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EDA official: Parade of Lights, vibrant downtown part of Medina’s draw for companies

Photos by Tom Rivers: Pack 18 of Gasport makes its way down Main Street during Saturday’s Parade of Lights, when about 40 different floats were part of the spectacle.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 November 2022 at 9:47 am

MEDINA – The annual Parade of Lights, which drew several thousand people to Medina’s downtown, was more than a popular community event.

The parade also showed a community with lots of pride, and that display is noticed by developers looking to come into Medina, said Gabrielle Barone, vice president of business development for the Orleans Economic Development Agency.

She commended the village – its officials, employees, the organizations, businesses and residents – for Saturday’s Christmas festival.

“It is very important,” she said about well-run and well-attended festivals. “For some of the companies, it is very significant. You can tell they are impressed.”

Mahar Excavating & Septic in Gasport was back with another big effort with its parade float.

The parade was an hour and 15 minutes. It was preceded by fireworks and a full day of activities in the downtown, as well as the popular Polar Express train rides at the Medina Railroad Museum.

Barone spoke at Monday’s Village Board meeting and said the entire package in Medina was impressive and will help the EDA in its pitch to prospective businesses considering Medina.

“They see the sincerity of it,” Barone said about the parade and the Olde Tyme Christmas celebration. “I know it takes a lot of effort, but you should be proud of yourselves.”

Several fire departments, including East Shelby, decorated trucks in lights.

Mayor Mike Sidari said he received compliments “all over Western New York” about the parade and events on Saturday.

He said the village employees put in a long day’s work, setting and cleaning up, and also providing traffic control and other services.

Trustee Owen Toale said Saturday’s events, in 50-degree weather, showcased a busy downtown.

“It was magical with people going from store to store during the day and with the parade,” Toale said. “I only hope we are building even more for next year.”

Toale praised Jim Hancock, the parade committee chairman, and other volunteers for all of the work.

Beyond Mobility in Medina was among the businesses that decorated floats for the parade. Beyond Mobility installs wheelchair ramps, lifts, grab bars and other equipment to help people with mobility.

Sold! – Medina accepts bids for playground snails, other surplus items

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 November 2022 at 3:38 pm

File photo by Tom Rivers: The snail at Pine Street Park, and another one at Butts Park, were sold through an online auction with the bids accepted on Monday by the Village Board.

MEDINA – The Village Board accepted five bids on Monday through an online auction, including one for the snail jungle gym that was at Pine Street Park.

The snail sold for $2,025. It was purchased by an undisclosed buyer from Medina, village officials said.

An online auction run by Government Deals also sold a 1990 Vermeer 1250 brush chipper for $4,550; a straight blade snow plow for $651; another snail jungle gym that was at Butts Park for $310 (this one didn’t have its eyes); and the merry-go-round at State Street Park for $111.

The total for the five items was $10,472.

The village moved to sell the snails from the playgrounds after the village’s insurance carrier said any claims from people who were injured on the snails would not be covered by insurance. The snails were removed in the summer.

Bent’s hires event coordinator for remodeled historic site on Main Street in Medina

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 28 November 2022 at 9:51 am

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Faye Conley is the events coordinator for Bent’s Opera House, which houses Harvest Restaurant and 10 boutique hotel rooms as well as the performing arts and events space on the third floor.

MEDINA – Faye Conley, new event coordinator at Bent’s Opera House, is excited about all the new activities she is planning for the historic remodeled opera house.

The opera house has already hosted an opera singer and baroque musician, a band, a singing duo and swing dancing. The swing dancing has proven so popular, dancers are coming from Buffalo and Rochester. They will continue one Thursday a month.

Several new events are planned for the holidays. The Polar Express on Saturday was played on the large screen in the upper-level performing arts and events center.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 4, children are invited to have brunch with Santa at Harvest Restaurant, located on the first floor of the opera house. Santa will have a small gift for each child. Reservations may be made by visiting www.harvestatbent.com.

Finally, the public is invited to spend New Year’s Eve at Bent’s Opera House and enjoy an evening of The Great Gatsby. The event will run from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. and feature a night of music, dancing, food and beverages. Attendees are encouraged to wear attire of the 1920s era.

Live music will be provided by The Swooners. The evening will include desserts and a cash bar, welcome champagne and the live ball drop from New York City shown on the large screen.

Party goers are also invited to make it a one-stop evening. Dining at Harvest Restaurant will feature a special New Year’s Eve menu, with serving from 5 to 9 p.m. Then after dancing all evening in the opera house, attendees can go to their room on the second floor and spend the night in one of the 10 uniquely designed hotel rooms. Reservations are encouraged early, as tickets are limited.

Volunteers sought to help Medina lay 1,000 wreaths on veterans’ graves on Dec. 17

Photos by Tom Rivers: This float in Medina’s Parade of Lights was created by the “Medina Misfits” who are led by Tom Snyder, a seven-year veteran of the Navy and owner of Medina Lumber and Hardware. Snyder gave a sizable donation to allow for 1,000 wreaths to be placed on veterans’ graves in Medina cemeteries on Dec. 17.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 28 November 2022 at 8:28 am

MEDINA – A generous donation by a Medina businessman and Navy veteran will result in 1,000 wreaths being placed in Boxwood, St. Mary’s and Sacred Heart Cemeteries on Dec. 17, Wreaths Across America Day.

When Kathy Blackburn, president of Friends of Boxwood Cemetery, started Wreaths Across American in 2013 in Medina, her goal was to have a wreath for every veteran in the three cemeteries.

The American Legion and VFW joined in a Wreaths Across America ceremony honoring veterans on Dec. 18, 2021 at Boxwood Cemetery. Pictured from left include Dave Morien, Dave Berry and Dave Wells. There were 315 wreaths in Medina last year for Wreaths Across America.

This year that goal will come close to being realized with the purchase of 1,000 wreaths to be placed in the three cemeteries.

This is a big jump from the seven free wreaths received the first year and the 315 purchased last year.

The reason for the big increase this year is the donation from Medina businessman Tom Snyder, a seven-year veteran of the Navy and owner of Medina Lumber and Hardware.

Wreaths Across America Day is the third Saturday in December. After last year’s observance on Dec. 18, the national organization announced that anyone who bought a wreath for 2022 would get two for the price of one, as long as the purchase was made within 30 days of Dec. 18.

An unspecified number have still been purchased by individual donations from the community, but Snyder’s donation allowed Medina to more than triple the number of wreaths for veterans’ graves in the three cemeteries.

The challenge now is to get volunteers to lay the wreaths in the Dec. 17 ceremony, Blackburn said. She is asking school groups, Scouts, civic organizations, churches, clubs and families to come out and help with this project to honor all of the area’s veterans. She reminds everyone to wear warm clothing, boots and mittens.

Those who want to volunteer to place a wreath can call Blackburn at (585) 734-5801.

A short ceremony will begin at noon at Boxwood Cemetery and then the wreaths will be placed on veterans’ graves.

To sponsor a wreath for $15, log on to www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org.

Parade of Lights award winners announced in Medina

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 November 2022 at 5:50 pm

Metz’s Family Christmas takes grand prize for 2nd year in a row

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – The Metz family in Medina won the grand prize in Medina’s Parade of Lights on Saturday, committee chairman Jim Hancock announced this afternoon.

Judges awarded Metz’s Family Christmas the top honor and a $500 grand prize for a float that had 15,000 lights and tried to depict National Lampoon’s Vacation including “Cousin Eddie” from the movie.

The family tied a big Christmas tree to a car, paying homage to a famous scene in National Lampoon’s Vacation when the Griswold family tied a big tree to a station wagon. The Metz family is shown getting their float ready in the staging area at the Olde Pickle Factory’s parking lot.

Dan Metz said the family enjoys celebrating Christmas and wanted to share that passion with the community.

There were about 40 entries in the parade with floats, fire trucks and marching bands.

Best In Class – Fire Company – Shelby Volunteer Fire Company

Shelby decorated a fire truck and had a mini-house on a trailer with firefighters.

Best in Class – Not-For-Profit – Niagara County 4 H Equine Program

Best In Class – Service Group – Roy-Hart FFA

The Roy-Hart students dressed in penguin costumes. They sent a message to reduce, reuse and recycle and try to protect penguins from Global Warming.

Best in Class – Business – Eye of Oden  K9 Training

Best in Class – Religious – Community Fellowship Church. The church had a float with a message about God, Country and Family.

Best in Class – Orleans Niagara BOCES

Santa’s Pick (the float that in the judges’ opinion they think Santa would pick) – Orleans YMCA, with a float highlighting the kayaking and electric bikes offered by the organization.

Littlest Elf Award (the float that best incorporates youth into the entry) – Cobblestone Girl Scouts

Star Award (for the float that is most creative) – Oak Orchard Yacht Club

Community Spirit Award (float that bests demonstrates  a sense of spirit within the community) – Medina Misfits. This group is highlighting the Wreaths Across America program with a goal to have each veteran’s grave in Medina have a wreath. This year the Wreaths Across America ceremony is on Dec. 17.

Parade grand marshal counts many ways that make Medina a great place to live

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 27 November 2022 at 12:37 pm

Photos by Ginny Kropf: From left, Medina Mayor Mike Sidari, Parade of Lights chairman Jim Hancock and Grand Marshal Georgia Thomas chat on the reviewing stand before opening ceremonies to kick off the 14th annual Parade of Lights on Saturday night.

MEDINA – Christmas in Medina on Saturday could go down in history as a record-breaker – from crowds of people and 50-degree temperatures to an impressive 40-plus floats in the Parade of Lights.

The day began with the 5K race, which exceeded sponsor’s hope of more than 100 runners, followed by a pet parade and arrival of Santa Claus at noon, sales and special holiday events in downtown stores throughout the day, and capped off with fireworks and the Parade of Lights at 6 p.m.

Throughout the day, people filled the streets and lined up to enter stores. At the Coffee Pot Café, where lines extended to the door, Dan Rosentreter and his husband Hans rushed to fill orders.

“It has been extremely busy all day,” Hans said. “This is exciting.”

Hans also works full time at Creekside Florist, where he said they were also very busy all day.

At 5:30 p.m., Prime Time Brass, a regular participant in the Parade of Lights, played Christmas tunes in the alley behind Rotary Park, where just prior to the 6 p.m. start of the parade, Tom Hungerford, vice president of sales at Takeform, presented Mayor Mike Sidari with the keys to a new sleigh the company made for Santa.

“It took two engineers, a designer and a year of work, but we have a new sleigh,” Hungerford said.

Sidari accepted the key, saying the sleigh will provide holiday cheer to the community for years to come.

(Left) Tom Hungerford, vice president of sales at Takeform, presents a key to Medina Mayor Mike Sidari for the sleigh his company made for Santa Claus. (Right) Georgia Thomas, Grand Marshal of Medina’s 14th annual Parade of Lights, talks about her love of Medina, after being introduced by parade chairman Jim Hancock, prior to start of the parade.

Parade Grand Marshal Georgia Thomas was introduced by parade chairman Jim Hancock, after which she shared why she was honored to be chosen as Grand Marshall.

“When I watch TV and they talk about the best small towns in America, they miss the really best one – Medina,” Thomas said. “In my opinion, Medina has it all. A Nationally Registered Historic Main Street, great shopping, and to borrow a word from the movie ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,’ ‘scrumpdelicious’ restaurants. This is a fabulous family town, with the YMCA, a fabulous skate park, a dog park and people parks.”

She named the village’s great schools, great football team and award-winning Mustang Band, as well as the Medina Historical Society and Museum, which preserves the past for future generations.

“Our community services, such as Lee-Whedon Library, public works, police, fire department and ambulance are wonderful in my opinion,” Thomas said. “We have friendly churches and service organizations, and let’s not forget all of you – super Medinaians.”

She went on to point out Medina has the only road that goes under the canal and a lovely, wide canal basin for visiting boaters and watercraft rental, plus a tow path for walking.

“Our local farms and yummy Farmers’ Market, I think, make this area the ‘Foodie Capital’ of the world, in my book,” Thomas added.

These are the reasons, in spite of having lived in two different continents and visited others, she chose the home town she grew up in – Medina – to come back to when she retired.

Parade of Lights makes for magical evening in Medina

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 November 2022 at 11:49 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Santa and Mrs. Claus ride in a new sleigh created by Takeform for the Parade of Lights. Takeform, a past grand champion of the parade, used its talents and resources to create the sleigh for Santa and Mrs. Claus. It is the culminating float in the annual parade that draws thousands into downtown Medina.

Before the parade, Takeform representatives presented a key to Mayor Mike Sidari for the sleigh which will be used in future lighted parades. The sleigh was given to the village by Takeform

“May this key unlock holiday joy for parade goers far and wide for many years to come,” according to the proclamation from the company to the village.

To see a video of the parade and festivities before the parade with a tree-lighting and fireworks, click here.

Some of the percussionists in the Pembroke Marching Band are shown during the 14th annual Parade of Lights. Pembroke had more than 90 students in the band performing for the parade. The temperature for the parade was an unseasonably warm 50 degrees.

The Metz family in Medina, grand prize winner from the 2021 parade, was back with another big effort this year. They used 15,000 lights for a float highlighting National Lampoon’s Vacation, including the character “Cousin Eddie” from the movie.

Albion Eagles Cheerleading made their debut in the parade and were joined by a friendly Grinch that waved to the crowd.

The Community Fellowship Church in Middleport puts the finishing touches on its float. There were about 40 entries in the parade. They used the parking lot at the Olde Pickle Factory as a staging area before the parade.

The Medina Fire Department heads down Main Street with the a big crowd gathered to watch the annual parade.

The Niagara County 4-H Equine Program created a North Pole scene with their float.

Mia Hobbs leads the Medina Marching Band as drum major. The band performed part of their show “Take to the Skies.”

The Oak Orchard Yacht Club had a float that highlighted a youth sailing program.

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee highlighted the Head Start programs in the two counties.

Sheriff Chris Bourke takes a photo with the Marine Patrol that was decorated in lights for the parade.

Shelby firefighters ride in a float.

The Orleans/Niagara BOCES promoted its programs, from cosmetology to auto repair and many others, with a float that included the Grinch.

Case-Nic Cookies have been in all 14 Parade of Lights events in Medina.

Fireworks add to big day in Medina

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 November 2022 at 9:25 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – There was a fireworks show this evening in Medina for 15 minutes before the big Parade of Lights.

Young Explosives set off the fireworks, one of many activities as part of Medina’s Old Tyme Christmas Celebration.

The village is decorated for the holidays, especially on Main Street.

Pets in costumes, little elves get to shine in Medina’s noon parade

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 November 2022 at 4:07 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Cutest Little Elf (Emma Lilleby, 7, of Medina) wave to the crowd along Main Street during a parade at noon today.

The parade featured little elves and pets in costume.

Emma Lilleby won the Cutest Little Elf contest and won the prize to walk the parade route with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Three generations joined for the Pets on Parade, which included Shea Masse with Bea, a Bernese Mountain Dog; her mother Carissa Masse, with Duke, a Pyrenees Lab; and Shea’s grandmother and Carissa’s mother Sue Van Buren, with Carl, a Golden Retriever that is also a therapy dog. Carl makes weekly visits to Lee-Whedon Memorial Library.

Sue Van Buren moved to Medina in June after eight years in Georgia. She likes the atmosphere in Medina.

“It’s very friendly and welcoming,” she said. “This is a happening town. There is always something going on.”

Rayna Balaban, 8, of Medina poses with Ginger, a Chihuahua. The dog is owned by Scott Schmidt. Rayna pushed the dog in a stroller during the parade.

Gabe Brice, 7, of Albion keeps his rabbit Ruby close for the Pets on Parade.

Aurora Owczarczak, left, and her mother Katy Owczarczak wore Grinch pajamas while walking their dogs, Meredith with Aurora and Gabe with Katy, in the parade.

The Medina Marching Band played some holiday favorites along the parade route.

Medina’s Parade of Lights is today at 6 p.m. with fireworks before that at 5:45.

113, including a youthful Santa, complete Home for Holidays 5K in Medina

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 November 2022 at 2:35 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Aidan Paul, 17, of Medina wears the Santa suit in today’s Home for the Holidays 5K in Medina. He is running down the last stretch of the 3.1-mile course with Kathy Jurs of Albion, who is pushing her son Mason in a stroller.

There were 113 participants in today’s 5K, which was the 10th anniversary of the event.

Jim Schuler of Newfane won the male division in a time of 18:45 while Payton Smith of Hermosa Beach, Calif. was the first woman in a time of 22:32.

Photos courtesy of Marsha Rivers

Debbie Tompkins, co-director of the race with Teresa Wilkins, served as the starter for the race that began in the Canal Basin and headed east and north, before making a turn near the Bates Road canal bridge and heading back east.

Lathan McEwen-Miller, 13, of Medina is off to a fast start at today’s Home for the Holidays 5K.

Jeremy Weakland of Gasport carries the American flag while finishing the 5K this morning on North Main Street in front of the American Legion Post.

Photos by Tom Rivers

Christopher Richard of St. Catherines, Ontario, is dressed in holiday cheer for today’s Home for the Holidays 5K.

Santa feels victorious in today’s 5K. He circled back a couple times and high-fived some youngsters along the course.

Proceeds from today’s race will be given to Cat by Cat Inc., led by Shannon Blount in Medina. The group in Medina works to humanely “TNVR” cats through targeted trapping. Those cats are then neutered, vaccinated and either returned or adopted out.

40 entries signed up for Medina’s Parade of Lights

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 November 2022 at 10:34 am

Takeform will debut new sleigh carrying Santa to culminate the parade

Photos by Tom Rivers: The Metz’s Family Christmas won the grand champion and the $500 top prize in last year’s parade on Nov. 27, 2021. The Medina Railroad Museum was the grand champion the previous two years.

MEDINA – There are about 40 entries signed up for Saturday’s Parade of Lights in Medina. This is the 14th annual parade.

The parade starts at 6 p.m. and this year will include the debut of an extravagant new sleigh carrying Santa. That sleigh has been created by Takeform.

Takeform representatives will present a key to the sleigh to Mayor Mike Sidari at 5:15 p.m. at Rotary Park. The sleigh will be given to the village to be used in future parades.

Georgia Thomas is the parade’s grand marshal. She will help light the community Christmas tree at 5:30 p.m. At 5:45, there will be a fireworks display and then the lighted floats will start their journey at 6 p.m. from Park Avenue to Main Street.

Click here to see the full day’s schedule for Medina’s Olde Tyme Christmas celebration.

The float for the Metz’s Family Christmas is shown in the staging and setup area at the Olde Pickle Factory before the start of the parade about a year ago.

Medina Historical Society will display vintage wedding gowns on Saturday

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Paige Moroz of York, S.C., formerly of Medina, shows off her engagement ring while wearing her great-grandmother Virginia Kropf’s wedding gown. The gown is one of those in a display of vintage gowns at the Medina Historical Society during Christmas in Medina on Saturday. (Right) Georgia Thomas, who created a display of wedding gowns at the Medina Historical Society Museum, holds the wedding gown worn by Catherine Cooper when she married Tim Cooper June 22, 1991.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 23 November 2022 at 8:52 am

MEDINA – The Medina Historical Society is opening its doors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Medina’s Olde Tyme Christmas on Saturday.

In honor of the celebration, Georgia Thomas has created a display of vintage wedding gowns, loaned by members of the community and each having a story to tell.

Alice Zacher’s gown was also worn by her sister and her best friend. It was given to the Niagara County Historical Society, who loaned it back for this exhibit.

Thomas’ gown hangs next to her husband Terry’s dress blues in the Museum. Terry, who was a career Army man, served during the Vietnam War era. They were married near Christmas on Dec. 19, 1964 at St. Mary’s Church. Georgia’s gown was white silk organza over taffeta with a long train with Chantilly lace border.

Francis Folsom is the most famous bride represented. She is the only bride to be married in the White House. She and President Grover Cleveland are the only couple to have a baby in the White House. Folsom lived for a while with her grandmother on North Main Street in Medina.

The exhibit includes a picture of Folsom in her wedding gown and a picture of the Christmas ornament from the White House Historical Association commemorating their wedding. Reports describe her gown as having real orange blossoms cascading down it. It is said that after her wedding, she made adjustments to her gown and wore it several occasions.

Catherine Cooper wore a gown of ivory lace with a handkerchief hem when she married Tim Cooper June 22, 1991 at St. Mary’s Church.

Other gowns on display are the green gown Gloria McCauley Fierch wore for her marriage to local author Frederick Fierch, and the ivory satin sheath with square neckline, cummberbund with bow and matching train worn by Rose Anderson to her marriage to the owner of the local Ford dealer.

Another gown on display is that worn by Virginia Kropf of Medina at her first wedding Sept. 13, 1958. She purchased it at Carr’s in Batavia. It is white satin with a mesh overlay adorned with sequined medallions, a mandarin collar and chapel-length train.

A gown of light olive green from 1860 is the oldest gown on display. It features an A-line skirt with train and ruching at the sleeves and hem. The gown was donated to the Historical Society more than 20 years ago by the late Nancy Berger.

The final gown in the collection is the newest arrival at Blissett’s, which loaned it to show what the bride of 2023 will be wearing.

Thomas explained that extreme care is taken when handling the vintage gowns. Gloves are always worn, because the oil in your hands can do permanent damage to the fragile fabric.

Punch, cookies and a wedding cake by Hans Rosentreter will be served during the day.

(Left) Georgia Thomas stands next to her wedding dress she wore when she married Terry Thomas in in a Christmas wedding Dec. 19, 1946 at St. Mary’s Church. Terry was a career military man and his Army dress blues uniform represents the Vietnam era at the Medina Historical Society Museum, where an exhibit of vintage wedding gowns is on display. The Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during Christmas in Medina on Saturday. (Right) This wedding gown from 1860 is the oldest in the display at the Medina Historical Society.

Additions to Medina fire hall, village office could cost $6 million

Rendering and design by Barton & Loguidice: An addition to the Medina fire hall would have tall enough bays with a building long enough to accommodate a new ladder truck. The current fire hall only gives about 2 inches of clearance in the garage doors. The fire trucks would go to the new addition while the ambulances are moved to space where the fire trucks are currently housed.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 November 2022 at 3:22 pm

MEDINA – The village has received a design and layout plan for additions to the Medina fire hall and village office, projects that the Barton & Loguidice firm estimate could cost $6 million.

The Village Board last week briefly discussed the design and layouts submitted by Barton & Loguidice. Representatives from the firm will attend a meeting in the near future to go over the project in detail.

“Everybody read it, digest it,” Mayor Mike Sidari said to the other board members.

Barton & Loguidice met with village officials to assess the needs for the two buildings. The fire hall addition could be $4.5 million with the addition to the village office at up to $1.5 million.

Photos by Tom Rivers: The current fire hall is too small for a bigger ladder truck. Currently there is only two inches of clearance from the top of the truck to get in and out of the bay in the fire hall.

With furnishings for the two buildings, the total cost could be close to $7 million, Sidari said.

The plan for the fire hall includes an addition approximately 62 feet, 8 inches by 88 feet, 8 inches.

The addition would be on the current fire hall on the west side in an area that is currently a parking lot. That addition is needed to house a new ladder truck. That truck could be $1.5 million. Fire Chief Matt Jackson said the lead time for a ladder truck is 39 to 42 months.

The village hasn’t yet moved forward with replacing a ladder truck from 1996. That truck has a ladder that is 75 feet long. That truck barely has clearance in the garage. The ladder truck has a clearance of 10.4 feet but the space in the garage is 10 feet, 6 inches, Jackson said.

The new ladder trucks have a clearance of 13 feet. The design for the new hall addition would have bays that allow up to 14 feet.

“There is no getting around need for a fire house,” Trustee Marguerite Sherman said.

With a new space for fire trucks, the ambulances could be moved to the current fire house. The space for the ambulances right now could be used for police cars or perhaps as a meeting area, Sidari said.

The Barton & Loguidice reports also details plans for:

  • A new public entry, radio room/office, laundry room, EMS room, restrooms, Decon room, gear room, mechanical room, tool room, and apparatus bay with the existing apparatus bay being repurposed to house the village ambulances.
  • A mezzanine space will be located along the perimeter of the new apparatus bay with file storage and office space accessed from the existing building second floor hallway.
  • A new air and vapor barrier membrane and new exterior cladding system will be installed over the existing concrete masonry unit wall construction of the existing fire station, and the existing overhead sectional doors will be relocated and replaced allowing for adequate clearances around the ambulance apparatus bay.
  • The renewal of the building’s existing façade will result in creating a weather tight envelope while simultaneously allowing the cladding system of the addition to carry over creating a cohesive look to the updated facility.
  • The existing concrete slab in the existing ambulance apparatus bay will be replaced, including the installation of new trench drainage and epoxy floor finish.
  • The outdated emergency generator located south of the alley will be replaced and upgraded to accommodate the fire station and addition.

This site plan shows additions on the west side of the fire hall and village office, as well as additional parking by the village office. The fire station is on the right and the village office is on the left.

The village is considering a 42 by 48 foot addition with a vestibule on the side that is 7 feet by 10 feet, 8 inches. That addition primarily would include meeting space.

The project would include two fully accessible restrooms and drinking fountains, as well as more parking. A window would be eliminated in the employee breakroom, and a hallway reconfigured to the new addition.

Barton & Loguidice said the village office addition presents infrastructure challenges similar to the fire station addition. Although there is no underground electrical service, there may be utility work associated with the construction of the new restrooms to connect into the sanitary piping within Park Avenue’s right of way, the report states.

The adjacent green space to the west is being purchased by the village, and provides room for the addition as well as more parking for the village office.

The Village Board is looking to expand the village office and add some parking in the greenspace area west of the current village office on Park Avenue.

Farmers’ market in Medina moves to Main Street site for winter

Photos courtesy of Chris Busch: Tracy Jennings (left) of Papa Thom’s Rockin’ Bagels and Rose Baker of Baker Farms in Medina chat in the comfort of an indoor winter farmers’ market in Medina. The Canal Village Market has moved into the former NAPA Auto Parts store on North Main Street, in space donated by Craig Lacy.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 21 November 2022 at 8:26 am

MEDINA – Medina’s Canal Village Farmers’ Market has a new home for the winter. The market has moved into the former NAPA Auto Parts Store on North Main Street, in space loaned to them by owner Craig Lacy.

“For a few years, the market has taken place at their summer site on West Center Street and West Avenue,” said Chris Busch, president of Orleans Renaissance Group, which sponsors the market. “A few hardy vendors have braved the cold conditions to continue the market through the winter months. While not entirely unsuccessful, the summer site has not been ideal for winter operations, given limited sheltered space and little heat.

“It’s been a real challenge,” said Gail Miller, who has been market manager since it started in 2015.  “For the summer, the entire corner site is great, and each week the summer market has a festive atmosphere. However, for winter, the site is lacking indoor space. The building was built as a gas station and has little sheltered space with heat.”

Craig Lacy came to the rescue, offering his historic, sandstone building on North Main Street, that has been in his family for decades. It is, in fact, the very same building where Grover Cleveland, a former U.S. president and New York governor, was allegedly held in the basement jail in a case of mistaken identity, Busch said. For many years, the building housed NAPA Auto Parts store, but when NAPA decided to relocate their store to Maple Ridge Road, Lacy’s building was left empty.

“Craig offered us use of the site for the winter market,” Miller said. “His incredibly generous gesture is a game changer for the winter market. We’re thrilled and grateful to have a huge indoor space with heat. The space is just incredible.”

The new indoor site has allowed Miller to retain all of the summer market vendors through the winter, along with numerous holiday vendors for the special market during Olde Tyme Christmas on Nov. 26.

Miller said they are able to host a large number of crafters and any non-profits who want to come in. More than 20 vendors are signed up for this Saturday, she said.

Heartland Organics of Gasport is one of the regular vendors who has moved to the Canal Village Winter Farmer’s Market new indoor space, beginning this month.

Two new vendors, Stone House Farm Bakery from Middleport and the Whole Empanada will join regulars Papa Thom’s Rockin’ Bagels, Catherine Street Bakery, Baker’s Farms, Human Farms and Greenhouse, Heartland Organics and Gardner’s Gardens.

Special holiday vendors are Tastefully Simple, Dust and Rust Fabrication, Granny’s Gotcha Covered, Potholder Weaving, Laurels by the Creek, 3BeesWax, Eleanor Delilah Laser Engraved Ornaments, Pugbully Studio, Towpath Trading, Collen Creates, Usborne Books, Leonard Oakes Estate Winery and Mountain Mule Ciderhouse.

“We are so incredibly grateful to Craig Lacy for his generosity,” Busch said. “Because of him, the community will have a great market throughout the winter season and a great holiday market on Nov. 26.”

“We’re looking to bring the summer gathering vibe indoors for the winter,” Miller said. “Papa Thom’s is going all out to create an atmosphere where market patrons can hang out, listen to music and enjoy a breakfast sandwich.”

Saturday Morning Spins features Thom Jennings spinning tunes on vinyl while customers enjoy a cup of hot coffee, bagel or egg and bacon breakfast sandwich, made with Papa Thom’s bagels and products from Baker Farms.

The Whole Empanada sells pre-cooked empanadas to take home or to purchase and eat there.

The Canal Village Winter and Holiday Market is located at 345 Main St. and operates from 9 to 1 p.m. Saturdays through May. More information is available on the market’s Facebook page.

Medina businesses, residents urged to decorate in ‘Village of Lights’ contest

Provided photos: The Wagner home at the corner of Gwinn Street and West Oak Orchard won last year’s village lighting contest in the residential category.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 20 November 2022 at 10:15 am

MEDINA – Medina residents and businesses are encouraged to decorate their premises and enter the Village of Lights contest, held in conjunction with Medina’s Olde Tyme Christmas celebration Nov. 26.

Contest chair Cindy Robinson said she is already receiving applications and is hoping for many more.

The contest was started in 2020 during the pandemic to give families something to do which would be safe and entertaining.

“Families could get in the privacy of their own car and drive around the village looking at the decorations,” Robinson said.

The contest was a big success, with 15 to 20 homes entering, and it continues to grow each year, she said.

Entries must be received by Nov. 28 and applications are available at the English Rose Tea Shoppe, 527 Main St., or on the Christmas in Medina website. Entrants must live within the Medina village limits, and decorations must be completed by Dec. 5. There is no entry fee.

Only decorations on the front face and lawn of the house will be judged. Judges will view and judge from the curb. Lights and animated displays must be turned on during the judging periods. Each participating home will have a yard sign with their entry number displayed on it.

Modern Mercantile on East Center won a prize in the commercial category last year in Medina’s Village of Lights contest. The contest is again taking place and business and home owners are urged to decorate their buildings and enter.

Businesses may decorate any and all parts of their façade. Categories are Christmas Spirit (Traditional), Christmas Spirit (Innovative), Most Whimsical, Best Use of Lights, Probably Visible from Space and Block Party.

Four or more adjacent homes on one side or across the street from each other may enter as a Block Party. Winners of each of these categories will receive $50. A runner-up prize will also be awarded to the above residential categories.

Prizes of $50 each will also be awarded for the Best Business (Christmas Spirit) and Best Business (Community Spirit). The Grand Champion will receive $200.

Judging will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 9, 10 and 11.

Winners will be announced and notified on Dec. 12. Photos of the winners will be posted on Medina Parade of Lights Facebook page, Christmas in Medina website and the Orleans Hub.