Photos and information from Medina Central School

MEDINA – In the past, the Student Association at Medina High School has collected canned goods for those in need in the community and donated them to MAAC (Medina Area Association of Churches).

Teacher and Student Association Co-Advisor Sara Cinquino says last year, with the unknowns of Covid transmission, the students took part in a peanut butter and jelly drive instead.

“This year we decided we would collect essential items like paper products and hygiene products for MAAC to distribute,” she said. “We were thrilled to be able to donate 1,971 items through our school drive.”

Members of the Medina Fire Department on Wednesday stopped at the school, where the students helped them load the donations into their ambulances.

Sherry Tuohey, a volunteer with MAAC says she is very grateful for the outreach project from the High School.

“The students did an outstanding job!” she said. “I couldn’t believe all the personal care and paper products we received. These will be so beneficial to families we are helping this Christmas. I want to thank them for making it such a huge success!”

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Passengers on the Polar Express at Medina Railroad Museum got a ride to the North Pole Saturday and Sunday. Near record crowds filled all six excursions. The event will return this Saturday and Sunday and Dec. 18 and 19, with nearly all but a few single seats sold out.

MEDINA – The Polar Express may delight children of all ages, but a couple who rode the fairy tale train on Sunday got to experience a little magic of their own.

Grace Stewart, event and volunteer coordinator for the Museum, was helping with crowds on the platform of the train when she spotted a man down on his knees in front of the holiday display on the deck of the museum.

She immediately rushed up the steps to learn that Jared Finn had just proposed to his girlfriend Ally Kirkey. In front of the couple were his children holding a sign which read “Will you marry our dad?”

Of course, she said, “Yes.”

In all the excitement Stewart failed to ask where the couple were from.

Provided photo: Jared Finn proposed to Ally Kirkey on Sunday and she said yes.

Also on Sunday, another family was noticed on one of the first-class cars celebrating a surprise birthday for a relative.

More than 5,000 people rode the Polar Express on Saturday and Sunday, a scenario that is expected to be repeated the next two weekends at the Medina Railroad Museum.

While most of the seats for the next two weekends are sold out, visitors are encouraged to visit the museum and see the extensive decorations staff has spent several weeks putting up, in preparation for the Polar Express.

Riders on the train get to enjoy hot chocolate, singing and story telling from the famed Polar Express book. Each child gets a gift, meet Santa and the hobo who board at the North Pole.

Plenty of Polar Express toys and gifts are available in the gift tent and museum gift shop.

Provided photos: Cayden Manners, Madison Farley, Hagen Van Leuven, Allie Smith and Macenzie Sword are shown with a “Protect Our Planet it’s the only One We’ve Got” banner.

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – Medina High School teacher Krista Lindke was pleasantly surprised at the response from her 8th grade High School and Beyond students for a recent class activity.

“The activity that I assigned was a philanthropy project about kindness and the spirit of giving,” she said. “For six days, the class broke into three groups: People, Animals, and the Environment and they had to complete three tasks each and choose an organization to donate to.”

Robert Lechner, Dominic Waring and Milo Vidovich are shown with pet food that was donated to the Niagara County SPCA.

The People team collected numerous winter clothing items and delivered them to the Batavia Salvation Army. They made Thanksgiving cards for the residents at Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and gifted candy to the nursing staff. They also made “Help a Teacher” tickets for the 8th grade teachers.

The Animal team collected and donated several cans/boxes of dog and cat food and delivered them to the Niagara County SPCA. They also crafted and delivered dog blankets to the Niagara County SPCA. In addition they constructed a couple feral cat boxes and placed them in the community and dog treats were distributed to the teachers for their pets or their neighbors’.

“Environmental Pledge” Picture: Trevon Shine and Tatianna Maxon were among 100 students who took the “No More Straws” pledge and picked up litter after school.

The Environment team collected over 1,000 can/bottle returns and donated the proceeds to the Nature Conservancy. Birdseed baggies were put together and distributed to the teachers. They had 100 people sign a “No More Straws” pledge sheet and they picked up litter after school.

“This was such an impactful activity for my class,” said Mrs. Lindke.  “The students really went above and beyond and their kindness was definitely abundant.  I am very proud of them!  We also could not have done it without the help of the wonderful teachers and staff at MHS!”

Milo Vidovich, Mackenzie Poynter and Alex Klinzing are shown with blankets that were given to the Salvation Army in Batavia.

Photos courtesy of Medina Central School – Pictured from left include Jesse Mankowski, Jeff Dole, Doug Boje, Evan Giacomini and Mike Gray.  Back row: Mark Fitzpatrick, Jody Sargent, Eric Gross, Joe Byrne, Jon Sherman and Ed Williams.

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – Medina High School Social Studies teacher Joe Byrne challenges his male counterparts in the school district to grow some facial hair every November.

“If you see some of the gentlemen on staff without their masks on, you will definitely notice an unusual amount of hair on their upper lip,” he jokes.  “We all look like a throwback to the ’70s.”

‘Movember’ brings attention to the growing number of men, around 10.8 million globally, that are facing life with a prostate cancer diagnosis. Globally testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men. Mr. Byrne says this year the staff decided to bring attention to another health crisis that affects men.

“Across the world, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day,” he said. “Men account for 75 percent of all suicides. Frankly I was shocked and horrified by that number. I think as men, we have a tendency to not talk about mental health and live with the stigma that tending to our mental health is not manly or macho. This year we decided to make a long-term impact on our community with the endeavor to help change the face of men’s health. We encouraged our staff at Central Office, Transportation Department, Oak Orchard Elementary, Clifford Wise Intermediate and the High School to donate so we could present a check to Orleans County Mental Health to help with their mission.”

Pictured from left include Joe Byrne (Social Studies and Medina Teacher’s Association President), Nola Goodrich-Kresse (Orleans Mental Health), Danielle Figura (Orleans Mental Health) and Medina CSD Superintendent Mark Kruzynski.

On Nov. 30, Mr. Byrne and Superintendent Mark Kruzynski were honored to present a check for $750 to Danielle Figura, Director of Community Services/Clinic Coordinator and Nola Goodrich-Kresse, Orleans County Public Health Officer.

“We are very happy to be able to present this money to them,” says Mr. Byrne.  “Our goal was $500 and we more than exceeded that.  I am very proud of our staff for their contributions to this important cause.”  Ms. Figura and Ms. Goodrich-Karesse both said they are very grateful for the donation.  “This is the first time, to my knowledge, we have ever been approached by an outside source to be considered for a monetary donation,” says Ms. Figura.  “This is extremely generous and will benefit the community.”

The Orleans County Mental Health offers a full range of services designed to meet the mental health needs of area residents.  The state-licensed clinic offers comprehensive programs representing a broad range of disciplines including psychiatry, psychology, social work and nursing.  Their number is (585) 283-5200.

Goodrich-Kresse says the money will be used towards Good Neighbor kits which contains information about mental health resources, coffee, tea and hot cocoa packets.  Mr. Byrne is also hoping that the Suicide Prevention Coalition and Orleans Mental Health can partner to provide a workshop on suicide prevention in the community.

Superintendent Mr. Kruzynski says he thinks the donation and workshop is a fantastic idea.  “The fact that this was staff driven is just amazing,” he said. “I think we are all aware of the impact that the pandemic has made on mental health and anything we can do at a local level to help is fabulous.”

MEDINA — The school district stayed open today after the Medina Police Department investigated a social media post that told kids to stay home because of possible violence at the school, District Superintendent Mark Kruzynski wrote in a letter to the community.

The district was made aware of the social media post at about 6:45 this morning.

The distract has had enhanced security throughout the day “to ensure the continual safety of our students and staff,” Kruzynski said. “The safety and security of all our students and staff is our top priority.”

Batavia city schools closed today “out of an abundance of caution” following threats of violence that were made over social media.

MEDINA – The Village of Medina wasn’t picked by the state for one of two $10 million downtown revitalization grants for the Finger Lakes Region.

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday announced the $10 million grants will go to the City of Rochester in Monroe County and the Village of Newark in Wayne County.

Medina was one of five finalists for the grant, just like in 2019, the last time the funding was available.

Medina has a committee that identified residential, commercial and tourism projects that would build on recent successes and investments in the downtown and canal area.

Mayor Mike Sidari is hopeful the state will offer the $10 million again. He said it would have a major impact in the village of about 6,000 people.

Sidari posted this comment to the Orleans Hub Facebook page: “First thing, I would like to thank Chris Busch and Kathy Blackburn for working with me to put this application together with the assistance from the Bergmann Group. Also, thanks to Scott Robinson and Andrew Meier for joining us to present our application to the committee. Yes, this is disappointing for the village. However, we need to look at where we were 10 years ago and where we are now. Our village has been transformed, from our downtown to our recreation areas. We have a lot of hard-working dedicated residents and business owners working to continue to improve our village. Let’s be proud of what we have and continue to make Medina one of the most outstanding communities in WNY and the Finger Lakes.”

The state chose Newark which has a population of about 9,000 people and Rochester, which has about 210,000 residents.

Previous $10 million grant winners in the Finger Lakes region include the City of Geneva in 2016, the City of Batavia in 2017, the Village of Penn Yan in 2018 and Seneca Falls in 2019.

Medina’s application sought funding for streetscape Improvements, multi-use trail along the Medina Railroad from the museum to Main Street, upgrades to Canal Village Farmer’s Market, improved waterfront access and amenities at the Canal Basin Park, enhanced programming at State Street Park (ice skating rink, enhanced lighting, boat tie-ups, benches and bicycle racks, and a construction of a nature trail), boat tie-ups and docking facilities at the Lions Park, viewing platform and at Medina waterfalls, wayfinding signage, small grant fund for local businesses, adaptive reuse of the old Medina High School to turn into apartments, and redeveloping the Snappy facility on Commercial Street by the Erie Canal into a mixed-use commercial and residential space.

“Investing in our downtowns is vital to reigniting New York’s recovery,” Governor Hochul said in announcing the DRI winners. “These awards will enhance Rochester and Newark so that locals and visitors alike can enjoy all these areas have to offer. The Finger Lakes is a region brimming with history and attractions and I look forward to seeing how these winners will use their funds to bring their communities to the next level.”

Here is what Hochul’s Office said about Rochester and Newark in announcing the awards:

Rochester – Rochester’s DRI will focus on the transformation of the long-blighted area in the center of downtown along the north side of Main Street from Clinton Avenue down to the Genesee River.

With a 17% population increase since 2010 and 50% of the population being aged 20-34 years old, Rochester’s downtown has seen significant private and public investment in the last 15 years, including new housing, hotels, updates to the convention center, multiple high-tech business and incubators to boost a burgeoning Downtown Innovation Zone, and a resurgence of the city’s waterfront thanks to dozens of projects that are part of the state supported ROC The Riverway initiative.

However, the Main and Clinton block is in desperate need of redevelopment while progress continues all around it. The winning plan will help to improve streetscapes and public spaces, upgrade the built environment, and increase pedestrian access/connections in order to catalyze further investment in the area, putting the finishing touches on the city’s downtown revitalization, creating a resurgent Rochester where more people will want to live, work and play.

Newark – Downtown Newark is a compact, walkable, well-defined, and concentrated area that the village aims to make the heartbeat of a lively, world-class village and the cultural and commercial center of the Finger Lakes region with the Erie Canal serving as the village’s center of commerce.

With multiple, large anchor institutions and ongoing job growth, Newark has seen nearly $220 million invested in the village in the last 10 years. A robust public engagement process led the village to identify needs for infill mixed-use development, more housing for workforce and seniors, and new space for indoor recreation and wellness with a focus on utilizing space along the Erie Canal.

The Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council conducted a thorough and competitive review process of proposals submitted from communities throughout the region and considered all seven criteria below before recommending Rochester and Newark as the nominees:

• The downtown should be compact, with well-defined boundaries;
• The downtown is able to capitalize on prior or catalyze future private and public investment in the neighborhood and its surrounding areas;
• There should be recent or impending job growth within, or in close proximity to the downtown that can attract workers to the downtown, support redevelopment and make growth sustainable;
• The downtown must be an attractive and livable community for diverse populations of all ages, income, gender, identity, ability, mobility and cultural background;
• The municipality should already embrace or have the ability to create and implement policies that increase livability and quality of life, including the use of local land banks, modern zoning codes and parking standards, complete streets plans, energy efficient projects, green jobs, and transit-oriented development;
• The municipality should have conducted an open and robust community engagement process resulting in a vision for downtown revitalization and a preliminary list of projects and initiatives that may be included in a DRI strategic investment plan;
• The municipality has the local capacity to manage the DRI process; and
• The municipality has identified transformative projects that will be ready for near-term implementation with an infusion of DRI funds.

Photo by Ginny Kropf

MEDINA – WKBW news reporter Mike Randall interviews Brody George Thursday morning at the Medina Railroad Museum for a segment on the upcoming Polar Express trains.

Brody is a conductor on the trains which are expected to bring nearly 20,000 passengers to Medina. The segment on the ABC affiliate will air on the 6 a.m. news Friday morning.

Provided photo

MEDINA – The 5th annual Parade of Lights Toy Drive resulted in eight big bags filled with donated toys and $1,852 in donations. Canalside Tattoo was the collection point for the donations this past Saturday.

Pictured from left include Shawn Ramsey, owner Canalside Tattoo; Andrew Szatkowski, organizer of the effort; Ronnie Barhite, representing Medina Area Association of Churches; Michelle Figueroa of Community Action; Sherry Touhey of MAAC; and Melinda Daniels of Community Action.

The toys and money were given to MAAC and Community Action, which then distribute the toys to many local children and families for Christmas.

“We are grateful to the community for stepping up and making sure there are more kids that will experience a better Christmas this year,” Szatkowski said. “I would also remind people of the very simple and true fact: a kid will be unwrapping your gift, and in that moment they will smile, feel the magic of Christmas, and that’s something they will have forever. No matter how many toys we get, when you look at it like that, one is enough.”

Photo and information courtesy of Medina Central School

MEDINA – Medina Central School District’s SRO (School Resource Officer) Officer Dustin Meredith recently swore in the safety patrols at Oak Orchard Elementary School. Superintendent Mark Kruzynski, Medina Police Department Lieutenant Todd Draper and several staff members were on hand to take part in the ceremony.

Front row from left: Jack Smith, Henry Dresser, Kellan Bensley and Logan Bashford. Standing: Lieutenant Todd Draper, Dylan Wood, Molly Flansburg, Savannah Finch, Iszabella Eaton, Abigail Sutch, Destiny Cherry and Officer Dustin Meredith. Absent from the picture: Fiona Travis and Juliana Poole.

Thirteen students have volunteered to help the younger students at the bus loading and unloading zone, hallways and playgrounds to help keep them safe. The students were recommended by staff members for their outstanding behavior and their willingness to help others.

The Medina Police Department donated hot cocoa and doughnut holes to celebrate the students’ achievement.

MEDINA – The Village Board is seeking two federal grants to upgrade equipment for the Medina Fire Department.

The board voted Nov. 8 to seek two grants through the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant. Fire Chief Matt Jackson said Medina will seek one of the grants to replace Engine 10, a 31-year-old fire truck that currently does not standards set by the National Fire Protection Association. Replacing the truck would cost about $700,000 with the federal share of $666,667 and a village share of $33,333 if the FEMA grant is approved.

Jackson also will seek an Operations and Safety Grant through FEMA to replace 25 pagers, 25 portable radios and 10 mobile radios. The department’s current equipment will soon be obsolete and difficult to repair, Jackson said.

This has a total project cost of $94,500 with a federal share of $90,000 and the village contribution of $4,500.

The deadline to apply for the grants is Dec. 17.

Medina site gearing up for Polar Express

Photos courtesy of Chris Podosek/Medina Railroad Museum: The Santa train leaves the Medina Railroad Museum on Sunday under a striking sky.

MEDINA – The Medina Railroad Museum just wrapped up a successful weekend of Santa trains, which saw nearly 2,000 people ride the trains.

Passengers, who came from across Western New York, took a nearly hour-long ride, during which they talked with Santa and were entertained by dancing elves.

This family of women from the Rochester area came all decked out in red and black checkered pajamas to ride the Santa train Saturday at Medina Railroad Museum for what they called “ladies day out.”

The Santa train is a warm-up for Polar Express, which travels to Medina Railroad Museum the next three weekends.

Polar Express has been a crowd-pleaser for several years and features a ride to the “North Pole” with the hobo character from the popular movie and Santa on the train. All passengers get a train cut-out cookie from Case-Nic Cookies and hot chocolate. First-class passengers get their hot chocolate in a keepsake Polar Express mug.

In addition, each child gets a gift from Santa.

All first-class tickets for Polar Express are sold out, but a limited number of coach seats remain. They may be reserved by logging on the medinarailroadmuseum.com.

Visitors are encouraged to arrive an hour early to allow ample time to park. Tickets include admission to the Medina Railroad Museum, which has the largest toy train layout in New York state.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Orleans Hub has already posted many photos from the Parade of Lights, including the winning entries that were announced today and other photos from Saturday night not long after the parade.

We wanted to highlight more of the floats, including the top photo that shows the entry from the Orleans County Tourism Department. It shows Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and 13-foot-long fiberglass salmon that was lighted up for the display.

Schaal’s Tree Service gave the Grinch a ride in its bucket truck.

Miller Family Transport

Mahar Excavating spread a message of joy with its float.

Mark Time Marchers were one of four marching bands in the parade.

Bent’s Opera House featured a horse-drawn carriage. It is passing near the Bent’s Opera House which recently opened after an extensive renovation.

Albion Fire Department decorated its ladder truck.

Medina Lions Club

Pride Pak was one of nine new entries in the parade.

Niagara County 4-H Equine Program

Middleport Fire Department

Prime Time Brass perform in front of the judge’s stand on Main Street across from Avanti Pizza.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – The Parade of Lights Committee in Medina has announced the winners in the 13^th annual Parade of Lights on Saturday, which included about 40 entries.

The Metz’s Family Christmas (shown above) was named the grand champion and won the $500 top prize. The Metz’s Family Christmas is a first-time winner. The Medina Railroad Museum was the grand champion the previous two years.

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.

The Parade of Lights Committee gives out about $4,000 in prizes. Other winners included:

Best in Class –  The Medina Misfits

Fire Company – Shelby Fire Company

The Shelby Fire Company pulled a trailer with a Christmas tree and sent a message: “Reduce the risk of a fire, WATER YOUR TREE!”

Not-For-Profit- Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund

Business – Party Tents Plus

Religious – Community Fellowship Church

Service Clubs – Roy-Hart FFA with a Buffalo Bills themed float

Star Award (for creativity) – Boy Scout Troop 28 in Medina with an aqua theme to promote the group’s trip to Florida to earn badges

Santa’s Pick (award the committee felt Santa would like the best) – Orleans County 4-H Heelers Dog Club

Little Elf Award (entry that best utilized youth in their entry) – Cub Pack 18 in Gasport

Community Spirit  (entry that best represented their community) – Case-Nic Cookies

“Congratulations to all of these winners and our most sincere thanks for all the hard work represented in every entry!!” the committee stated in announcing the top floats.

The Parade of Lights Committee for 2021 includes: Jim Hancock, Mark Irwin, David Miller, Gail Miller, Duane Payne, Pat Payne, Jeff Wagner, Betty Rogowski, Reinhard Rogowski, David Stacey, Kathie Valley and Jake Hebdon.