Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – These singers from Ephesus Ministries in Buffalo perform “Ride On King Jesus” during a Black History Month celebration on Friday evening at the Clifford Wise Intermediate School Auditorium.

Pictured from left include Renee Mapp, Char Hamilton, Shannon Louise Carter and Daniel Doctor. Carter is a pastor at Ephesus and Doctor, an elder at that church, is the Medina school district’s director of Community Partnerships. Doctor also leads the West Side Academy of Visual and Performing Arts in Medina.

He organized the first Black History celebration for the community this month.

Upcoming programs that are free at the middle school auditorium include:

• On Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. the film Hidden Figures will be shown. Hidden Figures tells the story about an amazing team of African American women mathematicians who played an important role in the U.S. space race at NASA.
• Feb. 29 at 6:30 p.m. will feature a keynote speaker who has 15 years of experience working as an educator and administrator in Texas. Patrick Briggs is passionate about ensuring that all students achieve high levels of academic success, thereby enabling them to be prepared for college and career opportunities after completing high school.

Students from the West Side Academy of Visual and Performing Arts opened Friday’s program with a dance. Daniel Doctor, leader of West Side, joined his students in the presentation.

Char Hamilton sings the Black National Anthem.

“Lift every voice and sing,

‘Til earth and heaven ring,

Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;

Let our rejoicing rise

High as the list’ning skies,

Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,

Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;

Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,

Let us march on ’til victory is won.”

Daniel Doctor, right, interviews Matthew Clark during Friday’s program. Clark runs a dance academy in Buffalo and has coached American and Canadian national teams to world championships.

Clark suffered a massive stroke 10 years ago, and has defied doctor’s expectations by regaining the ability to walk and dance. He said “perseverance and prayer” have brought him through those trials.

He told about 30 people at the event at Medina that God has worked a miracle in his life. He urged parents and teachers to support kids in pursuing their dreams.

“Never discourage your children from doing what they love,” he said.

Christian “CJ” Jones dances to tap. He won a gold medal at the World Tap Dance Championship in 2007 in Riesa, Germany, where more than 1,000 dancers from 17 countries competed.

Jones is the nephew of Matthew Clark. Jones credited his uncle with teaching him to dance when Jones was only 2. Jones said he puts his passion into his dances, and emerges as a crowd favorite at competitions.

Doctor said Jones is an example of the power of a teacher inspiring and believing in a student.

The program on Friday featured several performers who have won accolades. Shannon Louise Carter, who joined Doctor in two others in singing “Rise On King Jesus,” is an author of seven books.

Doctor said people often overlook the talents of their neighbors and other community members.

“See the greatness around you,” Doctor implored the audience. “You never know who you’re sitting next to.”

The African American Cultural Center in Buffalo – African Dance and Drum performed and then discussed the influence of African American pioneers in dance and music.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Gregg and Danny Sansone, brothers from Amherst, performed as “Two of Us” this evening at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library. The brothers sang “ I Saw Her Standing There” and other Beatles songs for about 150 people at the library.

They sang as part of the library’s “Finally Fridays” concert series.

A crowd watches the Sansone brothers at Lee-Whedon.

The concert series started on Jan. 5 with the Creek Bend Band, followed by Dark Horse Run on Jan. 12, DSP Jazz on Jan. 19, Cool Club & Lipker Sisters on Jan. 26, and 2nd Time Around on Feb. 2.

The remaining schedules includes: Pocket Change on Feb. 16, Tom Keefer & Celtic Cross on Feb. 23, and A Girl Named Ginny on March 1. The concerts start at 7 p.m. The events are funded through a the Statewide Community Regrant Program and administered by GO Art!

This group of friends puts together a puzzle during the concert.

Gregg and Danny Sansone cover all the Beatles hits from 1962 to 1970.

Daniel Doctor urges community to be mentors and leaders for children

Provided photo: Julie Webber, the Medina school district’s director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Daniel Doctor, the district’s director of Community Partnerships, promote the Black History Month events at the school district this month.

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – The Medina school district is inviting the public to celebrate Black History Month during February. Events will be held in the Clifford Wise Intermediate School’s auditorium and are free of charge.

There will be at 6:30 p.m. talk show-style event today, hosted by Medina’s own Daniel Doctor (Director of Community Partnerships). It will have an Arts and Culture theme featuring Shannon Carter, an assistant pastor, published author, songwriter and recording artist.

Joining her on the stage will be World Tap Champion Christian JaVaughn who will be performing a fusion of British and West African step dancing and talking about his career.  There will also be representatives from the African American Cultural Center – African Dance and Drum who will discuss the influence of African American pioneers in dance and music.

On Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. the film Hidden Figures will be shown. Hidden Figures tells the story about an amazing team of African American women mathematicians who played an important role in the U.S. space race at NASA.

Feb. 29 at 6:30 p.m. will feature a keynote speaker who has 15 years of experience working as an educator and administrator in Texas. Patrick Briggs is passionate about ensuring that all students achieve high levels of academic success, thereby enabling them to be prepared for college and career opportunities after completing high school. This is a topic very near and dear to Mr. Doctor’s heart.

“I am in such a firm believer in pushing past the obstacles in your life and becoming the best person you can be,” Doctor said. “As educators and community members we need to lead by example.”

He points to his own life as inspiration to many of the young men and women he mentors in the community.

“I was the eighth child of nine growing up in Lockport,” Doctor said. “We were poor, but my mother made sure we didn’t realize that by providing us with clean clothes, food and a roof over our heads. She instilled in us to get an education and shared her stories of hardship of working in the fields and taking care of her children and other people’s children.  She sheltered and protected us and made sure to push us to be whatever it was we dreamed of being.”

Doctor said he was blessed to have teachers who fostered his talents and his aspirations.

“I had several great art teachers who pushed me and because of them I ended up being accepted into the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City,” he said. “I also auditioned for Broadway shows and made several callbacks to be in The Lion King. Unfortunately, the director felt I did not have the gravelly voice needed for the role and cut me before the show hit the stage. But I was so proud of myself that I made it that far. It told me I had the talent to pursue a stage career if I wanted.”

Unfortunately, a health crisis forced him to return home where he decided to attend Buffalo State College to pursue a career in education.

“I will never forget sitting in one of my classes, which I was failing, and the instructor putting a statistic on the board that a high percentage of children of color in a single parent household would not be successful,” Doctor said. “That pushed me to succeed and I did. After graduating I got a job at DeSales Catholic School making $14,000. I loved every moment of teaching, but I could not afford many things on that salary and took a job in Rochester.”

It was during those long drives from Lockport to Rochester he would pass through Medina.  “I would always think this is where I want to be,” he said.

When he heard of a job opening, he applied and was asked to be interviewed immediately. He was offered the job.

“Being at Medina Central School District has been amazing,” Doctor said. “I am so lucky to have such a support network here like my Superintendent Dr. Mark Kruzynski, Assistant Superintendent Marc Graff and our Director of Curriculum and Instruction Julie Webber. I have been a teacher, an assistant principal, a principal and now the Director of Community Partnerships.”

Doctor also has three businesses: West Side Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, Daniel’s Men’s Apparel and an antique store, Just What the Doctor Ordered.

“It has not been an easy road to get where I am and there have been challenges, but like I tell the children in this community keep your head up and your eyes on the prize,” he said. “Tomorrow is another day and you can always shake the dust off and move forward no matter what.”

 He continued, “It is so important to instill in our youth that they are someone and they can achieve what they want and how important it is to focus on academics and a career.  I am proud and happy to help mentor these children, no matter what color they are. I was fortunate enough to have great adults in my life that pushed me towards education and my goals.

“I am looking towards our community and I am sending out a request to be a mentor, be a leader that our children need. They need that message ‘if you believe it, you can achieve it.’ This is the first time we have had a Black History celebration in our district and I am so excited to show everyone the talent and knowledge we have right here in our backyard. I am hoping they inspire everyone the way they have inspired me and others.”

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Liz Schyve of Gasport has joined Walsh Duffield in Medina as a Medicare consultant. She is shown here at her desk in the office at 534 Main St.

MEDINA – Those on Medicare or approaching the age of eligibility for Medicare can turn to Liz Schyve for advice.

Schyve joined Walsh Duffield Insurance last year, after a 16-year career in skilled nursing and long-term care. Her focus with the company will be with people on Medicare or anticipating Medicare.

Walsh Duffield is a fifth-generation family-owned business that has helped countless people and businesses on their financial journey since 1860. The company sits in the top 2 percent of insurance agencies across the United States.

Schyve of Gasport is a former Medina resident. She explained she raised her daughter in Medina during her early years, and Schyve found it a wonderful community that took them in like family.

“I had found myself having to provide for me and my 5-year-old daughter, when I saw this job advertised in the Medina Journal Register for a job in medical records at Orchard Manor,” Schyve said. “It was close to home and even though I took my daughter to the interview with me, they hired me. They adopted us as their ‘family.’”

Two years later she was running medical records when the hospital sold the nursing home. The new owner asked if she would like to be director of admissions.

“I was scared, but it was a good job,” she said.

After graduating from high school, Schyve earned a two-year degree in medical assisting from Bryant and Stratton.

Most recently she was working for Lockport Rehab, when she got a bad case of COVID, which left her with a rapid heartbeat.

“That hasn’t gone away, and I decided I had to find something a little slower,” Schyve said. “I was thinking about how I could do that when my phone rang. It was a friend I had worked with previously who was now working at Walsh Duffield. She said they needed someone for their expanding Medicare team, especially in the Medina and Lockport area.”

She realized that would give her the opportunity to be out in the community, and she accepted.

“I consult with people who are about to turn 65, and work with businesses and their human resource team and those who are getting ready to retire,” Schyve said. “I am excited to be here. I have a wonderful service to offer at no cost.”

She will provide one-on-one consultation with folks who need guidance as they approach retirement, those shopping for a new plan or those wishing information about a stand-alone prescription drug plan, Medicare Advantage plan or other Medicare supplement.

Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach at Orleans Community Health, said he can see how resources like Schyve can be helpful, especially to the aging population.

“There are constant challenges with Medicare that often people are not aware of,” Robinson said.

Schyve agreed, saying it’s a good idea for people to review their plan and benefit, because they change every year. She will meet people at the Walsh Duffield office at 534 Main St., or at their home or in a coffee shop.

“I like people and I want to help them make sure they get a plan that’s right for them personally,” Schyve said. “Educating folks about Medicare allows me to demonstrate my passion for helping seniors navigate the complexities of Medicare coverage, so they can make an informed decision. I think this service will be good for the Medina community.”

She recounted her earlier years living in Medina, where she and her daughter would walk downtown from their home on Commercial Street. She currently lives with her husband Gary near Gasport, where they enjoy walking their two dogs and observing local wildlife.

She stresses that Walsh Duffield is a local agency with national resources and capabilities. She can be contacted by calling her directly at (716) 362-7399, at the office at (716) 853-3820 or by e-mail at eschyve@Walshduffield.com.

In addition, Schyve has received confirmation that she will be allowed to hold a Medicare Basics presentation at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library for people wanting to learn about Medicare as they approach the age of 65. The presentation will take place at 6:30 p.m. March 21. There will be room for 10 people and anyone interested should contact her at the above numbers.

Medicare consultant Liz Schyve stands outside the office of Walsh Duffield in Medina, where she will be available to advise people on Medicare coverage.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health is celebrating Valentine’s Day by offering an opportunity to the public to send their love and appreciation to a staff member who has made a significant impression.

For a $5 donation, a staff member’s name will be written on a heart which will be displayed in the hospital throughout February.

Orleans Community Health Foundation director Megan Johnson said this is the first year they have done this fundraiser. People can make their donation online or in the Foundation office.

“They do not need to come in to put a message or name on a heart,” Johnson said. “I will write it on there for them.”

Donations will benefit the Foundation, which in turn provides funds to support OCH in equipment or patient-related needs, Johnson said.

“We have already had hearts purchased to honor the Emergency Department, North Wing and a few specific RNs,” she added.

Provided photo and press release

NIAGARA FALLS – Lt. Col. Justin Cecchini of Medina on Jan. 20 was promoted to commander of the 136th Attack Squadron.

Cecchini serves as the Director of Operation for the 136th Attack Squadron (Air National Guard) at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. In this role Cecchini plays a pivotal role in ensuring effective planning, coordination, and execution of all training and combat flying operations.

He is responsible for overseeing the operational readiness and leading 97 personnel while providing strategic guidance to the 136th Squadron and 107th Operations Group Commanders that ensures the alignment of operational activities with the Combatant Commanders’ objectives.

Cecchini collaborates closely with other service branches, allied forces, and interagency partners to synchronize operational efforts and enhance joint operations. Cecchini has been instrumental in planning,  coordinating, and executing all training and combat operations, contributing significantly to the squadron’s success in its persistent MQ-9 Operational Mission. He also maintains qualification as an MQ-9 Instructor and Evaluator Pilot, where he performs evaluations and instruction support to several squadron functions.

Lt. Col. Cecchini began his military career in March 2001, enlisting with the 107th Air Refueling Wing as a KC-135 Aircraft Mechanic Journeyman, and his dedication and skill were evident. A 2003 graduate of SUNY College at Brockport, he was commissioned in 2008 through the Air National Guard’s Academy of Military Science commissioning program.

After commissioning and as a C-130 Navigator with the 107th Operation Group, he led the operations Support Squadron flying training section from 2009 to 2014. He later became the Assistant Chief of Tactics, directly responsible for establishing weapons tactics, techniques and procedures and technical instruction on the employment of MQ-9 aircraft weapons.

His career progressed through significant roles within the 107th Operations Group, holding key positions such as Flight Training Officer, Assistant Chief of Tactics, and, more recently, Assistant Director of  Operations.

Cecchini and his wife Julie have two sons and a daughter. Joe is a 2022 Medina graduate and Jack is a senior and graduates in June with the Class of 2024. Jenna is a seventh-grader.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Tim Elliott, a Medina village trustee, and Jesse Cudzillo, director of the YMCA in Orleans County, are shown with the “Medinaopoly” games in 1995 and 2000.

Elliott and Cudzilo are spearheading the effort for a new Medinaopoly game with proceeds to be donated to the YMCA, PAWS Animal Shelter and the Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund.

Elliott last week starting reaching out to businesses, first the brick-and-mortar sites in the historic downtown, to sponsor a space on the board. The spots have been selling fast. Elliott said there are still many opportunities for businesses to be included on the board.

“It preserves Medina history and provides a snapshot,” Cudzilo said about the local business landscape. “It’s unique and novel.”

There are 36 board spaces at $165 each, four corner spaces at $200, four cards for $300, and then a list where businesses will be included without a graphic for $50.

The Journal-Register, a former daily newspaper in Medina, claimed one of the corner spots in the 1995 game.

The Medina Rotary Club led the effort in 1995 and 2000 to sell the spaces on the board and to make the games available to the community.

Elliot and Cudzilo said the minimum order of games is 350. They are trying to get a sense of how many will sell, whether they should order above the minimum. Games can be preordered for $35. Canalside Tattoo has them available for preorder on the Canalside website.

Elliott and Cudzilo expect the games will be available in September.

The downtown especially has seen quite a change since the last game came out in 2000, although many in that game remain.

“It needs to be updated,” said Elliott, the former owner of Brushstrokes Studios and also Into the Enigma. “I was also looking to give back to the community and the businesses. It will also make a great Christmas gift.”

For more information, contact Elliott at (585) 735-5953 and Cudzilo at (585) 465-6917. Company graphics and questions also can be emailed to Cudzilo at jcudzilo@glowymca.org.

Eliott anticipates the game will raise about $10,000, with half going to the YMCA and 25 percent each to PAWS and Knights-Kaderli. Eliott said the Y has led several projects in the village, including the development of a new 9-hole disc golf course and a new welcome kiosk at the Canalside Basin.

Cudzilo said the funds will go towards updating the women’s locker room.

The board from 2000 included an image of the iconic Canal Culvert in Ridgeway. The new game may feature a dominant image of Medina’s downtown.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Aeddon Cayea, a 2017 graduate of Medina High School, has landed a new job with United Way of Orleans County and is celebrating the launch of his first book.

MEDINA – Life is good for Aeddon Cayea.

Not only has the young man landed a prestigious job as grant writer/deputy director of United Way of Orleans County, but he is about to launch his first book with a celebration at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at Author’s Note Book Store, immediately following the Otherworlds Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book Club.

Cayea’s debut novel is “Struck Down on the Seventh: An Exorcism Performed by an Idiot.”

“We are so excited to celebrate him and to be the host and home for his first of undoubtedly many books to come,” said Author’s Note owner Julie Berry.

Cayea said his writing began as the result of an assignment in high school, when he had to write several chapters out of a novel.

“It kind of got away from me,” he said. “I was always interested in spirituality.”

The first part of his book really wrote itself, Cayea said. “It very quickly took on a life of its own.”

The first draft took him about a month, but then he tinkered with it for the next five years, on and off.

“I’d pick it up and put it down, then maybe two years later go back and work on it again,” he said.

The book was released Jan. 15, and he is already working on a sequel. He has completed about five-eighths of the first draft, he said.

“My first book was suitable for me to write when I was 18, but this book will be suitable for me when I am 25,” he said.

He describes his book as “an adult work of magical realism.”

“’Struck Down on the Seventh’ follows Phaethon, a moody college student, as a mysterious tome draws him into a world where the divine is not so far away as is often imagined,” Cayea explained. “Exploring similar spaces to works like Neil Galman’s ‘The Sandman’ and David Lynch’s ‘Twin Peaks’ television series, the novel navigates the travails of a clever but critically flawed individual as he strives to balance aethereal visions and brute facts. Balancing the indiscretions of youth with revelations of mystical theology, Phaethon forges ahead hoping to fare better than his namesake.”

The book is available at Author’s Note in Medina or from the publisher’s website at blackmoonpublishing.com.

Cayea graduated from Medina High School in 2017 and Emerson College in 2021 with a degree in religious studies and Asian studies. After returning home to Medina he joined the Americorps  program for a year, working at Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension. During that time he wrote grants and worked at the fair. When the year ended, he went to work at Lowe’s in Brockport while pursuing other work.

He had become acquainted with Nyla Gaylord, executive director of United Way of Orleans County, who realized Cayea’s talent. At the she needed someone to do outreach for the Connect Orleans Initiative.

“After a month or two of that, she thought I could be of more help,” Cayea said. “They needed a grant writer, and here I am. I have a job I love in my home town. I appreciate the flexibility and novelty of the job. It’s a new challenge every day. I feel a strong connection to my community and I’m happy to come back to Medina to live and work.”

“This job enables me to help my community,” he added. “I got a taste for non-profits, and what I like about United Way is how we are constantly looking for ways to help the community. As an organization nationwide, United Ways are at a crossroads, but in Orleans County we are taking that as an opportunity more than a risk.”