By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 March 2024 at 9:29 am
GameTime design: The proposal for Medina from GameTime includes playground equipment would be accessible to children with disabilities and mobility issues.
MEDINA – The Village Board will be forming a committee to work on an inclusive playground at State Street Park.
Medina Mayor Mike Sidari will be retiring from the mayor position on March 31, but he will be on the committee for the playground. It’s a project he said he wants to see to completion. Village Trustee Jess Marciano also will be part of the group.
The two talked with representatives from the Rochester Area Community Foundation on Tuesday about funding for the playground.
The Village Board on Monday approved forming the committee. More members will be added to the committee. People interested in serving on the committee could fill out a volunteer application by stopping at the clerk’s office or checking the village website.
The playground will be accessible to children with disabilities and mobility issues. The village is looking to partner with the Rochester Community Foundation and Ralph C. Wilson Foundation to have the new playground at State Street Park.
GameTime has submitted a proposal for the playground that would cost $492,321. The Village Board is tasking the committee to seek grants and donations for the project so Medina’s only commitment would perhaps be some site work, with no direct financial contributions.
The proposal for an inclusive playground at State Street Park State includes PowerScape playgrounds with large decks and uprights to provide strength and capacity.
Other features include sensory wave seats, RoxAll See Saw, inclusive whirl, Bunny Spring Rider, four-bay swing frame, including two with a belt, two with enclosed tot, two with Zero G, one expression swing and one expression swing with a universal seat.
There would also be a freestanding sensory wave arch climber with sensors, four benches, geotextile rolls and wood fibers.
Walk will be Sept. 7, starting at State Street Park in Medina
Provided photo: Medina Mayor Mike Sidari joins Nicole Tuohey and her mother Mary Lou Tuohey in cutting symbolic elephant links to start the Orleans County Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sept. 9, 2023 at State Street Park in Medina. Nicole sold the elephant links for $1 and she raised about $2,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association Western New York Chapter.
Press Release, WNY Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association
MEDINA – The Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is excited to announce that Pam Canham and Mary Lou Tuohey will serve as co-chairs of the 2024 Orleans County Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Canham is retired from the Orleans County Office for the Aging and Tuohey owns Case-Nic Cookies in Medina.
“I learned both professionally and personally, Alzheimer’s disease affects us all,” Canham said. “I’ve had many family members with dementia and it definitely makes caring for them even harder. My goal is to help eradicate this disease so my children do not have to become the caregiver of someone with dementia.”
“I am excited to once again participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. I walk in honor, memory and support of my mom, dad and two aunts who all passed from Alzheimer’s,” Tuohey said. “Remember those who forget to remember…”
The Orleans County Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7, at State Street Park in Medina.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs. The Alzheimer’s Association provides 24/7 care and support to those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, and accelerating critical research to combat this devastating disease.
According to the latest Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures report, nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide unpaid care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In New York State alone, there are more than 426,000 people living with the disease, along with 543,000 caregivers.
To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Orleans County Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit: alz.org/WNYWalk.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 March 2024 at 10:43 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Mike Sidari enjoys some punch during a brief reception at Monday’s Village Board meeting, his last time presiding over the Village Board meeting as mayor. He is chatting with Gabrielle Barone, center, and Debbie Padoleski.
Barone is vice president for business development for the Orleans Economic Development Agency. She said she frequently reached out to Sidari about possible business projects in Medina. Padoleski is retired as Medina’s village clerk/treasurer. She was elected trustee last week and starts April 1 on the Village Board.
Sidari has been Medina mayor the past eight years, and was a trustee for two years before that. Sidari opted not to seek re-election last week. Marguerite Sherman, the current deputy mayor, starts her term on April 1. There will be a 5 p.m. swearing-in that day for Sherman and the new trustees, Mark Prawel and Padoleski.
There will be an open house on Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. for people to stop by and see Sidari at the village clerk’s office at 119 Park Ave.
Mike Sidari, center, reads a statement near the end of the Village Board meeting on Monday at the senior center. From left include trustees Jess Marciano, Marguerite Sherman, Tim Elliott and Diana Baker.
Sidari has been mayor during a time of several major business projects in Medina, as well as several community initiatives including a new dog park, skate park, an upgraded Pine Street Park with a splash pad, and much improved Boxwood Cemetery.
Sidari also helped Medina with the successful application for a $4.5 NY Forward grant from the state for downtown and waterfront projects. The state is expected to soon announce how that grant will be spent in the community.
The mayor said people have often remarked about Medina’s success during his tenure as mayor, with many telling him he was doing a great job. He was quick to respond it’s been a team effort in Medina.
“The one thing I can lay claim to is surrounding myself with some of the best trustees, department heads, workforce, committee members and business owners that a mayor can ask for,” he said, reading from his statement. “There are too many people that have contributed to the village, I can only say a general sincere heart felt public thank you to all of you. Your efforts and forward thinking made my job easier to navigate.”
The trustees may have disagreed, but Sidari said all were focused on reaching a resolution that was best for the village.
“I can honestly say all of them had the best interest in this place we call home,” he said. “It has been said that a political is in this for himself, a public servant is in this for the people. All of us have been public servants for the people of Medina.”
He encouraged residents to become active in the village.
“There are many opportunities to volunteer,” Sidari said. “If someone is thinking about throwing their hat in for a board position, get involved in a committee or two, come to board meetings and learn how things get done.”
Sidari said he made a promise to himself when he was elected mayor eight years was to do his best for the village “and try not to get too many people made at me. I hope in the eyes of the community I kept that promise.”
Sidari said he is available to help the new board during the transition to a new administration.
“Remember, it’s a must that all of you work together.”
He thanked his wife Brenda to putting up with all the meetings, phone calls and emails day and night.
The Village Board members and the crowd at the meeting stand and applaud Mike Sidari near the end of Monday’s Village Board meeting.
He was praised by department heads for his leadership while they managed their departments with planning projects, handling personnel issues and adhering to budgets.
Code Enforcement Officer Dan Gardner, Police Chief Todd Draper, Fire Chief Matt Jackson, DPW Superintendent Jason Watts and Village Clerk/Treasurer Jada Burgess all commended Sidari for his work as mayor.
They also praised Tim Elliott for his eight years of service as a village trustee. He lost a close election last week.
Jada Burgess said she witnessed Sidari’s dedication to the village, and praised him for “serving with integrity, knowledge and always being available to the taxpayers.”
The mayor worked with volunteers to implement improvements to the parks, including a skate park, new basketball court, a splash pad and now the early stages of an inclusive playground at Skate Street Park.
“His motto hasn’t ever been ‘I did this,’” Burgess said. “It has been, ‘We did this,’ knowing that the members of this community are what continues to move Medina forward in a positive direction.”
Burgess thanked Sidari for helping her grow in her position as clerk-treasurer for the village.
She also praised Trustee Elliott for his service on the board.
“His insight has been refreshing, often bringing an out-of-the-box thinking which is beneficial to the board,” Burgess said about Elliott.
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Cars are on display at Medina’s Canal Basin during a car show last year. The show is moving to the Senior Center parking lot on West Avenue.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 March 2024 at 9:47 pm
MEDINA – The Village Board approved allowing use of the parking lot at the Medina Senior Center at 615 West Ave. as the new home for a car show.
The vote came after several people spoke in favor of keeping the car show at the Canal basin where there is plenty of shade and room for car owners to relax in chairs by the Erie Canal.
The car show in the Canal Basin for nearly 30 years was organized by former Orleans County Sheriff David Green. He retired from the role of car show organizer after last year. The events often drew 80 to 100 cars.
Rollin Hellner and Tom Snyder have offered to organize the shows this year, but Hellner said the costs would be less at the senior center. He owns The Walsh, a bar and restaurant across from the parking lot. He said he can extend his insurance to include the car shows, and also car enthusiasts could also use the bathrooms at The Walsh or nearby Poler’s Pub so port-a-potties wouldn’t need to be rented.
“I want to blow this out of the water,” Hellner said about drawing big crowds for the car show. “I want people to come see our village and beautiful Main Street. It’s going to take the community to make this great.”
Hellner said there are about 80 parking spaces for classic cars when the show moves to the senior center.
Staying at the Canal Basin likely won’t be an option in the near future anyway because Hellner said the state is planning to reconfigure the lot, taking away some parking to add more green space. The state hasn’t announced if and when the project will occur. It is among the proposals for the village’s $4.5 million NY Forward grant.
John Pratt, one of the classic car owners, was among the speakers who said he would prefer the Canal Basin.
“We’ve got a park-like setting,” he said about the Canal Basin. “Everybody likes it down there. It’s user-friendly with the shade and the water. There are a lot of other places they can go and sit in a land old parking lot.”
With the change to the senior center approved, Pratt asked the board to consider closing part of Park Avenue. That would make more space to park classic cars, and provide spots for the owners and their guests to sit in grass with some shade. That suggestion will be considered before the new car show season starts on May 31.
Hellner and Snyder said they are planning 12 car shows until Aug. 30. Two weeks ago they asked that the Super Cruise be on a Friday, with part of Main Street blocked off for about 200 cars. But they have relented from that and agreed to keep the Super Cruise on a Wednesday – Aug. 28.
Village officials don’t want to see Main Street closed on a Friday, which is a busy night for the restaurants.
Marguerite Sherman, the deputy mayor, cast the lone vote against the senior center parking lot for the car show. She wanted to do a walk-through of the parking lot to see how Hellner and Snyder planned to position the cars, to maximize the space. She wanted more time to consider the change, but the other board members agreed to allow use of the lot, with Hellner and Snyder to work out the particular details of how to best host the car shows.
Trustee Tim Elliott made the motion to allow use of the parking lot. He said Hellner and Snyder are eager to start promoting the event.
“The car show in the Canal Basin ended in August,” Elliott said. “This is a brand new car show. It’s their hard work going into this. It’s their money going into it.”
Provided photos: Medina trustees Diana Baker, left, and Jess Marciano met with State Sen. Rob Ortt in Albany on Wednesday.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 March 2024 at 10:12 am
ALBANY – Two Village of Medina trustees traveled to the State Capital in Albany last week to seek more state funding for the village.
Jess Marciano and Diana Baker joined about 50 other municipal officials from around the state in Albany for a lobbying day. The event was organized by NYCOM (New York Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials) and the Association of Towns of the State of New York.
Marciano and Baker met with other officials from the state and then went to see the local state legislators, State Sen. Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
The village trustees had a list for the two state legislators. The trustees noted the village government has about 50 full-time employees serving a community with a high-poverty rate.
The employees are in the fire department (21 staff), police department (13 employees), Department of Public Works (12 workers), Clerk’s Office (4 staff) and one code enforcement officer.
The Medina trustees pressed the legislators to push for a sizable increase in AIM (Aid and Incentives to Municipalities) for Medina.
Marciano and Baker presented a chart showing Medina’s meager AIM amount of $45,523 for a village of 6,047 – for $7.53 a person. Smaller cities get more than $100 a person and this is unrestricted aid, to be spent at the discretion of the municipality. (The city of Salamanca, which is similar in size to both the villages of Medina and Albion, collects $928,131 in AIM funding or $156 per person for its 5,929 residents.)
NYCOM also is making more AIM a legislative focus, saying the $715 million total for cities, towns and villages hasn’t been increased in 15 years. NYCOM is seeking a 43 percent increase or another $309 million in AIM.
Jess Marciano, left, and Diana Baker met with Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
Marciano and Baker also said Medina needs more state funding for water and sewer upgrades, and for road maintenance.
“We’re about to go into another incredibly difficult budget year,” Marciano said. “We have to figure out a way to get more money in the village.”
Marciano said Medina isn’t just looking for a state handout. The village has been trying to convince the County Legislature to share more of the local sales tax. The Legislature hasn’t increased the sales tax to towns and village since 2001. It’s been stuck at $1,366,671 for 10 towns and four villages. Medina gets $160,160 of that total.
The local sales tax for the county totalled $23.1 million in 2023. Medina gets less than 1 percent of the total.
The village also is trying to rein in expenses without putting off long overdue projects such as a ladder truck replacement and need to expand the fire hall.
Baker said the discussions with Hawley and Ortt were “very enlightening” as they shared about so many factions in a diverse state, all pushing their own agendas. The smaller towns in rural communities often are overwhelmed by the larger cities and their needs.
Ortt was asked specifically to push legislation that would help the village. Medina has tried for years to have state legislation pass that would allow for a 2 percent occupancy tax for room rentals in the village.
Medina first tried to have the tax imposed in 2018 but it has stalled in the State Legislature.
Hawley has agreed to introduce legislation in the Assembly. Ortt has sponsored the legislation before in the State Senate but now said he is reluctant to back bills that result in a tax increase.
He told Marciano and Baker the “the circumstances have to be right” for him to push the bill in the Senate. He would have to give up something to make a deal with the Democratic Party majority. Right now, he said the Medina legislation benefits so few. But he told Marciano and Baker he isn’t giving up on the legislation.
Baker and Marciano appreciated that both Hawley and Ortt met with the Medina representatives without an appointment. Baker and Marciano said they will schedule more appointments next year so they present Medina’s challenges to more state officials.
“We had very good luck that both were available,” Marciano said about Hawley and Ortt.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 March 2024 at 11:46 pm
Medina voters today elected Marguerite Sherman as mayor, with Debbie Padoleski and Mark Prawel as village trustees.
MEDINA – Village residents today elected Marguerite Sherman to be Medina’s next mayor. Sherman received 330 votes to the 158 for Mike Maak.
Sherman has been a village trustee the past 10 years and is the current deputy mayor. She is a retired special education teacher.
Voters also elected Debbie Padoleski and Mark Prawel as village trustees. Padoleski received the most votes for trustee with 267 followed by 198 for Prawel, 195 for Jeff Pasnik, 185 for Tim Elliott and 91 for Mat Mosher.
Sherman was pleased to see the interest in several candidates for the board. Many of the recent village elections have been uncontested for the incumbents.
“I’m excited for a new beginning,” Sherman said after the results were announced at about 10:30 p.m. “I’m grateful to the village residents for putting their faith in me.”
Sherman said all seven candidates have a lot to offer the village. She urged the candidates who came up short for election to stay involved in the village and perhaps volunteer to be on a village committee.
Padoleski is retired from the village as clerk/treasurer. She said the new trustees and board will be busy working to get the budget adopted by the end of April. She looks forward to digging into the budget details to see if there are possible cost savings for taxpayers.
“I’m anxious to get to work,” she said at the Senior Center, after waiting 90 minutes for the paper ballots to be counted.
Prawel is a retired Medina police officer and owner of an auto repair business. He said the village’s rising tax levy is pressuring many residents, making the community unaffordable.
Sherman will replace Mike Sidari as mayor after his eight years in the role. Sidari didn’t seek re-election.
He was at the Senior Center after the polls closed and waited to hear the results. Like most residents he said he is concerned about the tax burden in the village, and the need to put an addition on the fire hall. The board should continue to work with the Economic Development Agency to help businesses expand in Medina and entice new ones to choose the village.
Medina also has land that could be developed for housing which would boost the tax base, Sidari said.
“I wish the new board the best,” Sidari said.
The terms for the new mayor and trustees start on April 1.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 March 2024 at 5:14 pm
GameTime design: The proposal for Medina from GameTime includes sensory wave spinning seats. “The high back molded sensory seat with handles and front pommel design helps children maintain a neutral body position while spinning,” the company states. A RoxAll SeeSaw also has high backs and side rails. “Each of the four seats on this innovative see-saw are designed to accommodate users of all abilities as they enjoy the rocking motion with their friends. The center saucer is designed for users to transfer easily to and from a mobility device and the durable, heavy-duty springs are made to last!” GameTime states.
MEDINA – The village is in the early stages to bring an inclusive playground to State Street Park, the Village Board announced last week.
The playground would be accessible to children with disabilities and mobility issues. The village is looking to partner with the Rochester Community Foundation and Ralph C. Wilson Foundation to have the new playground in Medina, Deputy Mayor Marguerite Sherman said.
The project from GameTime would be $492,321 with Medina’s only commitment to perhaps be some site work, with no direct financial contributions, Sherman said.
Mayor Mike Sidari’s term as mayor ends March 31, but he is willing to help work on the project when he retires, Sherman said.
“Right now we’re just laying the groundwork,” she said.
The proposal for an inclusive playground at State Street Park State includes PowerScape playgrounds with large decks and uprights to provide strength and capacity.
Other features include sensory wave seats, RoxAll See Saw, inclusive whirl, Bunny Spring Rider, four-bay swing frame, including two with a belt, two with enclosed tot, two with Zero G, one expression swing and one expression swing with a universal seat.
There would also be a freestanding sensory wave arch climber with sensors, four benches, geotextile rolls and wood fibers.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 March 2024 at 8:51 pm
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Bill Dunn looks at his boarded up home in Lakewood Village after a fire broke out there today. Medina firefighter Lt. Steve Cooley said the home is uninhabitable. The cause is under investigation.
MEDINA – A mobile home in Lakewood Village was left uninhabitable after a fire broke out at noon today.
Owner Bill Dunn had left the home about 20 minutes prior to neighbors seeing smoke spewing from the structure, when they called 911.
Lt. Steve Cooley said Medina responded first, followed by Shelby, Albion and East Shelby.
Dunn returned home after getting a call from firefighters that his home was burning. He stood and looked as his brother assisted in boarding up the windows. He said he will stay with his sister until he can decide what he is going to do. He said he was thankful his cat got out safely.
Cooley said his department was busy with several EMS calls at the same time.
Fire damage at the front of the home is extensive, although firefighters knocked it down in 15 minutes, he said.
The fire is under investigation by Medina Fire Department and Orleans County Emergency Management’s investigative team.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 March 2024 at 11:47 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
MEDINA –Michael Bonafede, center in back, served as moderator of a candidate forum on Tuesday at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina.
A YouTube video of the nearly 2-hour forum with seven candidates is now available (click here). Orleans Hub and The Lake Country Pennysaver sponsored the forum.
The candidates are seated at a table and include, from left: Marguerite Sherman for mayor, Michael Maak for mayor, Austin “Mat” Mosher for trustee, Tim Elliott for trustee, Debbie Padoleski for trustee, Jeff Pasnik for trustee and Mark Prawel for trustee.
The election is on Tuesday with voting from noon to 9 p.m. at the Senior Center on West Avenue.
• MAYOR – There are two candidates running for mayor on a two-year term. Current trustee Marguerite Sherman, a retired special education teacher, is on “The Village Party” line and Michael Maak, a retired Medina firefighter, is running under the “Roots of the Past, Eyes on the Future Party.”
• TRUSTEE – Five people are seeking two two-year trustee positions on the Village Board.
Current trustee Tim Elliott and retired village clerk/treasurer Debbie Padoleski are running with Sherman on the “The Village Party.” Elliott is an entrepreneur who currently works for LynOaken Farms. Padoleski retired in 2021 after a 41-year career in the village clerk’s office.
Austin “Mat” Mosher and Jeffrey Pasnik are running with Maak under “Roots of the Past, Eyes on the Future Party.” Mosher is a former Medina firefighter and Pasnik is a council rep for North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters in Cheektowaga. Mosher now works as regional safety manager for United Refining Company and Kwik Fill’s safety and compliance officer.
Mark Prawel, a retired Medina police officer, is running under the “United Party.” He also owns an auto repair shop in Medina.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 March 2024 at 9:50 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Natalie Herbert, left, and Gabriella Wilson perform with Caiden Class in back as part of the Medina varsity winter guard’s performance on Saturday at the Medina Junior-Senior High School gym.
Medina did a take on Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand” and is set to songs of the last several decades. Class depicts Dick Clark and at times played his saxophone.
There were 25 guard units competing at the event, up from 19 from a year ago at the Winter Guard Show in Medina with some in exhibition with no scores given. About 500 people attended the competition.
The scores were made available today from the show. The results include:
Hinsdale in Novice – not scored.
Cadet class – Greece in 1st place with 67.89; Victor in 2nd place at 65.85 ; Medina in 3rd with 59.95.
Regional A – Gates Chili in 1st with 71.35; Naples in 2nd at 67.82.
A1 class – Gates Chili in 1st with 74.29; Jamestown in 2nd with 68.76.
Scholastic A – Victor in 1st with 81.21; Orchard Park in 2nd with 76.69; Lancaster in 3rd at 74.99; and Medina in 4th with 70.09.
Independent A – Gates Chili in 1st with 86.32.
Senior class – Luminosa in 1st with 82.72; and Lakeside in 2nd with 69.05.
Victor took 1st in the Scholastic A class with a show entitled “The Vibrant City.” The scene is set in New Orleans.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 March 2024 at 3:30 pm
Students say story of rebellion in France inspired cast and crew ‘to stand up for what you believe in’
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Jackson McGrath portrays Enjolras, a young revolutionary, in Medina’s production of Les Misérables, a story of the 1832 June Rebellion in France. Enjolras is the leader of the student revolutionaries.
Medina will perform the musical at 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. on Sunday at the Medina Junior-Senior High School.
Arianna Lake plays the role of Éponine, the daughter of the Thénardiers (right), who is played by Caiden Class. Éponine becomes a ragged street waif and a thief like her father. She secretly loves Marius, one of the revolutionary leaders.
The revolutionaries prepare themselves for battle. “One Day More” is the eve of the rebellion.
Alex Balaban, far right, plays the role of Marius, one of the leaders of the fight.
There are 70 students in the cast and crew, from grades 7 to 12. This is Medina’s second musical production since bringing the program back to Medina after a shared program with Lyndonville for about a decade.
Rachel Trillizio and Anna Ferlito are directors of the show for Medina. They wanted to build on the success of last year’s musical, “Little Mermaid.”
They said Les Misérables is demanding musically and emotionally.
“We decided to go all out for this show,” Trillizio said during a break in a rehearsal this week. “We are proud of the legacy the students are creating.”
Students auditioned for the roles in November with three rehearsals in December to help get younger students acclimated to the demands of this show, Trillizio said.
(Left) Elaina Huntington plays the role of Madame Thenardier, and helps her husband run an inn. She is complicit in most of her husband’s crimes and schemes. (Right) Logan Trillizio plays the role Jean Valjean, prisoner 24601. He is taunted by Javert, a prison guard played by Ryder Jones.
Logan Trillizio as Jean Valjean is finally released after 19 years of imprisonment for stealing a loaf of bread. But he breaks parole, changes his identity and constantly is hunted by Javert.
Ryder Jones in the role of Inspector Javert said his character of the policeman is duty-bound to enforce the law, but it becomes more complicated when he sees Valjean may be a good man, and not just a common thief.
“He is conflicted because just because (Valjean) broke the law that doesn’t make him a bad guy,” said Jones, a junior in his first musical.
The cast in inspired by the message of the musical, of the young revolutionaries risking their lives.
“This is about standing up for what you believe in,” Jones said.
Elaina Huntington, a senior, agrees the message has resonated with the students.
“This is a very heavy show,” she said. “Are you willing to die for your beliefs? Are you willing to stand up for what you believe in?”
Alex Balaban plays the role of Marius and Madelyn Lewis is Cosette.
They feel their newfound love slipping away. Marius decides to join his friends in the rebellion.
Courtesy of Photos by Bruce: The cast is shown on the set of Les Misérables.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 14 March 2024 at 9:27 am
Provided photos: David A. Harris holds the seal made at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES in Medina for his promotion to 3-Star General at Bolling Air Force Base. With him, from left, are Mark Traxler of Medina, VFW Quartermaster Mike Mowvzarczak, VFW Commander Pat Little, Harris’ great-uncle Jim Freas and Dan Anderson, former commander of the VFW, who met Harris when they served together in Germany.
MEDINA – Jim Freas is proud of his family’s military service.
Freas is a Marine who served two tours in Vietnam. His younger brother Jim was also in the Marines and an older brother served in the Army during World War II.
Now Jim has more reason to be proud.
Jim Freas posted this message on the sign in front of Medina’s VFW Lincoln Post 1483, celebrating his great-nephew David A. Harris Jr.’s promotion to 3-Star General. Harris is a member of the local VFW.
His great-nephew David A. Harris has recently been promoted to 3-Star General in the Air Force in ceremonies at Bolling Air Force Base.
Although Harris grew up outside of Philadelphia and now lives on Bolling Air Force Base with his wife Ashley, he has ties to Medina. While visiting Jim and Lynn Freas several years ago, Jim said Harris fell in love with the place and joined the Lincoln VFW Post. He is also friends with Dan Anderson, who he met while serving in Germany.
Harris has had an illustrious career in the Air Force, most recently as lieutenant general deputy chief of staff, Air Force Futures, Headquarters, United States Air Force, the Pentagon.
He is a master navigator and basic parachutist with 2,500 flying hours. Among many, many impressive assignments, he has served as vice superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs; deputy director of operations for Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, N.C.; and director of Strategic Plans, Programs and Requirements for Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Florida.
Prior to his current position, Harris was the deputy commander, Ninth Air Force, and deputy, Combined Air Component Commander, U.S. Central Command, Southwest Asia.
Harris’ major awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with valor device, Bronze Star medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster and Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters.
Attending his promotion to 3-Star General was Jim and Lynn Freas, Dan and Diana Anderson, Pat Little, Scott Little, Mike Mowvzarczak and Mark Traxler, all members of the local VFW.
Making the ceremony even more special was the fact Harris held a large metal seal of the United States Air Force, which was made for him by students at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES in Medina. Jim’s granddaughter is a member of BOCES’ welding class.
Jim said Harris and his wife visit Medina two or three times a year, and he expects their next visit to be in April.
Jim Freas and his wife Lynn of Medina attended the promotion of Jim’s great-nephew to 3-Star General in February at Bolling Air Force Base. From left are Freas, Gen. David A. Harris Jr., Lynn Freas and Harris’ wife Ashley.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Rollin Hellner, left, and Tom Snyder speak with the Village Board on Monday to discuss moving the Friday evening classic car shows from the Canal Basin to the senior center parking lot.
By Ginny Kropf and Tom Rivers
MEDINA – A new team has stepped up to run the cruise-in nights in Medina, which typically bring in 80 to 100 classic cars.
Rollin Hellner and Tom Snyder presented an expanded lineup for the events, with many themed shows from the opening day of May 31 to the season-ending event on Aug. 30. They also want to shift the cruise-ins from the Canal Basin to the senior center parking lot on West Avenue.
They also are proposing the biggest cruise in of the season, the Super Cruise, be held on a Friday. That event has been on a Wednesday with more than 200 cars and special entertainment from Elvis impersonator Terry Buchwald.
Hellner said he and Snyder are trying to build on the success from long-time organizer David Green, who stepped down from the role at the end of last season.
“It’s already great,” Hellner said. “People love it.”
Hellner owns The Walsh across from the senior center. He said classic car owners are welcome to use the bathrooms at The Walsh. The restaurant and bar also could provide an overflow lot if the senior center gets maxed out.
Moving up to the senior center would free up parking spaces at the Canal Basin and on Main Street on Friday evenings. Some of the business owners have said the car shows draw a crowd, but have a downside in consuming many parking spots.
“This should ease some of the pressure on Main Street,” Hellner said about the shift to the senior center.
One of the classic car enthusiasts, John Pratt, told the Village Board the car owners like the ambiance by the Canal Basin, being by the water of the Erie Canal and sitting under the trees for shade.
Village Board members said they want to consider the change in location for the car show. Board members said they expect to make a decision during the next meeting on March 25.
Jason Watts, the DPW superintendent, said the Super Cruise on a Friday on a busy Main Street would be tough for the community if that street is closed to traffic. He suggested the car show shift a street away to West Avenue if it’s on a Friday.
Village Trustee Tim Elliott said having the show on Main Street makes it a better destination for the car owners and enthusiasts. He would like the car show to stay on Main Street as a once-a-year event.
The board said they appreciate Hellner and Snyder for taking the reins for the car show this year.
“Thank you for stepping up and taking this on,” said Deputy Mayor Marguerite Sherman. “A lot of people have been worried about it.”
Green, who organized the shows for nearly three decades, is glad the shows will go on, even with some uncertainty right now about the location. He coordinated the shows, starting 28 years ago with Donna Bushover and Donna Mruczek.
“I will still come to cruise nights, but I’m 81 now and it was time to let it go,” Green said. “I couldn’t have done it without all the help I had. It was a lot of work – a lot of walking that night and a lot of time spent going around and getting sponsors for door prizes and the DJ.”
The proceeds from 50/50 tickets went to the Orleans County United Way, which carried insurance for the cruise-ins.
Both Hellner and Snyder own vintage cars. They said Medina has one of the best-attended cruise-ins in the area.
“I’m happy to be involved with cruise nights,” Snyder said. “I remember back when they started and I don’t want to see them go away.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 March 2024 at 10:44 am
MEDINA – The Medina Village Board on Monday approved joining a resolution and letter already signed by at least 370 leaders of cities and villages in the state, seeking an increase in AIM funding from the state.
The state Legislature and governor haven’t increased Aids and Incentives to Municipalities for 15 years. During that time inflation is up 45 percent and the state has imposed a tax cap of 2 percent on municipalities, according to the letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.
“This neglect from state government has led to rising municipal tax burdens and harmful disinvestment in essential municipal services and staff,” the letter states.
Medina Mayor Mike Sidari will join elected and appointed officials around the state in calling on an increase in AIM. Holley Mayor Mark Bower and Teri Woodworth, Lyndonville’s clerk-treasurer, also have signed on to the letter, which has been circulated by NYCOM – New York Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials.
The state sets aside $715 million in AIM. Cities get 90.5 percent of this money, while towns statewide receive $47.9 million, and villages share $19.7 million.
Most small cities are getting $100 to $150 per capita in aid. Medina, population 6,047, gets only $45,523 in AIM, while Albion with 5,637 residents, gets even less at $38,811. That is a per capita of less than $8 for Orleans County’s two largest villages.
The letter that the Medina Village Board agreed to sign on calls for a general overall increase in AIM, but doesn’t address the disparity to the villages.
Medina trustees Jess Marciano and Diana Baker said they will be traveling to Albany on March 20 for NYCOM’s lobby day where they may be a better opportunity to press the tiny AIM funds directed to villages.
The letter approved by city and village leaders around the state urges an increase in Aim to help pay for public safety and make communities more affordable.
“Every community has public safety needs and for many local budgets, it is the largest cost driver,” the letter states. “If the State truly wants to ensure affordability and public safety for all New Yorkers, now is the time for an increase in AIM funding for cities, villages and towns.”
