Medina

Big crowd braves heat to kick off new series of Medina blues concerts

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 21 June 2024 at 10:40 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – The Pat Harrington Trio played Thursday evening at State Street Park under the pavilion to kick off Medina’s third Blue Thursdays concert series. The trio include Pat Harrington, right, Owen Eichensehr and Paul Yates.

At least 600 people attended the concert, despite temperatures near 90.

The lineup for the blues concerts the rest of the season includes:

  • June 27: Dave Viterna Group
  • July 11: Nickel City Blues Band
  • July 18: Maria Aurigema
  • July 25: Thurman Brothers Band
  • Aug. 1: Frank Grizanti Band
  • Aug. 8: Tommy Z Band

Pat Harrington, a Grammy nominated musician from Gasport, performed for two hours in the debut concert for this year’s concert series. Harrington lives in Memphis, Tenn. and has toured full-time nationally and internationally the past five years.

Harrington will be performing with Victor Wainwright and The Train for part of the summer, including a concert on Wednesday in Atlantic City, NJ. Click here for more about Pat Harrington.

Several food and beverage vendors are at the concerts.

The seven-concert series is produced by The Print Shop in partnership with the Orleans Renaissance Group.

There is no charge to attend the concerts and no vendor fee for those selling food and beverages.

Ken Daluisio, owner of The Print Shop, said the goal is to bring a big crowd to Medina, which he said benefits local businesses and the community.

Steven Sones, owner of NOLA Concessions in Medina, serves up a snow cone. He started the business on June 1 and the “Sno Balls” he makes are very popular in New Orleans, where he grew up.

He offers 12 flavors and tops them the snow cone with sweet condensed milk. He served more than 100 of them for free to kids on Wednesday when the temperatures were well above 90 degrees.

NOLA Concessions will be at Blue Thursday, the Albion concert series on Wednesdays, and at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market location on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Most of the attendees brought their own lawn chairs and relaxed for two hours, listening to the music.

3 organizations in Medina partner in health event, bicycle helmet giveaway

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 20 June 2024 at 7:36 am

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health, in collaboration with Orleans County YMCA and the Medina Area Partnership, has announced a bicycle helmet and health event at the Orleans County YMCA.

The event, from 4 to 6 p.m. July 10, is designed to promote cycling safety and overall health and wellness in the community, said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach at Orleans Community Health.

“We invite all community members, whether or not they already have a helmet, to join us for an afternoon of fun, learning and community engagement,” Robinson said.

Among the highlights of the event are helmet donations, a children’s course, outdoor bike ride and health and wellness information.

Community members are encouraged to donate new or gently used bicycle helmets, by dropping them off at Medina Memorial Hospital, the YMCA or English Rose Tea Shoppe on Main Street until July 10.

A small course will be set up indoors for younger children to practice their cycling skills safely.

Older children and adults can participate in a small bike ride set up outside the YMCA.

Additional health and wellness information will be provided to all attendees, offering insights into maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“We’re excited about this upcoming event and partnership with other area organizations,” Robinson said. “We collectively want to find ways to provide services to the families in our community, and this is another way to do so. This event is a wonderful opportunity for famil8ies to learn more about cycling safety and health in a fun, interactive environment.”

“Ensuring the safety of our children is a top priority for the YMCA,” said Jesse Cudzilo, executive director oof the GLOW YMCA in Orleans County. “We are thrilled to have the community’s support in this important initiative, and together we can make a difference in the lives of our kids.”

The Orleans County YMCA, Medina Area Partnership and Orleans Community Health are proud to work together to bring this event to the community.

“We believe through collaboration, we can enhance the health and safety of our residents,” Robinson said. “All are welcome to attend, participate and donate. We look forward to see you there.”

Jim & Andy’s serves up burgers and fries in Medina, with ‘inferno burger’ coming soon

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2024 at 1:20 pm

Owners hope to expand to restaurant from current food trailer

Photos by Tom Rivers: Pictured from left include the owners of Jim and Andy’s in Medina – Tim and Kathy Drake, Jim Alavera-Woodhams III, and Andy Alvarera-Woodhams. The food trailer is located next to Monte Alban in Medina at 507 East Center St.

MEDINA – Jim and Andy Alvarera-Woodhams are hoping their new food business in Medina will lead to them opening a restaurant in Orleans County.

The two opened Jim & Andy’s last month at 507 East Center St., next to Monte Alban and a taco food trailer owned by the Rosario family. They are joined in the venture by Jim’s cousin Tim Drake of Albion and his wife Kathy.

The business serves classics: burgers, hot dogs and fries, with mac salad, cole slaw, baked beans and other sides. Soon they will challenge customers to eat an “inferno burger” without taking a drink, which will get their photo posted among champion eaters at Jim & Andy’s. They also will get a T-shirt that proclaims, “I survived the raging inferno.”

The burgers are served hand-pressed and aren’t from frozen patties. The lemonade is fresh squeezed.

“I love to cook and it runs in the family,” said Jim Alvarera-Woodhams.

He also works part-time is a property manager at the Batavia Plaza – West Main. That’s where he met the Rosario family who have the Monte Alban II at that plaza.

Jim Alavera-Woodhams III and Andy Alvarera-Woodhams both have experience in the the food service industry.

Jim Alvarera-Woodhams also had been running a T-shirt business but wanted to get into food. He and his husband, Andy, were working at the Burger King in Batavia. They noticed it’s high-volume, as long as the food is tasty without high prices.

Jim talked about going into the food business with his cousin, Tim Drake of Albion. They have combined their joy of cooking with a desire to add another gathering place for people in Orleans County.

If the food trailer goes over well, they would like to open a restaurant and expand the menu. Right now they are limited in prep space for a more extensive menu, but they will try some Philippine dishes, including pork adobo.

The food can be ordered through Door Dash and the Jim & Andy’s expects to offer deliveries soon.

The business is open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Medina gears up for Faery Festival on June 22

Provided photos: From left include a girl in front of a backdrop with posters of dragons and faeries at Rotary Park. A young man is dressed as a dragon during last year’s Faery Festival. Lt. Steve Fox of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office assists two young faeries in making faery dust at last year’s Faery Festival.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 16 June 2024 at 9:07 am

MEDINA – Faeries and dragons will again invade Medina’s downtown for the annual Faery Festival, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Boys and girls of all ages, as well as adults, are encouraged to dress up in their favorite faery costume and join in the festivities, starting in Rotary Park, according to chair Kathy Blackburn.

A costume contest will take place, with prizes for king, queen, prince and princess. There will also be a scavenger hunt for prizes, with clues to find 12 faeries and 10 faery houses hidden in various downtown businesses.

A table will be set up in Rotary Park for participants to pick up and drop off their scavenger hunt sheet, take a photo with themed photo boards, make faery dust and have their faces painted.

The event flyer with scavenger hunt form has been distributed to children in pre-K through grade three.

Businesses who would like to offer a small Make and Take/Take and Make craft, have story time or provide a small giveaway item (stickers, temporary tattoos, faery-related items that may relate to their business or a coloring sheet) are asked to contact Ann Fisher-Bale at ann.fisherbale@gmail.com by Wednesday to be included on the list given to participants.

It is estimated approximately 75 kids will be participating. Businesses not located downtown, but who would like to participate, can offer something in Rotary Park.

Medina FD union buys 2 AEDs to youth softball, baseball programs

Posted 15 June 2024 at 9:26 pm

Photo and press release from Medina Fire Department

MEDINA – On Nov. 24, 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation S. 7424/A. 366A requiring camps and youth sports programs to establish automated external defibrillator, or AED, implementation plans and to have at least one person trained to properly use the AED at camps, games and practice.

This is great legislation! Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) has a 90% fatality rate.

We witnessed a SCA with one of our dear friends recently on scene of an incident. He was one of the 10% due to CPR training and immediate access to a defibrillator. More defibs (AEDs) and people trained in CPR can drive down that 90% fatality rate.

The problem with this legislation is funding. These camps, sport groups and athletic associations were going to take a big hit with their budgets to be compliant with the legislation.

Understanding the benefits of the legislation and the difficulties it would bring locally to the Medina Loyal Softball and Baseball programs, Village of Medina Firefighter’s Local 2161 stepped up to the plate and smacked a home run.

Medina Firefighter’s Local 2161 utilized funds from member’s Union dues and purchased two Zoll AED Plus defibrillators and donated them to the Medina Loyal Softball and Baseball program.

These AEDs will be onsite with trained personnel at both Butts and Pine Street Parks during practices or games. These defibrillators are to be used for anyone, child, adolescent or adult in cardiac arrest.

Medina police officers, firefighters share safety messages with kids in Head Start

Provided photos: Students in Classroom A’s afternoon session are shown with Medina Police Officer Jacob Reeves, Penny Hurlbert, teacher Christina DeBoard, lead teacher Margie Davies, Education and Site Specialist Nicole Struble and Medina Police Officer Kyle Daly.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 June 2024 at 7:35 am

MEDINA – Community Action of Orleans and Genesee’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs were recently visited by members of the Medina Police Department and Fire Department.

Medina policeman Jacob Reeves was accompanied by his K-9 partner, Office Phoenix, and Officer Kyle Daly.

Purpose of the visit was to educate the children on what the officers and Phoenix do and the importance of getting help when needed. The children were allowed to pet Phoenix, get into the police cars and even push the buttons for the different sirens.

Medina firefighter Tiffany Petry helps a young Head Start student direct spray from a hose during the firefighters visit to Head Start classes on Ensign Avenue.

The Medina Fire Department talked to the children about fire safety, showing them what a fireperson looks like before and after putting on the equipment, so they wouldn’t be afraid. They also got to explore the fire trucks and even spray the firehose.

Teachers wish to thank Fire Chief Matt Jackson and firefighters/EMTs Dustin Pahura, Tiffany Petry, Paul Urquhart and Andrew Cheverie for teaching the children the importance of fire safety and putting smiles on their faces.

Head Start and Early Head Start are located on Ensign Avenue in Medina.

Medina Head Start’s Classroom C poses with parent Raelee Morgan, teacher Stacey Laskey, grandparent Shirley Srock, lead teacher Carrie Moreland, Medina Police Officer Jacob Reeves, teacher assistants Maddie Meacham and Linda Scurry and parent Brandi Deyarmin.

Ashlee’s Place to close end of June after 33 years in Medina

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 June 2024 at 4:20 pm

Angela Waldriff built successful business that withstood Walmart, online retailers and Covid

Photos by Tom Rivers: Angela Waldriff, owner of Ashlee’s Place at 116 East Center St., announced she will be closing the business the end of this month.

MEDINA – Angela Waldriff built a women’s clothing business in a small town and withstood the challenges from Walmart and Big Box stores, the emergence of online retailing, and the challenges of Covid, when the business was closed to in-store customers for about 10 weeks and then had to try to keep customers at least six feet apart.

Waldriff has decided to close Ashlee’s Place the end of this month. The reason: she wants warmer weather and is moving to South Carolina.

“It’s the next stage of my life,” she said at the store, located at 116 East Center St. “It’s time for a change.”

Waldriff has owned and managed the store for 33 years. She started Ashlee’s in 1991 when she was 29. She is often inside Ashlee’s, helping customers find the right outfit.

Waldriff has the business next to the former Corky’s Bakery, which was run by her late father Corky van den Bosch, and her late brothers Dennis and Jeff.

Her father was a role model as a entrepreneur. He also had Corky’s Bakery & Snack Bar in Albion (at the former Apollo Restaurant) and in Lockport.

Waldriff grew up working in the bakery. After college, she was employed at stores in malls in Rochester and Buffalo. She wanted to be in Medina close to home, especially when she had children. When her two sons were babies, she had them with her while she ran Ashlee’s.

Although Medina remains a busy downtown, Waldriff said it was even more bustling when she started her career. There were several stores for clothes and shoes. The businesses together were a big draw, she said.

Gradually, most have closed and have been replaced by other businesses. Waldriff believes Ashlee’s is the second-oldest retailer in the downtown, behind Blissett’s.

Angela Waldriff said she has enjoyed meeting her customers and being in Medina’s downtown. Her store is next to the former Corky’s Bakery, which was run by her father and brothers.

Waldriff is a volunteer business advisor with SCORE, and she tries to help new entrepreneurs flesh out business plans and develop a marketing strategy. For Ashlee’s, she sends monthly newsletters to her customers, highlighting new inventory, deals and some of what’s going on in her life.

On Facebook, she posts pictures on some of the dresses, blouses, pants and other clothing items. Brielle Lederhouse, a store employee for six years, often models the clothes in the Facebook posts. Many customers will see those posts and order the clothes, and Waldriff will ship the items. It’s one way she’s been able to compete with the online retailers.

Ashlee’s has regular promotions during the year, including in May when a portion of the sales go towards breast cancer awareness and research.

Waldriff used to go to New York City twice a year on clothes-buying trips, but she hasn’t done that in nearly a decade. Now the companies send her photos of what’s available.

Waldriff would rotate her stock four times a year. She would purchase inventory with her customers in mind, thinking of what they like and how the clothes would look on them.

“You have to know who that person is who steps into your store,” Waldriff said. “You have to know their taste, their price range. It can’t be what you would wear. You have to know who your person is.”

Waldriff said she will miss her customers, many who have been dedicated to Ashlee’s for years.

“I’ve become good friends with so many,” Waldriff said. “We’ve been through so many things together.”

Tea at Boxwood Cemetery moved back to June 15

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 7 June 2024 at 2:42 pm

MEDINA – Due to the weather forecast for Saturday, the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery have postposed their Tea at Boxwood until June 15, according to Friends’ president Rob Klino. The time for the event is 2 to 4 p.m. Having tea in a cemetery may sound unusual, but in olden times it was a normal thing to do.

Tickets are still available at the English Rose Tea Shoppe on Main Street until June 13.

If this poses any inconvenience for current ticket holders, tickets may be presented at the English Rose Tea Shoppe for a full refund.

Lineup announced for 7 concerts of ‘Blue Thursdays’ at State Street Park

Provided photos: Tommy Z, left, and Frank Grizanti are among the featured performers at blues concerts in Medina, which will be in its third season this year.

Posted 6 June 2024 at 5:43 pm

Press Release, Orleans Renaissance Group President Chris Busch

MEDINA – Blue Thursdays, the popular Medina summer music series, is returning for another run in 2024 with seven of the best blues bands in WNY. The Print Shop, in partnership with the Orleans Renaissance Group/medinaalive.com, will again produce the series.

The free summer blues concerts takes place Thursday evenings, June 20 through Aug. 8, at the State Street Park Pavilion in Medina. There will be no concert on Thursday, July 4.

The Print Shop of Medina is the sole 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 top regional blues talent from the Buffalo area.

Headlining the much-anticipated opening night of the series is the Pat Harrington Trio, featuring Pat Harrington, lead guitarist with Grammy Nominated and Multi-Blues Music Award winning band Victor Wainwright & The Train. That performance is set for June 20 at 6 p.m.

The series, conceived several years ago, is the brainchild of The Print Shop and ORG.

“We decided that it was time we put our expertise and financial backing to work here in Medina to benefit the community,” said Ken Daluisio, owner/operator of The Print Shop. “Blue Thursdays brings an average of 800 people from across WNY to Medina every Thursday night, many of them new to Medina. These past two years, we’ve learned that many of those people have returned on other days to explore what Medina has to offer. The positive effects of this event on the community have been absolutely great in so many ways.”

The Print Shop is a full service, commercial printing, publishing and graphic arts operation in Medina. ORG, a local arts and culture not-for-profit, has been promoting and executing world-class music events locally since the late 1990s.

“The partnership has produced a premier music event featuring outstanding bands and professional promotion,” Daluisio said. “It’s a first-class event all the way and we’re very proud of what we’ve accomplished.”

The artists booked for the event are highly acclaimed, award-winning blues bands from the Buffalo area.

“We’ve booked top-tier spectacular talent that people may not have had a chance to see anywhere locally,” Busch said. “Many of these artists have been playing for years alongside some of the greatest names in the business. They’re hall-of-famers, nationally-renowned and award-winning musicians, songwriters and recording artists. We’re incredibly excited to bring bands of this caliber to Medina.”

The 2024 Blue Thursdays line-up includes:

  • June 20: The Pat Harrington Trio, featuring Pat Harrington
  • June 27: Dave Viterna Group
  • July 11: Nickel City Blues Band
  • July 18: Maria Aurigema
  • July 25: Thurman Brothers Band
  • Aug. 1: Frank Grizanti Band
  • Aug. 8: Tommy Z Band

“We want to give a big shout out to Dave Viterna who at the outset of this project three years ago, 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 music legend in Medina and WNY, and the series just wouldn’t be right without DVG on stage.”

All the concerts are free and open to the public. Shows run from 6 to 8 p.m. There are no rain dates.

Concert goers will be able to enjoy a wide variety of food by Cusimano’s Pizzeria, Parker’s Pit BBQ and Greenlief’s On The Go. Refreshments will again provided by Leonard Oakes Estate Winery and 810 Meadworks, along with Blue Groove Coffee.

“For gig updates, any cancellations and venue information, people should go primarily to the ‘Blue Thursdays Medina’ Facebook page,” Busch said. “Further information and details can also be found on the web at bluethursdays.com and from weekly ads on The Orleans Hub.”

Medina Marching Band honors students after season, names leaders for next year

Photo from Medina Band Boosters: This photo shows the new staff for the 2024-2025 season.

Posted 4 June 2024 at 9:56 pm

Information courtesy of Kathy Dreyfus, publicity chair for Medina Band Boosters

MEDINA – The Medina Band celebrated the 2023-2024 season at the band banquet on Monday at the Shelby Fire Hall and catered by their staff.

Special guests included Dr. Mark Kruzynski, district superintendent; Michael Cavanagh, high school principal; and Board of Education members, Debbie Tompkins and Jennifer Buondonno.

Booster officers were recognized for their countless hours of volunteer time and dedication to the program. These include Crystal Elliott, president; Heather Jackson, vice president;   Holly Roush, treasurer; Michelle Wright, secretary; Becky Rinker, student accounts;  Mindy Kenward, chaperone chair  and past president; Jen Lenhart & Misty Reese, uniform chair; Kathy Dreyfus & Janine Farley, publicity; Jason Clare, transportation; Paul Greean & Shirley Kepner, delegates. Holly Roush will be stepping down and Diana Baker will be the new treasurer. Nick Hartman will now be in charge of transportation.

The Harry L. Dinkle award recognizes a person’s dedication to the program and this year’s recipient is Jen Lenhart.

Instructional staff include: Percussion – Michael Denise; Color Guard – Melissa Jaeger, Kara Brown, Molly Jaeger & Katie Crooks; Pit Instructor – Tiffany Organisciak; Visual Instructor –  Ray Jones: Music Arranger & Instructor – Joe Organisciak; Assistant Band Directors – Kyla Leno & Andrea Busch; Percussion Arranger – Steve House; Visual Design – Tim Moshier.

Student Awards

  • NYSFBC Scholarship – Alex Balaban
  • Mustang Band Service Scholarship – Madisynn Stanton
  • Steele Family Award – Alex Balaban
  • Joseph C. McKain Award – Ryder Jones & Emma Jacobs
  • Alfred Hartway Drum Major Award – Alex Balaban & Caiden Class.

Outstanding Band Member Awards were given in 3 categories

  • Outstanding Rookie – Charlotte McGrath (brass), Grace Keppler (ww), Adler Class (perc), and Madison Hamilton (guard)
  • Most Improved – Shonn Effner (brass), Adelynne Lacy (ww), Aidyn Jackson (perc), and Mackenzie Poynter (guard)
  • Most Valuable – Cameron Kenward (brass), Caiden Class (ww), Emma Jacobs (perc), and Natalie Herbert (guard)

Director Awards:  Teagan Balaban, Carmen Stalker and Logan Trillizio.

Band members were recognized for the number of seasons they participated and the various positions they held.

Student staff were named for the various sections that they will be responsible for. The Drum Major is Mackenzie McGrath and Assistant Drum Majors are Ryder Jones and Riley Tompkins.

The Junior Prologue was given by Riley Tompkins and the Senior Epilogue by Alex Balaban and Caiden Class.

While the 2023-2024 season is coming to a close the 2024-2025 is already starting with rehearsals scheduled for June.

Canal Village Farmers’ Market has busy start to season in Medina

Photos courtesy of Chris Busch: Black Button Distilling of Rochester will be appearing regularly at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market. On opening day at their summer location on West Center Street and West Avenue, the distillery sold out of their Bourbon Cream.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 4 June 2024 at 9:28 am

MEDINA – The ninth season of Medina’s Canal Village Farmers’ Market’s summer season launched on Saturday with a big crowd at the summer location in downtown Medina.

“Our winter market had a great season, but the summer market season is what everyone looks forward to,” said Chris Busch, president of the Orleans Renaissance Group, which sponsors the market. “Opening day was amazing, with more than 400 visitors who gathered throughout the morning and early afternoon to enjoy the vendors, live music and food trucks. Everyone had a great time.”

The Orleans Renaissance Group or ORG, is a local 501(c)3 arts and culture organization, which operates Canal Village Farmers’ Market on their corner lot at West Center Street and West Avenue. Gail Miller is manager of the market.

“We had a fantastic opening day,” she said. “We have a lot packed into the Saturday market, with regular and rotating vendors, food trucks, kids’ scavenger hunts, crafters and community groups. The vibe was incredible. One of the best ever.”

Regular vendors were joined by new vendors this season, including Confection Connection Bakery and Wild Dahlia Designs selling fresh flowers.

Wineries, mead and spirits will make a return. Scheduled throughout the season are 810 Meadworks, the popular Black Button Distilling from Rochester and other area wineries, to be announced.

Food trucks and vendors will again be at the market.

“We have a great line-up of food trucks and there’s a nice variety for all tastes this year,” Miller said.

TN Smoke House from Middleport had customers lined up at the opening day of Canal Village Farmers’ Market, selling out of their brisket and pulled pork.

TN Smoke House, El Gran Burrito and NOLA Concessions were a huge hit opening day, with TN Smoke House selling out.

TN Smoke House was a much-anticipated new addition, Busch said.

“We’re so excited to welcome pit-master Scott Gypson and TN Smoke House to our lot at 127 West Center St.,” Miller said.

Gypson, a Middleport native, spent a number of years living in Tennessee where he learned and mastered the fine art of smoking meat, Busch said.

“Many told us throughout the day that his brisket and pulled pork were the best they’d ever had,” Busch said. “The line at his truck was non-stop.”

TN Smoke House will appear at numerous times during the season. In addition to weekly anchor food truck, El Gran Burrito, other food trucks will be rotating in and out throughout the season as well, including Dubby’s Wood Fired Pizza from Albion and Greenlief’s on the Go from Middleport..

Another new food vendor is NOLA Confections, selling New Orleans style snow cones– a sweet made with a mound of fluffy shaved ice flavored with sweet syrups and topped or stuffed with a number of mix-ins and add-ons.

The ever-popular weekly Kid’s Scavenger Hunt also returned to the summer market. The scavenger hunt has again been generously sponsored by Maureen Hungerford.

Miller said that products available each Saturday are listed every week on the market’s Facebook page – Canal Village Farmers Market. Customers are encouraged to like and follow the page for up-to-date information on vendors, food trucks and general information on activities.

The market will again have multiple options for making sales transactions, including, cash, credit via Square, PayPal and Venmo, as well as also accepting Senior Coupons, WIC, SNAP and Fresh Connect Checks. Double Up Food Bucks to SNAP recipients will soon be available.

The market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Miller can be reached at canalvillagemarket@gmail.com or via Facebook Messenger with questions or vendor inquiries.

People turned out for bargains galore at Medina community yard sales

Photos by Ginny Kropf: From left, Gary Lemke, daughter Allison and her friend Katie Melock stand among the tables laden with goods for their yard sale Saturday on Erie Street.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 June 2024 at 5:50 pm

MEDINA – Medina’s annual community yard sale on Saturday, sponsored by Medina Lions, certainly has to be one of the most successful in the event’s history.

Carol Bellack, Char Smith and Jason Cogovan dish up sides for Medina Lion’s chicken barbecue Saturday during the community yard sale. A record 559 dinners were sold.

Perfect weather, yard sales all over the village, shoppers filling the streets, an abundance of vendors and sold-out chicken barbecue made for a perfect day, said chairman Jim Hancock.

“Such a perfect day brought everybody out,” Hancock said. “Whether you went north, south, east or west in the village, people had signs up and tents in their yards.”

Streets were filled with cars, sometimes making them impassable. At the Olde Pickle Factory, there was hardly an empty parking spot in the entire parking lot.

The Lions sold a record 559 chicken barbecues, cooked by Chiavetta’s. The Lions’ Weinermobile, manned by Pete Kaiser, Howie Gardner and Vickie Hutchison was kept busy selling hot dogs all over the village, so shoppers could grab a bite and run to the next sale.

On the corner of Main and Center streets, volunteers chaired by Tim Moriarty handed out all 750 of their maps between 8:30 and 11:30 a.m.

The Lions’ food tent, chaired by Chris and Julie Keller, also had a very successful day, selling hot dogs and hamburgers.

One of the shoppers named Grace of Medina said this was the second community yard sale she had attended.

“I like doing community things, and everybody is out today,” she said. “With the sunshine and chicken barbecue, it’s a fun day. I did a few yard sales Friday night. I found an antique pitcher I’ve been looking for.”

Gary and Lisa Lemke and daughter Allison have had a yard sale almost every year, Gary said. He and Allison and her friend Katie Melock of Buffalo were watching the yard sale while Lisa was out shopping at other sales.

“We’ve been doing this for the last 10 to 12 years,” Gary said. “With prices so high these days, anything extra we can make helps out. And we clear out stuff we’re not using. What we don’t sell, we give to MAAC. They helped us out a few years ago and we want to repay them, now that we’re able to do that.”

Gary Lemke and family of 505 Erie St. have participated Medina’s community yard sale for more than a decade. Their yard was full of bargains, including beautiful cupcakes daughter Allison made.

Above all, Gary said they just liked talking to people who stopped by.

Allison said she loves Medina and yard sale day.

“It’s better than any others in the area,” she said.

She said she goes to Goodwill and buys things and stops at other yard sales and then saves the stuff to resell at their own sale.

The Community Yard Sale and other Lions’ projects allows them to support many causes and organizations in the community and in support of the blind, according to Hancock.

“At our last meeting of the Lions’ year this month, we will vote on giving away $10,000 to $11,000,” Hancock said. “I want to thank the community, because without their support, our events wouldn’t be a success.”

Vendors filled the field on the west end of the Olde Pickle Factory parking lot during the Medina Lions’ annual community yard sale and chicken barbecue on Saturday.

Medina band brings home grand champion, many 1st place awards from Sherburne

Posted 2 June 2024 at 6:27 pm

Photo and information courtesy of Medina Mustang Band Boosters: Medina’s marching band took first place in the parade competition at Sherburne on Saturday.

The Medina Mustang Marching Band traveled to Sherburne in Chenango County to participate in the 75th annual pageant of bands. This is the oldest pageant of bands in NYS.

Thirty-three bands performed in competition in the parade. There were other competitions including jazz, concert, saxophone quartet and drumline.  Medina earned several awards as follows:

  • Wind Ensemble: 2nd place
  • Middle School Jazz Band: 1st place tying with Fonda-Fultonville
  • Jazz Band AA: 2nd place
  • Middle School Small Ensemble (flutes): 2nd place
  • High School Small Ensemble (saxophones): 1st place
  • Parade AA: 1st place
  • Cadence AA (drumline): 1st place
  • Parade Color Guard AA: 1st place
  • Drum Major (entire parade): Medina
  • Color Guard (best overall): Medina
  • Color Guard: Medina
  • Outstanding Director Award: Medina
  • Overall Class AA (best in class): Medina
  • Grand Champion: Medina

The 2023-2024 band season will come to a close with the band banquet June 3.

Tea at Boxwood should provide fun, and raise funds for Medina cemetery

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 1 June 2024 at 2:43 pm

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Georgia Thomas, left, and Cindy Robinson, both members of Friends of Boxwood Cemetery, hold a sign promoting the second annual Tea Time at Boxwood June 8.

MEDINA – Having tea in a cemetery may sound unusual, but in olden times it was a normal thing to do.

On June 8, the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery will sponsor the second annual Tea Time at Boxwood, a fundraiser to benefit efforts to maintain the cemetery. The event will run from 2 to 4 p.m.

“Everybody last year seemed to enjoy themselves immensely,” said Georgia Thomas, who is helping organize the event. “They loved having tea and going through the cemetery. Years ago people literally brought picnic baskets on Decoration Day (now Memorial Day) to have a picnic with their deceased loved ones. Victorians would gather in cemeteries as they would in parks to socialize and picnic.”

It was a perfect setting for parasols and fancy hats,  which prompted the Friends of Boxwood last year to have a tea.

Cindy Robinson described it as a high tea with more substantial foods. This year’s event will be low tea with more finger foods.

The tea will include hot tea and iced tea. New this year will be a table decorating contest.

“Last year, a guest brought their own bistro table and chairs, nicely decorated with Victorian accents,” Robinson said.

Winner of the contest will receive a $25 gift certificate to the English Rose Tea Shoppe. In addition, there will be little drawings throughout the event. Attendees will each receive an entry for the drawings with each ticket purchased. Anyone who joins Friends of Boxwood before the event will receive five additional entries.

Another feature will be a presentation by Mary Lewis, owner of Creekside Floral, who will discuss the proper plants for a cemetery.

The day will conclude with a historic tour of the renovation chapel with historian Todd Bensley, said Friends of Boxwood president Rob Klino.

Klino also reminds the public about future events at Boxwood Cemetery. These include “Bigger, Better, Brighter Boxwood at Night” on Oct. 5; and a tombstone cleaning event in August.

“It’s about creating awareness of Boxwood Cemetery,” Klino said. “People go through there to kayak on Glenwood Lake, and they come there to walk. It’s becoming a destination. “We are trying to undo the neglect of many years.”

Thomas described Boxwood Cemetery as “a parklike setting built in the late 1800s.”

Tickets for Tea Time at Boxwood are $20 for Friends of Boxwood members or $25 for non-members. They are available at English Rose Tea Shoppe, 527 Main St.

Volunteers open visitor center for 16th season in Medina

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 1 June 2024 at 11:20 am

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Medina’s Visitors’ Center has opened for the season in Rotary Park. Cheryl Broughton, left, a four-year volunteer and member of Medina’s Tourism Committee, stands with first-time volunteers Amanda Pollard, Lynn Mietz and Barb Gorham.

MEDINA – When the calendar hits June 1, volunteers hit the Visitors’ Center in Rotary Park.

The Medina Tourism Committee, chaired by Jim Hancock, has announced opening of the Visitors’ Center for the summer, with a handful of new volunteers.

This will be the 16th year for the Visitors’ Center, which has seen a steady growth in visitors and the destinations from which they come.

Hancock explained the Visitors’ Center first began in the offices of United Way and the American Red Cross on Main Street. They next moved to City Hall for a number of years before moving to the building in Rotary Park.

Last year saw 434 visitors from 34 states and five foreign countries stop at the Visitors’ Center.

This year, they welcome three new volunteers – Amanda Pollard of Medina, Lynn Mietz of West Shelby and Cheryl Broughton of Medina.

Pollard recently retired from Bank of Castile and was looking for a volunteer opportunity.

“I love Medina,” she said. “I was born and raised here.”

Gorham is starting her fourth year as a volunteer. She looks forward to meeting new people and telling them what Medina has to offer. When she was still working, she volunteered on Saturday mornings, but now that she’s retired, she is happy to be manning the center on week days.

“I was surprised to meet people from all around the world, many who came on the canal or biked here,” Gorham said. “People ask where there’s a good place to eat or stay, or they want to know about Medina Sandstone and the Erie Canal.”

Gorham taught foreign language, which makes it easy for her to talk to foreigners about Medina’s architecture and all that’s going on here.

“I moved here in 1989 for my job teaching at Roy-Hart, and I’m really proud of this place,” Gorham said.

Broughton was originally from Niagara Falls and has a daughter who moved here 24 years ago. She would come and visit her. So when her husband died, Broughton sold her house in 2022 and moved here.

The Visitors’ Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Anyone who would like to volunteer may contact Hancock at (585) 590-1248.

Being in Rotary Park is a great location for the Visitors’ Center, Hancock said.

Mietz said he lived in Akron and his parents always came to Medina for a fish fry. He remembers when G.C. Murphy was on Main Street and he once met Dan Spaghett there.