Photo by Tom Rivers: The Medina ladder truck from 1996 is shown in March when the fire department had an open house showing the tight quarters at the fire hall, especially for the ladder truck which only has 2 inches of clearance in pulling in and out of the fire hall.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 June 2023 at 9:28 am
MEDINA – The Medina Fire Department will be getting a new ladder fire truck, but it might be another 2 ½ years before the truck is in service.
The Village Board voted on Monday evening to accept the bid for $1,698,995 from Pierce Manufacturing in Appleton, Wisc. to build the new fire truck with a 100-foot-long ladder.
The truck will replace a 27-year-old ladder truck with a 75-foot ladder. The new truck will have a 300-gallon tank, which is less than the 400 gallons on the current truck. That will make more space on the truck for cabinets and also for the longer ladder.
The current truck from 1996 has “continuous mechanical problems” and is sometimes out of service or unreliable, said Fire Chief Matt Jackson.
He said the lead time for receiving the new truck is about 27 to 30 months. The new truck could be ready around Christmas 2025, he told the Village Board.
The bid is about $100,000 less than the $1.8 million estimate. The board in April authorized a bond resolution for up to $1,990,000 towards the cost of a new ladder truck.
Medina officials will be pursuing grants and low-interest financing that should result in a smaller bond.
The new ladder truck is too big to fit in the current fire hall. The Village Board is planning for an addition on the fire hall to accommodate the larger truck.
The Barton & Loguidice firm has proposed an addition to the fire hall that would be approximately 62 feet, 8 inches by 88 feet, 8 inches. That expansion, plus repairs to the existing fire hall, would be about $4.5 million, according to a report from the Barton & Loguidice.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 June 2023 at 10:16 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Police Chief Todd Draper, left, administers the oath of office to four new members of the Medina Police Department. The officers taking the oath, include from left: Miles Erickson, Brandon Clouser, Felicia Holtz and Kyle Daly.
The four officers are currently in the police academy. Erickson, Clouser and Holtz are in the academy in Niagara County and will graduate in August while Daly is in Monroe County’s academy and is scheduled to graduate in October.
The officers also have to do three to four months of field training with a Medina police officer.
As part of the oath, the officers promised to support and uphold the Constitution of the United States and the laws of the State of New York.
“I pledge to promote and protect the mission, goals and policies of the Medina Police Department, through integrity, loyalty and respect,” the officers said in the oath. “I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith and trust. I will at all times, through my words and actions, work to build and maintain that trust.”
Chief Todd Draper congratulates Kyle Daly and gives him a pin for the Medina Police Department.
Draper said it’s unusual to have four new officers in the academy and joining the department at about the same time.
“We look forward to getting the new hires on the road,” Draper said.
MEDINA – The Village of Medina will host two public meetings on Tuesday for the $4.5 million NY Forward grant.
Medina is a recipient of a statewide initiative that provides funding for high-priority projects designed to boost local economies and transform village centers where the next generation of New Yorkers will want to live, work and raise a family. The village has formed a Local Planning Committee to identify projects for the $4.5 million.
At 5 p.m., the second committee meeting will be held in the board room at the Medina Central School at 1 Mustang Drive. This meeting will provide an overview of the public engagement conducted thus far and present key findings from the downtown profile. This meeting is open to all members of the public, with time reserved at the end of the meeting for public comment.
Beginning at 7 p.m., a public workshop will be held in the board room at the district office. This meeting will include a general overview of the NY Forward process, a review of the overall schedule, information about project identification and will include an interactive visioning exercise so community members can share their ideas and perspectives about which types of projects will help transform Medina’s downtown.
The Village of Medina is committed to hosting open, inclusive and accessible meetings. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Jeanette Petti at jpetti@bergmannpc.com.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 June 2023 at 2:11 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman
MEDINA – The Class of 2023 celebrated their commencement on Friday evening at Vets Park. The ceremony was held outside with a sprinkle of rain.
There are 98 members of the Class of 2023. They are shown on the field at the start of the ceremony.
A large American flag in held high by the ladder trucks from the Medina and Shelby Fire Departments. It was at the entrance of Vets Park and provided a striking backdrop for the ceremony.
Senior Class President Tatyana Baity and Gabriel Mark receive their diplomas from Principal Michael Cavanagh, School Board President LuAnn Tierney and school board member Jennifer Buondonno.
Valedictorian Dana Faith De Vera (left) and Salutatorian Lillian Wilson (right) gave speeches to their classmates.
De Vera’s entitled her message, “All of Our Yesterdays.” She thanked the family, teachers and friends for all of their help to the students during their educational journeys.
De Vera said her family moved across the world in 2008, leaving the Philippines. She acknowledged the sacrifice of her parents in seeking a better life for her and her brother, Owen. She is grateful the family moved to Medina.
She said the Covid pandemic posed challenges to students and the school district.
“We never really got to experience high school to the fullest,” De Vera told her classmates. Their ninth grade year was abruptly halted in mid-March and they didn’t return to school in-person until the following September.
In 10th grade, the students were on a hybrid schedule, with some days in school and some out of school with students doing schoolwork remotely on “off” days.
“Then there was eleventh grade, everyone was back in school, but there was still social distancing and masks until the middle of the year,” she said. “After masks were no longer enforced, just imagine the shock of seeing your hallway crush without a mask for the first time. Lastly, senior year, our first and last ‘normal’ year. Can you believe that? Some of our firsts in high school were also going to be our lasts.”
De Vera offered this advice to her classmates: “Don’t spend your life waiting. Be present in every moment of your life, and may you stay forever young.”
Salutatorian Lillian Wilson entitled her message, “Life Is Like A Movie.” She praised her classmates for completing high school.
“I’ve always been a big movie watcher, and the more I think about it, the more I realize that life is like one long movie,” Wilson said. “You’re the protagonist of your own story, but there will always be antagonists, and struggles you will have to overcome. We’ve all had so many different high school experiences, and along the way, we’ve all had our own successes and failures, with some regrets sprinkled in there, too.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 June 2023 at 2:18 pm
Provided photos
MEDINA – Pauline Martin Firestone, age 103, was a member of the Daisy Chain about 85 years ago in Medina. Today she stopped by the high school to check today’s Daisy Chain that will be part of the graduation ceremony this evening.
The top 16 girls ranked academically and the top two boys create the 56-foot-long Daisy Chain ina tradition going back more than a century in Medina.
Pictured, from left, in front row include: Madelynn Rutledge, Kelsey Lemoi, Isabella Gray, Camryn Eick, Adeline Castricone, Iyla Lilleby, Taylor Frentz and Addison Taylor.
Second row: Madisynn Stanton, Caiden Class, Lexoni Russo, Baileigh McAdoo, Pauline Martin Firestone, Miriam Fike, Lorelei Sanders, Savannah Watts, Emma Jacobs, Brookelyn Nawotka, Angel Mulcahy and Alexander Balaban.
Pauline Martin Firestone is shown with family members with the Daisy Chain. From left include Alissa Dunham, Pauline Martin Firestone, Paula Firestone and Margaret Martin.
Margaret Martin and Alisa (Martin) Dunham are both teachers at Medina Jr/Sr High School.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 June 2023 at 10:31 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – The Dave Viterna Group performed this evening at State Street Park in front of 1,000 people to kick off the second annual Blue Thursdays concert series.
The band includes Dave Viterna, “Scooter” Scott Felice on drums and Marty Hobbs.
Dave Viterna played to a big crowd in his hometown this evening at State Street Park.
The concert series has expanded from six to eight events this year. The Orleans Renaissance Group has partnered with The Print Shop in organizing the concerts. Modern Mercantile and Main Liquor in Medina are sponsors for the different musical performers.
The 1,000 people passed last year’s crowd size, which were typically about 800. There is no admission charge.
People come to the concerts from Orleans County, and the surrounding counties of Monroe, Genesee, Niagara and Erie, said Chris Busch, president of the Orleans Renaissance Group.
“It’s good music in an idyllic setting with great food,” Busch said. “People love this kind of opportunity to enjoy good music and food with the company of their friends.”
David Brown, front, and Otoniel Garcia of Middleport run Empanada, which serves Mexican pastries and other handheld pies in a buttery crusts with fillings. Brown and Garcia are among several food vendors for the concert series. They started their food business last year and are a new vendor for Blue Thursdays.
People of all ages enjoyed the concert, including this girl while she was on the teeter-totter.
These kids head down the slide at the park. Other kids and adults played corn hole, but most people were happy to enjoy the music while sitting in lawn chairs.
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Representatives of the Village of Medina and Medina Sports Boosters met Wednesday with Tom Biamonte to discuss Shelby Stone’s donation toward new basketball courts at Butts Park in Medina. Seated at left are Biamonte, an owner of Shelby Stone, and Medina Mayor Mike Sidari. Standing are Diana Baker, village trustee; Lisa Christiaansen, treasurer of the Sports Boosters; Melissa Valley, president of the Sports Boosters; and Jess Marciano, village trustee.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 22 June 2023 at 6:15 pm
MEDINA – Plans to build two new basketball courts in Butts Park got a big boost with the recent announcement that Shelby Stone would donate 518 tons of crusher-run stone toward the project.
Medina has long been overdue for basketball courts, said Medina Sports Boosters’ president Melissa Valley. After a couple of years of working on it, the basketball courts are now a “go.”
“Every town should have them,” Valley said. “Although basketball wasn’t something the village committee had put much thought into, they agreed having courts would be a positive addition to Medina. With the recent help of Shelby Stone’s great donation, we have been able to move forward with the project. Tom Biamonte and Paul Pass, owners of Shelby Stone, are making this wonderful contribution, which has been a major part in finalizing this project.”
Valley initially contacted Medina Mayor Mike Sidari, who was receptive to the idea.
“They will be well used by kids,” Sidari said. “Now they are out in the streets and playing all over the place.”
Shelby Stone’s donation equates to a savings of $9,000, Sidari said.
“We are happy to support our community,” Biamonte said. “Our quarry has been a part of the Western Orleans County area since 1980.”
“We strive to do our best for the community and make Medina a great place to live,” Valley said. “We are never disappointed, as time and time again we see businesses and the community members step up and show they also want the community to thrive. The donation from Shelby Stone is tremendous. Tom has been great to work with. His generosity and eagerness to make this huge contribution was overwhelming and we are incredibly grateful.”
Total cost of the project will be $133,000, of which the village will use $110,000 out of the American Rescue Plan Fund. The town of Shelby recently committed to $10,000 to covering the cost of the basketball hoops and Medina Sports Boosters will also make a financial contribution.
“We are also appreciative of the relentless support the village is providing in seeing this project will come to fruition,” Valley said. “Their dedication to improving Medina is evident, and with these contributions, it shows when we all work together, good things happen.”
Construction is scheduled to get underway in July. American Paving of Clarence will do the site work, with final work completed by Super Seal of Rochester.
“The kids in the community are excited for the courts to come to the village,” Valley said. “I’m so glad we can give them something to look forward to and a place where they are eager to go outside and play. So many life lessons are learned on an athletic field or court, so the community getting behind this is really a great thing.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 June 2023 at 6:00 am
Photo by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Robby Klino, a member of the Medina Sandstone Society board of directors, on Tuesday presents a $1,000 scholarship check to Aidan Paul, a soon-to-graduate senior at Medina.
Klino is a member of the scholarship committee. Paul wrote an essay and prepared a PowerPoint presentation on the topic, “What is Medina Sandstone?”
Paul will be attending Niagara County Community College to play baseball. He will major in business.
He said researching Medina Sandstone made him feel even more pride being from Medina. The sandstone is used in many remarkable buildings, near and far.
Klino praised Paul for going “above and beyond” in his scholarship application.
The scholarship is named in honor of John Ryan who opened the first Medina sandstone commercial quarry in 1837.
The Sandstone Society has now awarded eight of the $1,000 scholarships for $8,000 total.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 June 2023 at 5:52 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – The teeter-totter at Gulf Street Park and other playground equipment doesn’t get much use, village officials said.
Village Board members acknowledged at a recent board meeting that the equipment is old and the village’s insurance carrier expressed concerns about the equipment’s condition.
The village is waiting to see the design of a nine-hole disc golf course for Gulf Street Park, in a project funded by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and led locally by the Orleans County YMCA. That layout will determine if some of the playground equipment will be relocated at Gulf Street Park, or perhaps another park. The village may also declare some of the equipment surplus if it is deemed in too rough of shape.
The “spider” monkey bar is among the older playground apparatus at Gulf Street Park.
Jason Watts, the DPW superintendent, said he would like to see some of the equipment declared surplus, with the village looking for new playground equipment that is more condensed, with less of a footprint.
Mayor Sidari said the village may replace some of the playground at Gulf Street Park.
“Everything is open right now until we get the design of the golf course,” he said.
Another factor is the possibility of new playground equipment north of the canal at a former concrete plant. The state Canal Corp. is working on that project that be include a significant art installation.
The village is also considering playground equipment at the Lions Park by the canal near the lift bridge as part of a $4.5 million Forward New York grant. That grant will mostly go towards economic development and housing initiatives.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 June 2023 at 11:16 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Doris Vidal, owner of Serenity Spa & Holistic Center, opened the business on June 2 at 438 West Ave. in Albion. She is shown in a room for massage therapy.
She offers numerous services at the site, from massage, anti-aging treatments with facials and skin care, pain treatments, reflexology, meditation, yoga and holistic life coaching.
“This has been my dream since I was little,” Vidal said. “I want to help take care of people and help them to have less stress.”
Vidal operated a spa in Orlando, Fla. She recently moved to Medina. Her husband, Lionel Heydel, was the head chef at the Harvest Restaurant at Bent’s Opera House. The couple enjoy the local community and decided to buy a house in Medina and open the business in Albion.
They bought the building at 438 West Ave. One of the tenants is Wild Flour Deli & Bakery.
“This is a fresh start for me,” Vidal said. “Here it is so much less stressful. There is so much nature and farming. In Orlando, there is so much traffic. It’s packed.”
Doris Vidal and Lionel Heydel are shown in a room where there will be yoga classes and other group activities, including meditation, painting , candle-making, jewelry-making and crafts.
“This is a center for diverse activities,” Vidal said.
She is already drawing customers from Rochester, Buffalo and Brockport, as well as Orleans County.
“People are excited because not many places offer the services that I have,” she said.
Vidal said she has been studying holistic and natural medicine for years. She worked nearly non-stop before the Covid pandemic hit. That pandemic, with the restrictions from socializing in the early phase of Covid, forced her to slow down.
Heydel was a client of hers in Orlando. He had been encouraging her to take more time for herself. The couple married in February 2022.
Serenity has “a healing room” with salt detoxing blocks. Vidal offers chromotherapy with colors, and helps people to relax through sights and smells.
Serenity also has an ozone sauna machine with dry steam and infrared detoxication.
Vidal is trained in Ayurvedic holistic healing. She offers a trigger-point therapy and treatment for myofascial pain using “the practice of informed touch.”
Vidal and Heydel gave the space an overhaul with fresh painting, electrical, carpet, updated LED lights, and many plants and a fountain at the entrance.
“As soon as you enter, you feel relaxed,” Vidal said.
Vidal is bilingual and offers her services in English and Spanish. She is pleased to become trained as a life coach and wants to help people overcome excuses, fears and other barriers to success and better health.
“People know they want to change, but don’t know where to start,” she said.
Serenity is open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday. For more information, click here to be directed to the business’s website.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 20 June 2023 at 8:01 am
Medina Area Partnership visits Post on Flag Day
Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Wayne Hale, secretary of the Sons of the American Legion, talked to MAP members about his organization and what they do in the county. (Right) Jim Wells, commander of the Butts-Clark American Legion Post, and Cathy Fox, president of the Legion Auxiliary and County American Legion Auxiliary, each presented a history of their organization for the Medina Area Partnership members who visited the post on Wednesday.
MEDINA – The Medina Area Partnership chose the Butts-Clark American Legion Post to visit on Flag Day for its monthly networking event.
Members learned about the American Legion, Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion from leaders of each organization.
Jim Wells, newly elected Legion commander, has been a Post member for 19 years. They currently have 139 members, he said. Their Legion family includes veteran Post members, Auxiliary members and Sons of the American Legion, he explained.
Wells shared how the Post was originally named after Corporal James P. Clark, who was killed Sept. 29, 1918 near Le Catelet, France, where his unit broke through the Hindenburg line. The name of Butts was later added to pay tribute to 2nd Lt. John E. Butts, Medina’s only Congressional Medal of Honor recipient who was killed in action in June 1944 during the battle of Normandy.
Cathy Fox, president of the Butts-Clark Post 204 and the Orleans County American Legion Auxiliary, talked about the history of the Auxiliary.
She said the National Legion Auxiliary was formed in 1919 by women who had served during the war wanted to continue to serve. In less than one year, 1,342 units of the Women’s Auxiliary had been organized in more than 45 states.
The James P. Clark Auxiliary Unit was granted a charter July 1, 1926. They currently have 67 members. Fox was eligible to join through her father, Robert Raymondjack, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a member of Company F, who trained at the Medina Armory.
Fox also told how the Auxiliary works to promote patriotism in communities and schools, volunteers in the community and assists local veterans and their families. They raise money to help veterans by holding dinners and raffles. They donate to Patriot trips hosted by Assemblyman Steve Hawley, the veterans’ van service, Operation Honor and His Healing Presence (providing Christmas gifts to veterans). The Auxiliary also sponsors two girls to Empire Girls State, and all money donated to the poppy fund goes 100 percent to veterans’ needs. That is just some of the causes the Auxiliary donates to.
In recent years, the families of both Butts and Clark visited the post, and Fox said it was an honor to meet them.
Next to talk about his organization was Wayne Hale, secretary of the Sons of the American Legion. He said the history of the SAL goes back 91 years to Portland, Ore. The local chapter was formed Jan. 4, 1937 with 12 members. Among local members are Chuck Eaton, Ron Stork, Tim Sullivan and Gary Hill. Eaton is the group’s commander.
“We consider ourselves a ‘band of brothers,’” Hale said. “On a whole, we did not serve in the military, but many of us grew up in the ’60s watching Walter Cronkite give the death toll every night on TV.”
Membership in Sons of the American Legion is open to male descendants of veterans. Benefits of becoming a member of SAL, other than serving veterans, are discounts on car rentals, hotel rooms and eye glasses. You can go anywhere and be welcomed into any American Legion Post, Hale added.
“We enjoy brotherhood, fellowship and camaraderie,” he said.
Projects of the local SAL include walking ahead of the Memorial Day Parade in Medina and handing out miniature flags to everyone. They purchased 1,500 of them this year. They also placed 1,400 flags on cemetery graves. They help the Legion cook spaghetti and steaks for their fundraisers and help with the upkeep of the Post building.
Their donations include $5,000 to the Veterans’ Van Service, money for veterans’ Christmas gifts, the Company F statue, Main Street flower barrels and the Warrior House.
He said it is getting more difficult to recruit young men these days. Nationwide, only one percent of World War II veterans are still alive, he added.
After their presentations, MAP members enjoyed refreshments and an opportunity for networking. The events are monthly occurrences, giving different businesses the opportunity to showcase their business.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 18 June 2023 at 9:14 pm
MEDINA – The Medina Area Partnership will sponsor its annual Enchanted Faery Festival Saturday in downtown Medina.
The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a parade at 1 p.m.
Moms and dads are encouraged to dress up, along with their “little faeries and magical creatures” to win prizes for the best costumes. Prizes will be awarded for king, queen, prince and princess.
The Medina Area Partnership will have a table set up in Rotary Park, where participants can pick up and drop off their forms for a scavenger hunt to find 12 faeries and 10 faery houses hidden at various downtown businesses. Prizes will be awarded.
There will be themed photo boards set up in the park, where pictures can be taken and children may make faery dust and have their faces painted.
Some businesses may offer a small Make and Take craft, have a story time or a small giveaway.
Photo courtesy of Chris Busch: Maria Aurigema rocks a crowd of more than 800 at the 2022 Blue Thursdays Grand Finale performance.
Posted 17 June 2023 at 8:04 am
Series kicks off on Thursday at State Street Park
Press Release, Orleans Renaissance Group
MEDINA – Following a highly successful inaugural run last summer, Blue Thursdays is back with an expanded lineup of concerts in 2023.
The Print Shop, working in partnership with the Orleans Renaissance Group/medinaalive.com, will grow the series this year with two additional nights of music, for eight altogether.
The free summer blues concert series takes place at the State Street Park Pavilion in Medina, June through August.
The Print Shop of Medina is the primary underwriter of the event and is the driving force behind the series. They have partnered with the Orleans Renaissance Group, Inc./medinaalive.com in booking a stellar lineup of bands. Together, they are bringing top regional blues talent from Buffalo and Rochester for a spectacular summer music series.
The series begins this Thursday, June 22, and runs for eight Thursday evenings through Aug. 10. The event will feature eight bands, with Medina’s own Dave Viterna Group opening the series.
Photos courtesy of M. Fuller: A big crowd gathers comfortably at State Street Park in Medina to enjoy a blues band.
Last year, concert goers enjoyed food by Cusimano’s Pizzeria, Parker’s Pit BBQ and Catherine Street Bakery, with refreshments provided by Leonard Oakes Estate Winery and 810 Meadworks. Those vendors will be back along with WNY Empanadas and food trucks Greenlief’s On The Go and Blue Groove Coffee. North Ridge Distillery will also be joining Leonard Oakes and 810 Meadworks.
In 2017, ORG facilitated the construction of a 24′ x 20′ timber-frame bandstand/pavilion in State Street Park as an outdoor venue for music events.
“The community didn’t really have a good outdoor venue for music events like this,” said Chris Busch, president of ORG. “This pavilion has proven to be a great facility in a perfect setting to enjoy bands on a summer evening.”
ORG facilitated the construction of the bandstand/pavilion with funding obtained through a private benefactor along with some donated materials and labor.
“For some time, The Print Shop and ORG had been planning a great summer blues series until Covid interrupted our efforts,” said Ken Daluisio, owner of the Print Shop in Medina.
“In 2022, it finally happened, and it’s been successful beyond our wildest expectations. The crowds have been amazing, and the feedback has been nothing but positive.”
The Print Shop is a full service, commercial printing, publishing and graphic arts operation in Medina.
“We decided that it was time we put our expertise and financial backing to work here at home to benefit the community,” said Daluisio. “Blue Thursdays brings an average of eight hundred people from across WNY to Medina every Thursday night, some of whom have never been here before. We know for a fact that many of those folks have returned on other days to explore what Medina has to offer. This event has been absolutely great in so many ways.”
ORG, a local arts and culture not-for-profit, has been promoting and executing world-class music events locally since the late 1990s.
“The result has been a great partnership that has produced a first-class music event featuring outstanding bands and professional promotion,” Daluisio said.
The Jeremy Keyes Band strikes a pose in Medina by the canal after their Blue Thursdays gig. Keyes, considered one of the best blues harp players in the country, returns for a concert on July 20.
The bands booked for the event are well-known award-winning blues bands from the Buffalo and Rochester area.
“Once again, we wanted to book top-tier spectacular talent that people here may not have had a chance to see anywhere locally,” Busch said. “We’re excited to bring these bands to Medina.”
The 2023 Blue Thursdays line-up includes:
Opening night on June 22: Dave Viterna Group
June 29: Bill Schmitt and the Bluesmasters
July 6: Steve Grills and the Roadmasters
July 13: Growlers Blues Band
July 20: Jeremy Keyes
July 27: JJ White and Mojo Sauce August 3 – Frank Grizanti Band
Grand finale on Aug. 10: Tommy Z Band
“We want to give a big shout out to Dave Viterna who last year opened the doors to many of these bands for us,” Busch said. “Dave was instrumental in helping us get Blue Thursdays off the ground. He’s a local music legend in Medina, and the series just wouldn’t be right without DVG on stage.”
Additional sponsorship for this event has once again been generously provided by Modern Mercantile and Main Liquor, Medina.
“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Gloria Brent, owner of Modern Mercantile and Main Liquor for sponsoring the bands,” said Busch. “We really appreciate her investment in the community and support of great live music in Medina.”
All the concerts are free and open to the public. Shows run from 6 to 8 p.m. There are no rain dates.
“The public is encouraged to start arriving at 5:30 in time to get a great spot on the lawn and grab a bite to eat or refreshment from the great vendors on site,” Dalusio said. “We want people to enjoy a fantastic summer evening of food, drink and the best blues music in WNY. Weekends start in Medina at Blue Thursdays Summer of Blues.”
“For gig updates, any cancellations and venue information, people should go primarily to the ‘blue thursdays medina’ Facebook page,” said Busch. “Further information and details can also be found on the web at bluethursdays.com and from weekly ads on The Orleans Hub.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 June 2023 at 10:19 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Lindy dancers had a great time on Thursday evening in the top floor of Bent’s Opera House, dancing to music from the Gordon Webster Jazz Septet.
About 150 people attended the concert as part of Medina Lindy in the Village.
Medina Lindy started last August has steadily grown, drawing dancers from Rochester, Buffalo and communities in between.
The group meets the third Thursdays at Bent’s with beginner’s lessons offered before the regular dance.
There are also options for beginner dance lessons the first three Mondays each month, except for July when the third Thursday dance is the only option.
Phil Berry, leader of Medina Lindy, said he is thrilled to see so many people learning the lindy and having fun in Medina.
Julia Weatherholtz sings with the Gordon Webster band on Thursday at Bent’s.
The Gordon Webster Jazz Septet played big-band style jazz and swing classics that had the crowd dancing.
Gordon Webster is based in Rochester and travels the country and world. The band performed three sets of music on Thursday night.
Photo from Medina Central School: Oak Orchard Primary Principal Jennifer Stearns with Mike Harmer, Jim Freas and John Follman and students from Miss Grayson’s prekindergarten class: Rebecca Delong, Henry Noga, Barrett Root, Leah Hungerford and Margot Thomas.
Press Release, Medina Central School
MEDINA – June 14th commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States. Medina Central School’s Oak Orchard Primary and Clifford Wise Intermediate School were honored to welcome Mike Harmer and James Freas from VFW Post 1483 out of Medina and John Follman from American Legion Post 1603 in Lyndonville to their schools to celebrate the occasion.
The three men talked about the significance of flag folding as it was demonstrated to the students. An honor guard meticulously folds the flag exactly 13 times in remembrance of the 13 colonies.
The students were told what each fold represents as they watched the proceedings. The flag was then presented to Oak Orchard Principal Jennifer Stearns, who said it will have a place of honor in the main office. Students at Oak Orchard, under the direction of music teacher and Glee Club Director Andrea Busch, sang “You’re a Grand Old Flag” to end the presentation.
At Clifford Wise, Superintendent Dr. Mark Kruzynski introduced Mr. Harmer, Mr. Freas and Mr. Follman and played Master of Ceremonies for the band, poetry readers and singalong. Kruzynski was presented with the flag on behalf of the Intermediate School.
A special thank you to the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 1483 representative Debbie Barry who organized the event and provided gift bags to Oak Orchard students to help celebrate Flag Day, along with flags for them to proudly wave during the ceremony.
