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Farmers’ market in Medina returning to outdoor location this Saturday

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 12 July 2023 at 8:27 am

Provided photo: Shoppers check out the vegetables from Human Farms and Greenhouse at Medina’s Canal Village Farmers’ Market. The market this Saturday will move back to its former location at the corner of West Center Street and West Avenue for the rest of the summer. The market has been at the former NAPA Auto Parts Store on North Main since the winter.

MEDINA – Medina’s Canal Village Farmers’ Market will return to its former site at the corner of West Center Street and West Avenue, beginning this Saturday.

The market, which had been located at that site across from the post office since 2015, moved into the former NAPA Auto Parts Store at 345 North Main St. last November when owner Craig Lacy offered use of his building for the winter.

This provided the market a larger, warmer location for winter operations, for which the market was grateful, said Chris Busch, president of Orleans Renaissance Group, which sponsors the market.

“However, as it turns out, the winter site – while a game changer for cold weather – is not as good for a summer market,” Busch said.

“Most people expect a summer farmers’ market to be an outdoor experience,” said Gail Miller, manager of the market since its beginning. “The indoor location was fantastic for winter, but for summer people prefer the atmosphere of a festive outdoor market.”

The West Center Street site offered food vendors, live music and other activities, which were a draw for people walking through and enjoying downtown, Miller said.

“People are drawn to a place where they hear music, smell food and see other people having fun,” she said. “It may be a little windier and perhaps a little wetter on occasion, but the colored canopies and customers milling about will definitely prove a more fun summer experience.”

Their first day back on the corner this Saturday the market will have lots of great vendors, live music, food vendors, community tables, artisans and crafters and kids’ activities, including the crowd favorite kids’ scavenger hunt, Miller said.

“Stop by and see us and enjoy the market,” she said.

Market hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The market will return to the NAPA site in November, Busch said.

More information is available on the market at Canal Village Farmers’ Market Facebook page or by e-mail at canalvillagemarket@gmail.com.

Medina district will provide school supplies for all students this year

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 July 2023 at 1:08 pm

MEDINA – The school district announced today that it will be providing school supplies – folders, paper, pens, pencils, rulers, erasers and binders – to all students in the district. That’s about 1,400 students in grades prekindergarten through 12.

“We feel it’s a great thing for our families in the district,” said Dr. Mark Kruzynski, Medina Central School superintendent.

Kruzynski said some families struggle with the expense of the all the supplies, or sometimes they are sold out and difficult to locate in time for the school year in early September.

“It’s something we can do to make it a little easier for our families,” Kruzynski said today.

The district has a master list of school supplies and will order them for all students.

“The list has been getting longer and longer each year, and more specific,” he said. “This way we can get exactly what the teachers want and get everyone started off right.”

The district can also get a better price by ordering in a larger quantity, he said.

Medina has a high poverty rate, Kruzynski said. This is the latest effort to try to ease some of the financial pressures on families, he said.

Medina in 2018-19 started offering free breakfast and lunch to all students through implementation of the Community Eligibility Provision of the National School Breakfast/Lunch Program.

That program provides the opportunity for schools in high poverty areas to provide two nutritious meals every school day, while eliminating the stigma for those students previously identified as “low income.”

750 cyclists reach Orleans, staying in Medina and heading east on Monday

Photos by Ginny Kropf: This is a small part of the lawn around Wise Middle School, which has come to be known as Tent City during the arrival of cyclists riding of cyclists in the annual eight-day Cycle the Erie Canal Tour, sponsored by Parks and Trails New York. Six hundred and fifty cyclists are camped in Medina for the night.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 July 2023 at 10:03 pm

MEDINA – There are 750 cyclists from 40 states and Canada spending tonight in Medina during the first let of the 400-mile, eight-day Cycle the Erie Canal ride along the Erie Canal from Buffalo to Albany.

This is the 25th anniversary of the ride, which is a fundraiser for Parks and Trails New York, said Erica Schneider with Parks and Trails New York.

Schneider is riding with the cyclists to talk to them and the public about the mission of Parks and Trails New York.

“The ride is a fundraiser for Parks and Trails New York to aid our mission to promote and expands public parks,” Schneider said. “It’s really a party on wheels for eight days. All the communities give us such a big welcome.”

Those welcoming activities along the ride include live music, food trucks, artisan vendors, a massage therapist in Medina and Clyde, wine and cheese tasting in Seneca Falls and post cards in Brockport for riders to write notes back home.

April Amodei, director of Parks and Trails New York, said she loved coming to Medina.

“You are always so good to us,” she said. “I love the sweet cherries every year.”

(Left) Erica Schneider, on staff with Parks and Trails New York, is riding with the cyclists on Cycle the Erie Canal this year to talk to folks along the way and let the cyclists and public know about the work her organization does. The ride is a fundraiser for Parks and Trails New York. (Right) Sev Gonnella of Marcellus, left, and Debbie Curtis of Clarence oversee a truck filled with supplies for the cyclists. They drive the truck one day and ride their cycles the next.

Guin Panek from Ledge Rock Farms provides sweet cherries for the cyclists every year, said Jim Hancock, chair of the Medina Tourism Committee which chairs the event in Medina.

Hancock also shared a story about a rider who flew here from California and purchased a bicycle in Buffalo. When she gets to Albany, she plans to sell it and then fly back home.

Two new participants in the event this year are Sev Gonnella of Marcellus and Debbie Curtis of Clarence. They are volunteering to drive a supply truck one day, then they ride their cycles the alternating day.

Gonnella said he decided to volunteer for the ride because some of his friends told him it is a wonderful time with wonderful people and a great organization.

“I wasn’t with them 30 minutes when that all proved to be true,” he said.

Curtis is taking part partly to prepare for a bicycle trip she is taking alone cross country next year to raise funds for mental illness.

(Left) Dave Waldburger of Connecticut looks at a map on which cyclists are writing their names on the states they come from. Cyclists participating this year come from 40 states and Canada. (Right) Len and Patty Policelli of Nazareth, Pa. relax by their tent after arriving in Tent City on Sunday afternoon. Len made the ride in 2012, but this is Patty’s first time.

The cyclists began their journey Sunday morning in Buffalo, riding the Shoreline Trail north along the shores of the Niagara River to Tonawanda, where they encountered the western entrance of the Erie Canal. From there, the followed the trail through Amherst into Pendleton, arriving in Lockport around lunchtime.

The locks were pretty impressive to Patty Policelli, who is riding with her husband Len from Nazareth, Pa.

“This is a real adventure,” Patty said. “Most of the work is done for you. All you have to do is ride. The neatest thing was riding along the canal and seeing the locks and bridges.”

Continuing east, cyclists passed through Gasport and Middleport, arriving in Medina early afternoon and throughout the rest of the day. After setting up camp, where volunteers unloaded gear, the cyclists had the option to relax, have an on-site massage or take a shuttle downtown to view different sites, such as the Sandstone Hall of Fame, Visitors Center, Medina Historical Society Museum, Erie Canal Basin and a concert in State Street Park.

North Star Cruises was also available to give a one-hour canal cruise.

The Author’s Note book store had canal history books available in the school auditorium, where Jonathan Duda gave a presentation on “Who we Are and What we Do” from 6 to 6:30 p.m. , followed by Craig Williams talked about “Mapping the Erie Canal” in time and space from 7 to 8 p.m.

A buffet dinner was served by Zambistro from 5 to 7 p.m.

Also on site were vendors, including Della’s Chocolates and Case-Nic Cookies, and live music from 7 to 9 p.m. by Pocket Change.

“We are so thankful to share such a meaningful experience with all our riders, not to mention the amazing towns along the way who really go above and beyond, year after year,  to roll out the red carpet for our riders,” said Paul Steely White, executive director of Parks and Trails New York, in a press release. “With more of the Erie Canalway Trail completed year after year, and an even greater sense of celebration and joy from the towns and cyclists, Cycle the Erie Canal truly just keeps getting better and better.”

Cyclists will depart Monday morning enroute to their Monday night campsite in Fairport. They will be greeted in Albion in the morning and Holley is an official rest stop.

The cyclists will spend subsequent nights camping in Seneca Falls, Syracuse, Rome, Canajoharie and Schenectady.

Medina invites public to find all the clues on scavenger hunt

Provided photos: (Left) Todd Bensley, his wife Nicole and their son Jacob stand by the grave of May Howard in Boxwood Cemetery after winning last year’s scavenger hunt sponsored by Medina Area Partnership. Howard survived the sinking of the Titanic. (Right) Lauren and Matt Backlas look at the clue sheet for this year’s scavenger hunt. They are standing in front of Main Street Appliance Store.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 July 2023 at 2:00 pm

MEDINA – The Medina Area Partnership has announced the launch of its second annual Scavenger Hunt which will run until Sept. 1.

Clues are designed to encourage participants to explore various parts of the 14103 zip code with family, friends, co-workers or on their own. Each clue gets the participant one step closer to the prize.

The winner will have the opportunity to choose from a family prize pack or an adult night out prize pack, each valued at $150.

“Last year exceeded my expectations for the inaugural year,” said Tim Elliott, a member of MAP’s Events Committee and creator of the scavenger hunt clues.

“This year I’d love to see more businesses using this as a team building activity,” Elliott said. “Some of the clues really make you think.”

Clue sheets are available at the Coffee Pot Café, 114 East Center St. or online (click here). The hunt can be completed in a couple of hours or at the participant’s leisure. Participants should answer as many questions as they can and submit their forms by Sept. 1 to be entered in the prize drawing.

“Medina is rich in history and a treasure trove of unique and interesting finds,” said Ann Fisher-Bale, chair of MAP’s Events’ Committee. “This scavenger hunt will challenge participants to look for both old and new places throughout 1103.”

“Tim, Ann and the entire Events Committee did a great job putting this event together again this year,” said Scott Robinson, president of MAP. “This activity adds another layer to what a day or night out on the town can include. Visit some of your favorite shops, eat and drink at some of our incredible restaurants and then see if you can find some of the clues. This is another reason to visit Medina this summer.”

A list of 2023 events can be found at https://medinaap.ort/events/.

Headstone-cleaning kits for sale in fundraiser for Friends of Boxwood

Posted 8 July 2023 at 8:34 am

Press Release, Friends of Boxwood Cemetery

MEDINA – Headstone-cleaning kits will be available for sale through Cooper Funeral Home in Medina starting this month.

All proceeds will benefit the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery, a not-for-profit organization with a mission for the promotion and conservation of Boxwood Cemetery, to honor past generations for future generations.

Jake Hebdon, owner of Cooper Funeral Home, is a board member of the Boxwood Cemetery Commission. In recent years, Hebdon has received an increasing number of inquiries through the funeral home asking how to properly clean their loved one’s headstone.

This can be done through a monument company, however many people choose to take on the task themselves. In the latter case, it is important to educate the public on proper techniques, tools and chemicals to use that will not permanently damage the stone.

The kits are $75 each. They include a 32 oz. reusable spray bottle of D/2 Biological Solution with instructions, a plastic scrub brush, plastic scraper, a wooden pick to clean into lettering and a 2-gallon bucket for rinsing.

D/2 Biological Solution is a biodegradable, easy-to-use liquid that removes stains from mold, algae, mildew, lichens and air pollutants. It is effective on marble, granite, limestone, brownstone, travertine, masonry, terra cotta, concrete, stucco, wood, and other architectural surfaces including monuments, sculptures and headstones.

This chemical is the most highly recommended and safest chemical for headstone cleaning and is most notably used at Arlington National Cemetery, among other nationally renowned cemeteries, monuments and architectural structures. A contact time of only 10 to 15 minutes followed by scrubbing with a soft nylon or natural bristle brush will loosen most biological and air pollutant staining.

Metal utensils are not recommended, as metal will permanently scratch stone surfaces. A common chemical that should also not be used is bleach, as it is caustic and will mar granite and marble surfaces over time, along with contaminating the dirt around the stone.

The Friends of Boxwood will be hosting a stone cleaning seminar in Boxwood Cemetery on Saturday, July 15, at 10 a.m. Pre-registration is requested by emailing friendsofboxwoodcemetery@gmail.com.

People can follow us at Friends of Boxwood Cemetery on Facebook for up-to-date information.

For kit sales, please contact Hebdon at 798-5000 or cooperfuneralhome@gmail.com. Kits are expected to go quickly, but will be restocked as demand dictates.

Lee-Whedon kicks off summer reading challenge with petting zoo and many games

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 July 2023 at 3:04 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Cadence Marciano, 4, of Medina picks a rubber duck from the duck pond during a kickoff celebration for Lee-Whedon Memorial Library’s summer reading challenge.

Patricia Mumau, right, is the children’s librarian. She said there are many activities the next six weeks at the library.

“We have a lot of things going on for kids from age 0 to 16,” she said. “It should be awesome.”

There will be four outdoor movie nights at the library including one tonight at dusk with Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Water and popcorn will be provided.

Other movie nights include Beauty and the Beast on July 14, Wonder on Aug. 4 and Paddington 2 on Aug. 18.

Sophia DeMarco 6, of Medina holds an iguana outside Lee-Whedon today during the kickoff celebration for the summer reading challenge. This year the theme is “All Together Now.”

2 X 2 Petting Zone from Macedon brought many creatures for the petting zoo, including a ferret, hedgehogs, Guinea pigs, a bearded dragon, a tortoise, mourning doves, a California kingsnake and other animals.

Byron Hill, 7, of Medina holds a tortoise. He was among about 150 kids at the kickoff event today with the petting zoo.

Samantha Covis, the library’s assistant director, makes cotton candy.

Tucker Damey, 4, of Medina, left, and Joshua Hill, 2, of Medina have fun with Guinea pigs.

Lee-Whedon will host many activities through Aug. 18 to welcome children to the library, including story hours, arts and crafts, a butterfly exhibit, Dungeons & Dragons games, painting the sidewalk, a visit from Hawk Creek Wildlife, yoga for teens and many other programs.

Click here for the Lee-Whedon website and the full calendar for the summer reading challenge.

New mural directs motorists to public parking lot in downtown Medina

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 July 2023 at 9:18 am

Provided photos

MEDINA – A new mural was added on the side of Mark’s Pizzeria on Main Street to direct people to a municipal parking lot behind the Main Street buildings and East Center Street. The mural is actually facing the one-way Proile Alley between Mark’s and the Medina Theatre. This is the first roadway on Main Street for motorists crossing the railroad tracks into the downtown.

Tim Elliott, a village trustee, took the lead on the mural that is 9 feet high by about 14 feet wide. He painted most of it over three days this week with help from retired art teacher Brandi Zavitz.

Village officials were considering adding more signs on Main Street and the downtown to direct people to parking, but the state Department of Transportation advised the village it was already “oversaturated” with signs.

The mural was a way to not add another street sign, but highlight a big parking area not far from Main Street. Many visitors to Medina don’t realize there is a lot behind the buildings, Elliott said.

He presented the plan to the Medina Planning Board, which gave its OK and said the design was historically appropriate. Elliott said the pointing hand is in sepia tones to give the mural a historical look.

The mural was paid for without any public funds, Elliott said.

A clearcoat sealer will be added next week.

Elliott thanked Mark’s owner Brian Christiaansen for his willingness to have the mural on the building.

Church plans another big family fun day on Aug. 5 at Butts Park in Medina

Photo by Tom Rivers: Kids line up for cotton candy during the fifth annual Family Fun Day last summer at Butts Park. The event was attended by about 500 people, who enjoyed free food, live music, bounce houses and the chance to meet local agencies. There were also giveaways of back-to-school supplies.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 July 2023 at 9:11 am

MEDINA – A Medina church is planning its sixth annual Family Fun Day at Butts Park on Aug. 5. The Oasis Church (formerly Second Church True Disciples of Jesus Christ A.G.) and the Family Fun Day Committee will have many free activities at the park from 1 to 4 p.m.

“For the last five years, the Family Fun Day has partnered with churches, agencies, businesses, and organizations in the county to unite the community for a fantastic family-oriented event,” said Jovannie Canales, senior pastor of Oasis Church.

Last year, about 500 attendees enjoyed activities, including a back to school backpack distribution with school supplies, live music, food, bounce houses, agency booths, K-9 and firefighters’ demonstration, and other giveaways.

“Our mission is to provide a free event that brines the community together, strengthens family bonds, enhances community relations, and brings hope to those in need,” Canales said.

This year’s event will include a skateboarding demonstration through Reanimatesk8 Ministry. There will be skateboard parts, accessories and two complete decks given out during the event.

“The Family Fun Day event would not be possible without donations from churches, friends, and community partners,” Canales said.

Basket raffle at Case-Nic raises funds for OCALS

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 5 July 2023 at 10:08 am

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Carolyn Wagner, a member of OCALS, stands in front of Case-Nic Cookies, where a basket raffle to benefit the literacy agency is taking place through July 28.

MEDINA – For the second year, Orleans County Adult Learning Services is sponsoring a basket raffle in the window of Case-Nic Cookies on Main Street.

The agency known as OCALS provides tutoring to individuals and school children throughout the county. Founded in 2006 and ran for many years by strictly volunteers, it relies solely on donations and grants to fund its services.

With limited staff, the basket raffle in Case-Nic Cookies window is a perfect way to raise money, according to Carolyn Wagner, who organizes the raffle.

There are 53 baskets on display in the window. Individuals wishing to participate may take an envelope out of a bucket in the doorway, in which there is a ticket stub and sheet of paper listing all the baskets. They indicate how many tickets they wish to purchase, which baskets they want to win and how many tickets go in each basket. They place the correct amount of money in the envelope with the list of baskets and drop it in the mail slot in the door.

Then staff at Case-Nic Cookies tears apart the tickets and places the requested number in each basket.

Some of the baskets have lottery tickets, planters, a rooster lawn ornament, jewelry and gift certificates to numerous businesses and services in Medina, such as hair appointments, chocolates, flowers, hardware and groceries.

Wagner praised Case-Nic Cookies owner Mary Lou Tuohey for providing her window free to non-profits.

“Not many businesses would give up an entire window for someone else to use,” she said.

Fundraising is a challenge for OCALS, which has limited staff, so the basket raffle is a doable event. This year they are going to have a fundraising dinner in September, Wagner said. They have also had a presence at the Strawberry Festival in Albion, the Farmer’s Market in Medina and Medina’s Community Yard Sale.

“We are trying to raise awareness in the community of what we do,” she said. “There are still many people who don’t know what OCALS is.”

OCALS is a not-for-profit group of volunteers who provide free tutoring one-on-one to individuals who want to improve their reading, writing and English speaking skills, along with improving their digital literacy. OCALS recently joined with United Way of Orleans County to offer help via the Orleans Digital Literacy Initiative. They serve individuals in ABCD child care (Grace’s Place) in Holley, local school districts and the Iroquois Job Corps. One member, Ann McElwee, is bilingual and can work with the Spanish speaking population.

Anyone is encouraged to think about joining OCALS, either as a board member or tutor. Volunteers can play a really active role or stay in the background, Wagner said.

Anyone wishing to join OCALS in any capacity may call (585) 590-1292 or check on to the OCALS Facebook page.

Sneaker Barn owner to retire after 41 years, with son to take over

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) From left, Betty and Bill Blount stand with son Rick and daughter-in-law Terra at the Sneaker Barn, after announcing Rick and Terra would be taking over the store when Bill retires. Bill has run the store since 1982. (Right) Bill Blount, left, give son Rick pointers on stocking the shelves at the Sneaker Barn, 10640 Ridge Rd., Medina.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 5 July 2023 at 9:50 am

MEDINA – Changes are taking place at the Sneaker Barn, located at 10640 Ridge Rd.

Owners Bill and Betty Blount have announced he will be retiring and turning the business over to their son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Terra Blount.

Bill has been in the footwear business for decades, having worked as a full-time sales representative for Reebok.

Having a store grew out of garage sales he had to get rid of his samples. They sold so well, he decided to put up a small building for the summer, but people began stopping all winter. In 1987, he built the current store. In 1989-90, he opened a store in Brockport, which he ran for five years. When staffing became a problem, he closed it and concentrated on his store in what he calls “the boonies.”

“This little store always outperformed the other one in Brockport,” he said.

This year, Bill will turn 79 on July 22 and he decided it was time to retire.

“I was ready to close and started liquidating,” he said.

Then Terra came to him and said she and Rick would like to take over the store.

“I had the brakes on, and now it was full steam ahead,” Bill said.

He put in new carpet and new furnace, added a coffee bar and expanded his merchandise line. The Sneaker Barn will soon add a new line of sneakers made so the wearer can slip his foot in with no hands. He also added Merrell footwear and Teva to the Skechers he already carried.

Other merchandise includes Wigwam socks made in America, and men’s and women’s slippers which Bill said are big sellers. Footwear comes in sizes up to 16.

“We have a huge demand for wide sizes,” Bill said. “If it’s made in wide sizes, we order it.”

He said during the pandemic they had some of their busiest days.

“We opened for people who were diabetic and needed wide sizes,” Bill said. “Because we were small, people didn’t worry about being around crowds.”

Bill likes to tell the story about the size 23 shoes he saw somewhere and bought them as a conversation piece. He was using them as a door stop when a very tall man from New York City stopped in and asked if he could try them on. They were a perfect fit, so Bill sold them to him.

Rick, who is head of maintenance at St. Mary’s Cemetery, cares for several others and runs an excavating business, will keep his cemetery jobs and scale back on the excavating. Terra formerly did child care in Holley and will run the store with Rick’s assistance as time permits.

The store is currently open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, but after the Fourth, Rick and Terra will expand hours to include Tuesday and Wednesday. Both plan to shadow Bill for the rest of the year to learn the ropes.

Having Rick and Terra take over was perfect, Bill said, as they live right behind the store.

He said over the years, all three of his children worked at the store, along with some nieces and nephews.

For now, retirement means scaling back. He enjoys being in the store and talking to people. Betty’s goal is to keep the home fires burning and spending more time with Bill.

Medina gears up for big welcome of 650 cyclists on July 9

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Canal Culvert outside Medina in Ridgeway impressed many of the cyclists on July 11, 2022. They stopped to get selfies with the big stone structure, which is the only spot where vehicles can drive under the Erie Canal.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 1 July 2023 at 8:18 am

MEDINA – A 25-year tradition will continue when 650 cyclists arrive in Medina July 9 during the Cycle the Erie Canal event.

Cyclists from all over the United States will start in Buffalo on July 9 and arrive in Medina early afternoon, said Jim Hancock, chair of Medina Tourism, which is planning welcoming events. The cyclists set up at Medina Central School, in what has come to be known as “Tent City.” They depart the next morning and head to Fairport. They will be welcomed at rest stops in Albion and Holley.

In Medina, Hancock and Dawn Borchet, head of Orleans County Tourism, will mark the route for the cyclists from the canal to the school and back. Boy Scout Troop 35 will help unload the trucks carrying the cyclists’ gear.

The event is coordinated locally by the village’s Tourism Committee, Medina Central School District and the state’s Parks and Recreation Department. The Village Tourism Committee members will man an informational booth to answer questions and offer assistance. Local businesses, such as Della’s Chocolates and Case-Nic Cookies, will be on site to offer their goodies.

Massage therapist Mike Webster will be on hand to provide relief to weary cyclists.

“While the cyclists are in Medina, the village’s Tourism Committee provides a variety of activities to showcase our beautiful village,” Hancock said.

This includes a shuttle bus to transport cyclists downtown and around to different highpoints and the downtown business district. This includes the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame, the Visitor’s Center, Medina Historical Society, Canal Basin and State Street Park for the Who Dats concert. An employee from Author’s Note will be on hand to make books available at the school, and will have their store open on Main Street from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Also new this year, North Star Cruises will have cruises on the canal from noon to 8 p.m. Cruises are one hour long and will begin on the hour. Cost is $25 per person. Anyone can call (716) 514-9378 to make a reservation.

A concert in the park will take place at the pavilion in State Street Park, featuring “The Who Dats” from 4 to 6 p.m. The general public is also invited to attend.

Zambistro’s catering will provide dinner and a send-off breakfast to all cyclists.

At 7 p.m. music will be provided on campus for the cyclists by Dave Stockton’s “Loose Change.”

This event is made successful year after year due to efforts by the Medina Central School District and Medina Tourism Committee, Hancock said.

Cyclists participating in Cycle the Canal will arrive in Buffalo on July 8, where they will be treated to a ride downtown and Niagara Falls, wine tasting, music and a speech by Craig Williams on “Erie Canal History.” The trip ends in Albany on July 16.

New tourism kiosk with 8 panels touting Medina coming to Canal Basin

Photo by Tom Rivers: Jim Hancock, chairman of Medina’s Tourism Committee, addressed the Village Board on Monday, giving them a sneak peak of two of the 8 panels that will be included in a new kiosk by the Canal Basin. The panels will be 8 feet high.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 June 2023 at 6:13 pm

MEDINA – A new kiosk that will highlight attractions and services in Medina should be in place later this summer by the Canal Basin.

The Orleans County YMCA is using a $10,000 grant to pay for most of the cost. Takeform in Medina is designing and making the kiosk.

Several members of Medina’s Tourism Committee attended the Village Board meeting on Monday to provide an update on the project.

The central part of the kiosk will include a map of Medina and the surrounding area in the 14103 zip code. That central part will have a lighted panel to be visible at night. There will be eight flanking panels, with four in a dark blue background and the other four in light blue.

“It’s really going to be quite impressive,” said Jim Hancock, chairman of the committee.

The committee is working with Takeform to finalize the panels and have the kiosk installed likely near the end of August, Hancock said.

Rendering by Takeform: The kiosk will include a map of the Medina community in the 14103 zip code and then the 8 flanking panels.

The panels will highlight the history and development of the village, exploring the Great Outdoors (the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, canal trails, the Bluebird Trail, Glenwood Lake, village parks), the Erie Canal, cultural attractions (Medina Railroad Museum, local architecture, performing arts), culinary options (restaurants, farmers’ markets, familiar fast foods and places to get a drink).

Other panels will highlight community and local government services, and community events and festivals during all four seasons.

The panels will have a laminate that will be graffiti resistant. The panels can be updated and swapped out in the future.

“It’s information that residents and visitors would find of value,” Hancock said.

There will also be QR codes on the display to direct people to the Orleans County Tourism website with current information and a longer list of events and activities in the Medina community.

Lee-Whedon library in Medina will go fine-free beginning July 1

Posted 30 June 2023 at 12:59 pm

Press Release, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library

MEDINA – Starting July 1st, the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library will go completely fine-free. We eliminated late fines on children’s items two years ago. Now we are eliminating late fines on all our materials. Additionally, we will be eliminating all previously existing fines. Lost and damaged fees will still be charged.

Borrowers are still responsible for returning items in a timely manner. Reminder emails, calls, or postcards will still be used to ensure items are returned. After 28 days, any unreturned materials will be marked lost and the borrower charged the full replacement cost. If materials are marked lost and then returned, the replacement charge will be removed.

“Several libraries in Niagara and Genesee counties have already eliminated late fines and we are excited to do the same,” said Lee-Whedon Director Kristine Mostyn. “Studies have shown the exclusionary impacts of late fines and that they have no impact on the rate of unreturned materials. Eliminating late fines will provide equitable access to our services and aligns with our mission.”

Anyone with questions can contact the library at 585-798-3430.

Medina’s blues concert will go on as scheduled this evening

Posted 29 June 2023 at 3:02 pm

Press Release, Orleans Renaissance Group

MEDINA – Inquiring minds want to know: will Blue Thursdays go on as scheduled tonight?

“Yes, we will be performing as scheduled,” said Ken Daluisio of The Print Shop in Medina, underwriters the music series. “Air quality has improved dramatically since yesterday, and all indications are from local weather meteorologists that it will continue to improve as the day goes on.”

Yesterday, Canadian wildfires caused visibly poor air quality across WNY that actually smelled of wood burning and produced a heavy haze. People were advised to limit outdoor activities.

“Wednesday was discernably bad,” said Chris Busch of medinaalive.com and co-producer of Blue Thursdays. “There’s a little haze today but nothing like what we experienced yesterday. No wood burning smell.  Rochester weather predicts it clearing as the day progresses. That said, if you feel uncomfortable coming, you should do what’s best for you.”

The show with Bill Schmitt & the Bluesmasters begins at 6 p.m. at State Street Park in Medina. Numerous food and beverage vendors will be on hand. The event is free and open to the public.

Medina Rotary welcomes new president of club on upswing

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 June 2023 at 11:01 am

Provided photo

MEDINA – The Medina Rotary Club honored outgoing president Ben McPherson, right, and welcomed the club’s new leader, Peter Bartula, during the club’s meeting on Wednesday evening at the Shelridge Country Club.

McPherson led the club for three years, during a time when membership grew from eight to 23 and the club added fundraisers and community service projects.

The club also is marking its 100th anniversary. It officially formed on June 4, 1923.

McPherson, a financial advisor, said he enjoyed his tenure as president. He joins Gary Lawton as the only presidents to serve three straight years. (Lawton was president from 2006 to 2009.) The club typically rotates its leadership after a year.

“I have truly had a great time leading a club that has done so much for the community over the past 100 years,” McPherson said today. “Being born and raised in Medina it was important for me to find a group that worked towards a better tomorrow and Rotary was that group for me. I feel like the success we had in both growth and new events all stemmed from a great environment and energy that has been in the club even before my time.”

McPherson said the club’s members work towards common goals and have a great spirit of camaraderie.

“We are always open to new ideas and try to foster a group that is inviting to everyone,” McPherson said. “Most people don’t realize how much is poured into these smaller organizations like Rotary, Lions, etc. They are foundational to our communities and anyone interested should find out which club suits them best. I am excited to be a part of the future of the club and know it is going to be in great hands with Peter as President!”

Bartula is retired from a computer sales business. He also runs a travel website, SeeNewYorkWithUs.com.

Medina Rotary meets at noon the second and fourth Wednesdays each month at Shelridge.