalition’s behalf, will be at the Canal Village Farmer’s Market on Saturday.

With the support of a grant from the New York State ConnectAll Office, the WNY Digital Equity Coalition is conducting the regional survey of digital literacy across all of Western New York’s eight counties.

This survey will give them community-level information about digital skill levels which is not available from any other source, and will guide digital literacy programs, support grant applications and provide information which advocates can use to ensure everyone in Western New York has the ability to make full use of computers and the internet.

Mark Glasgow, director of Engagement and Strategic Insights for the Clementine Gold Group, requested permission to have a presence at the market this week, said Chris Busch, chair of Orleans Renaissance Group, which sponsors the market.

Glasglow explained the brief survey helps measure digital skills across WNY, especially among groups most impacted by digital exclusion.

“Your event is a strong opportunity to reach residents whose experiences should be represented,” Glasglow said in an e-mail to market manager Gail Miller.

Along with the brief survey, Glasglow said they will have raffle tickets and candy to offer visitors.

The Canal Village Farmers’ Market supports local nonprofit organizations by providing them with free space at the market, Miller said.

“We recognize it can be challenging for nonprofits to reach the community members who most need their services,” Miller explained. “By offering a no-cost space at the market on Saturdays to share information, we hope to strengthen community connections and ensure valuable resources are more accessible to those who need them.”

Some examples of non-profit groups which have taken advantage of free space at the market are Orleans Community Health, Hospice of Orleans, PAWS, Friends of Iroquois Wildlife Refuge and many more. Space may be reserved by contacting canalvillagemarket@gmail.com.

Market hours are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in the basement of the former NAPA building at 345 North Main St. Ample parking is available in the canal basin and on Main Street.