MEDINA – The Burger King on Maple Ridge Road in Medina wants to add an electric charging station for electric cars.

Burger King has talked with Dan Gardner, the village code enforcement officer, about the approval process for installing a charging station.

Gardner advised the Village Board on Monday about the charging station, which would be the first in Medina or Orleans County to be available to the public.

The village currently doesn’t have specific language in its code for electric charging stations. The board asked Gardner to work with Chris Busch, the Planning Board chairman, to consider how the village code could be amended to include electric charging stations.

Gardner said Burger King hasn’t made a formal application to install a charging station, but is serious in making one available.

Village Trustee Marguerite Sherman said she would like to see a charging station in the downtown business district as well. She said the charging stations draw visitors to a community.

“People with those cars plan their trips around a charging station,” she said.

The state has offered grants for communities to put in charging stations.

Click here to visit the Medina Burger King online.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Medina Fire Department’s ladder truck, shown at a fire on Marshall Road on March 13, 2016, is 24 years old. The Fire Department is seeking a federal grant that would pay about 95 percent of the costs for a new truck, estimated at $1,450,000.

MEDINA – The Village of Medina is applying for a federal grant that would pay about 95 percent of the costs of a new ladder fire truck.

The Village Board this evening authorized Fire Chief Matt Jackson to submit an application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a Assistance to Firefighters Grant. The new Quint ladder truck would cost an estimated $1,450,000 with Medina’s share about $70,000.

The grant application is due by 5 p.m. on March 13. The grants likely won’t be announced until November or December.

“I think we have a good chance with the age of our current vehicle and the condition it is in,” said Mayor Mike Sidari.

Medina’s current ladder truck is from 1996. The ladder is 75 feet long. Medina would like a truck with a 100-foot-long ladder.

If Medina is awarded the grant in late 2020, it would likely be another year from then before the new truck is ready because it takes about 11 months for a manufacturer to build the truck.

Village officials said Medina is already spending about $70,000 a year on the current ladder to keep it going.

“We’re being nickel and dimed with the mechanical issues,” said the fire chief.

Medina faces another issue if it gets a new ladder truck. The fire hall is too small for a new 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. The new trucks are 4 inches above the top of the door.

Fire Chief Jackson is suggesting the village consider a 75-by-50-foot addition to the fire hall with two taller bays to allow more space to get trucks in and out of the building.

An addition would be an estimated $1.3 million to $1.5 million for the building, and extending heating and other utilities, as well as engineering costs.

“With the size of the vehicles today it’s inevitable someday,” Jackson told the board about an addition to the fire hall.

Medina wants to have the building designed and ready to bid out if the grant for the new fire trucks comes in. Mayor Sidari said there would likely be grants to help with an addition, with the village likely having to finance some of the costs.

It will be a moot point though if the village doesn’t receive the FEMA grant. The fire department has received FEMA funds before for equipment and towards a fire truck.

(Editor’s Note: This article was updated. The original post said the current truck has a ladder that is 96 feet long. It is 75 feet long.)

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Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has written to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie requesting increased funding for County Cooperative Extension Associations which haven’t seen a funding increase in over 20 years.

CCEs are statewide organizations which are actively engaged in their communities in fundamental areas of agriculture and nutrition sciences as well as youth development and leadership including 4-H programming, economic development and community and environmental progress.

“We are requesting your support for an increase in the overall funding to the CCE system from $3.9 million to a total statewide amount of $8 million which would support all CCE county associations,” Hawley wrote in the letter.

“With increased funding the CCE system will be better able to proactively respond to local emerging necessities in the area of food system support,” Hawley wrote. “In addition, it will better leverage county funding and competing grant support for all communities. Additionally, funding will help generate research-based environmental justice projects related to urban agriculture.”

Hawley is a longtime member of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, former owner and operator of his family farm in Batavia, and is a past president of the Genesee County Farm Bureau.

Jade Moore, 15, has struggled with neurological disorder the past 5 years

Photos by Tom Rivers: Jade Moore, 15, looks forward to having a seizure alert response dog. Jade has been taken by ambulance from school after having seizures.

LYNDONVILLE – Jade Moore has to be careful around loud noises, and bright and flashing lights – which are often unpredictable. She never knows what will trigger an epileptic seizure.

Provided photo: Roman is a seizure alert response dog that graduates in June from a training program by Canines 4 Hope in Palm Beach, Fla.

She can’t watch the Lyndonville fireworks because of the exploding colors and tries to stay clear of the loud booms. Even her brothers need to be careful with the sounds and screens from video games if Jade is closeby.

The seizures aren’t always started by a thunderous noise or flashing light. Sometimes they strike while she is sleeping.

Jade, 15 is a sophomore at Lyndonville. She has had seizures at school, with the ambulance called. It’s worrisome for her and her family, and the school, because her breathing will often slow down during a seizure.

“It scares me because she can’t be left alone,” said Jade’s mother, Elizabeth.

Jade has suffered from epileptic seizures for at least five years. She may have had mini-seizures when she was younger than 10, but Jade and her family didn’t realize it.

But when she was 10, cheerleading at a Medina youth football game at Vets Park, the condition couldn’t be ignored.

She was on the sideline, rooting for the football team when she started twitching and lost her balance. Her arms and legs were shaking, and everything seemed to be spinning.

The seizures have been increasing since then. Jade has suffered two concussions from falling and hitting her head during a seizure.

Jade’s mother stays close to Jade at night and may need to spring into action if there is a seizure. The family, including Jade’s siblings, keep emergency pills on them to give to Jade to help bring her out of a seizure.

Each day she takes 10 different pills to help stave off the seizures. Her mother said the medication seems to work for a few weeks, then the seizures start up again and doctors try other medicines.

Elizabeth Moore wears this shirt as the mother of a daughter with epilepsy.

The family is optimistic help is on the way. Roman, a German shepherd, is being trained as a seizure alert dog. Roman completes his training in June and is expected to join the family in July. The family has raised $4,000 towards the $18,000 cost. They are seeking help to meet the expense. They have started a Go Fund Me and will be selling candy bars as a fundraiser. Insurance doesn’t cover the cost for the alert dog.

Moore is determined to get Jade the dog. Moore has been gladly taking overtime shifts at Mizkan, a vinegar plant in Lyndonville, to help pay for the dog.

Her daughter has been more withdrawn socially since the seizures increased and became more intense. She is sensitive to people staring at her when she has a seizure and her eyes roll back in her head.

Roman the dog will be able to detect Jade’s odor, which secretes when she has a seizure. Roman will be trained to wake up Elizabeth or a sibling if Jade is having a seizure at night.

The trainers have been sent clothes with Jade’s scent. Near the end of the dog’s training, Jade will go to Florida to spend a week with the dog as the last step in the training.

Jade has had to back off some of her extracurricular activities due to the seizures. She looks forward to being more active at school and the community once she has Roman by her side. Next school year, Jade is planning to enroll at the Orleans-Niagara BOCES to study cosmetology.

Her mother said Jade has been courageous in coping with the condition.

“She’s a tough kid,” Moore said. “She can handle a lot more than most children can handle.”

Jade Moore is pictured with some of her family members, including Ilana Shapiro, mother Elizabeth Moore, Jade, brother David Moore and brother Gauge Moore.

MEDINA – A U.S. postal carrier in Medina will be honored on Wednesday with the Postmaster General Hero Award.

Lisa Moule has worked for the United States Postal Service as a Medina rural carrier for nearly 14 years.

She will be honored on Wednesday at the Medina Post Office for her concern and quick response when she was delivering mail to one of her hardship-case customers.

When Moule was speaking to an elderly customer while bringing the mail, Moule noticed the woman seemed confused. Without hesitation, Moule called 9-1-1 to get the woman medical attention. Moule waited until help arrived. She later heard that it was believed the woman had suffered multiple strokes.

“I’m proud of the service our carriers provide at the mailbox and the care they take of the community they serve,” said Medina Postmaster Scott Streebel. “Lisa certainly went above and beyond her regular duties. It’s an honor to recognize her for this life-saving act.”

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Chris Shabazz and Medina’s Jarin Rhim, shown here in action during a recent league game, and their Purple Eagle and Mustang teammates will host sectional contests on Wednesday.

Section VI Class B1 home games for both the Albion boys and girls teams and the Medina boys squad will highlight the upcoming busy first week of the sectional basketball playoffs.

Seeded No. 8, the Albion girls (7-12) will host No. 9 Maryvale (10-10) at 7 p.m. Tuesday. The victor will advance to a quarterfinal round matchup at top seeded City Honors (20-0) on Friday.

The No. 6 seeded Albion boys (15-5) squad will host a 7 p.m. Wednesday game against the winner of Tuesday’s first round contest between No. 14 Dunkirk (5-15) and No. 11 Maryvale (7-13). The winner will visit No. 3 Depew (13-7) in the quarterfinals at 1 p.m. Satuday.

Seeded No. 8, the Medina boys squad (11-9) will host No. 9 Tonawanda (9-11) at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The winner will visit top seeded Bennett (15-5) at 1 p.m. Saturday.

The No. 11 seeded Roy-Hart (6-14) boys will open Section VI B2 competition at home at 7 p.m. Tuesday against No. 14 Buffalo Arts (4-15) with the winner advancing to a Wednesday contest at No. 6 Cleve Hill (9-10).

Seeded No. 4 the Lyndonville boys (12-8) will begin Section V Class C3 competition at home at 7 p.m. Friday against the winner of the opening round game between No. 12 Marion (0-20) and No. 5 Dundee (9-11).

Weekly Schedule
Section VI Boys Playoffs
Class B1
Wednesday – No. 9 Tonawanda at No. 9 Medina, No. 14 Dunkirk/No. 11 Maryvale winner at No. 6 Albion, 7 p.m.
Saturday – Tonawanda/Medina winner at No. 1 Bennett, Dunkirk/Maryvale/Albion winner at No. 3 Depew, 1 p.m.

Class B2
Tuesday – No. 14 Buffalo Arts at No. 11 Roy-Hart, 7 p.m.
Wednesday – No. 9 Math Sciences at No. 8 Wilson, No. 10 Akron at No. 7 JFK, Arts/Roy-Hart winner at No. 6 Cleveland Hill, 7 p.m.

Section VI Girls Playoffs
Class B1
Tuesday – No. 13 Medina vs. No. 4 Burgard at MSY Prep,, 5:30 p.m.; No. 9 Maryvale at No. 8 Albion,  7 p.m.

Class B2
Tuesday – No. 9 Akron at No. 8 Cleveland Hill, No. 13 Allegany-Limestone at No 4 Newfane, No. 10 Roy-Hart vs. No. 7 Buffalo Arts at Hutch-Tech, 7 p.m.
Friday – Akron/Cleve Hill winner at No. 1 Wilson, 7 p.m.

Section V Boys Playoffs
Class B2
Wednesday – No. 9 Attica vs. No. 8 World of Inquiry,7 p.m.

Class C1
Tuesday – No. 12 Holley vs. No. 5 Rochester Academy, at Bishop Kearney 5 p.m..

Class C2
Tuesday – No. 9 Pembroke at No. 8 Bloomfield, No. 11 Campbell-Savona vs. No. 6 Alexander at Warsaw, 7 p.m.

Class C3
Tuesday – No. 9 Wheatland-Chili vs. No. 8 Blivar-Richburg at Fillmore, No. 11 Naples at No. 3 Oakfield-Alabama, 7 p.m.
Friday – No. 4 Lyndonville hosts winner of Tuesday’s No. 12 Marion vs. No. 5 Dundee game at 7 p.m.

Class D1
Tuesday – No. 12 Kendall at No. 5 Honeoye, 7 p.m.
Friday – No. 3 Notre Dame hosts winner of the No. 11 Pavilion vs. No. 6 Jasper-Troupsburg at 7 p.m.

Class D2
Saturday – No. 1 Elba will host winner of the No. 9 Destiny vs. No. 8 Belfast  game

Section V Girls Playoffs
Class B2
Tuesday – No. 10 Attica at No. 7 LeRoy, 7 p.m.

Class C1
Wednesday – No. 16 Sodus at No. 1 Pembroke, No. 15 Campbell-Savonna vs. No. 2 Byron-Bergen, 7 p.m.; No. 14 Holley vs. No. 3 Canisteo-Greenwood at Keshequa, 5:30 p.m.

Class C2 – No. 12 South Seneca at No. 4 Wheatland-Chili, No. 12 Lyndonville vs. No. 5 Clyde-Savannah at East Rochester, No. 11 Alexander at No. 6 Oakfield-Alabama, 7 p.m.

Class D 1
Wednesday – No. 12 Genesee Valley at No. 5 Notre Dame, No. 10 Kendall at No. 7 Pavilion, 7 p.m.

Biodiesel technology will reduce carbon emissions from big trucks

Provided photo: Colin Huwyler, a 2002 graduate of Medina High School and son of Monte Huwyler and Bobbie Huwyler, both of Medina, continues to make advancements in the field of biodiesel technology. He is shown here last year with a 2013 Volvo VNL equipped with his Optimus system. His Pittsburgh-based company has just entered into a partnership with ADM Trucking of Decatur, Ill., to install his revolutionary system in five of ADM’s trucks.

Medina native Colin Huwyler’s company, Pittsburgh-based Optimus Technologies, continues to advance nationwide with projects in the field of high performance biodiesel conversion systems.

The company has just announced an ambitious project being launched in partnership with ADM Trucking of Decatur, Ill., in which five of their trucks used in daily fleet operations will be outfitted with Optimus Technologies revolutionary Vector System.

ADM is a global leader human and animal nutrition, and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company.

The company was founded in 1902 in Minneapolis by George A. Archer and John W. Daniels as Daniels Linseed Company. The name was changed to Archer Daniels Midland Company in 1923. They located their headquarters to Decatur in 1969.

Optimus Technologies founder, Huwyler is creator of the revolutionary Vector fuel system, which enables diesel engines to run almost entirely on sustainable biodiesel. The company was awarded $1 million last summer in NYSERDA’s 76West Clean Energy competition, to be used in expanding their technology in the Southern Tier.

“We’re excited to announce this partnership with ADM and commend their commitment to sustainability and leadership in both the biodiesel and transportation sectors,” said Colin Huwyler, CEO of Optimus Technologies.

“Trucking is the backbone of the American economy and carbon emissions from transportation continue to rise,” he said. “Optimus’ technology coupled with ADM’s fuel provides heavy-duty fleets an immediate pathway to reduce these emissions over 80 percent. While the promise of heavy-duty fleet electrification is still decades off, this project demonstrates the ease, low cost and efficacy of integrating biodiesel into existing fleet equipment and operations.

In a press release this week issued by the National Biodiesel Board, it was announced ADM’s trucks will be used in daily fleet operations for a yearlong period, with each vehicle anticipated to travel 160,000 to 180,000 miles. It is anticipated the vehicles will reduce up to 500,000 pounds of CO2. Advanced monitoring protocols will compare the performance and results of the new technology with five other trucks operating on conventional diesel.

While nearly all diesel engine manufacturers support at least 20 percent biodiesel, the Optimus Vector System is designed to allow conventional diesel engines to run 100 percent on biodiesel in a wide range of climates, resulting in drastic reductions (80 percent or more) in greenhouse gas emissions, while at the same time reducing fuel costs.

The system is already in use in shorter-mileage, local fleet applications, such as distribution and waste removal. This new project is designed to evaluate its use for longer-haul over-the-road fleets, potentially opening a pathway to significantly higher volumes of biodiesel in the U.S. truck fleet.

In addition to ADM and Optimus, this project is supported by the American Lung Association, National Biodiesel Board, Illinois Soybean Association and the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council.

Photos by Tom Rivers

SHELBY – Firefighters pick up equipment after fighting a fire this afternoon at the Hoffman residence, 10772 Ryan Rd., in Shelby.

Firefighters said no one was home at the time of the fire. A motorist called in the fire after seeing flames on the back of the house at about 2:45 p.m. Firefighters arrived on scene to see the flames and smoke from the house.

The fire caused extensive damage to the house, especially on the back side, said Shelby Fire Chief Jason Watts. He said the damage inside makes it a near total loss.

Fire investigators from the Orleans County Emergency Management Office are working to try to determine the cause. Watts said the fire appears to have started at the back of the house and spread.

A Shelby firefighter walks through the inside of the house, which suffered extensive damage.

Besides Shelby, firefighters responded from Medina, East Shelby, Lyndonville and Ridgeway.

The fire was the first call for this new pumper-rescue truck for East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. The new fire apparatus went into service on Tuesday. It allows the fire company to replace two vehicles – a pumper and a rescue truck – with one fire truck. The new pumper-rescue truck carries 1,000 gallons of water and has the tools to respond to a motor vehicle vehicle accident.

MEDINA – Lenten lunches at the First Presbyterian Church on Main Street will begin Feb. 27, hosted by the Medina Area Association of Churches.

Ecumenical in nature, the lunches are prepared by a different church each week.

MAAC has been sponsoring the lunches at the Presbyterian Church every Thursday during Lent for many years. Lunches begin at noon, followed by hymns and a short, meaningful reflection. They are done by 1 p.m. to accommodate those who have to go back to work.

This year, speakers will explore the theme of “Suffering and Sacrifice,” according to Jim and Barb Hancock, members of MAAC.

Everyone is invited to stop in and share a meal and fellowship. Take-outs are also available.

The first meal on Feb. 27 will be chicken casserole, prepared by the First Presbyterian Church. March 5 will be spaghetti and sauce prepared by Holy Trinity Parish. March 12 will be pulled pork prepared by Alabama Full Gospel Church. March 19 will be beef-on-weck prepared by the First Baptist Church. March 26 will be sloppy joes prepared by the Methodist Church of Abundant Harvest (Millville and Knowlesville). The final meal April 2 will be chili prepared by Oak Orchard Assembly of God.

There is a suggested donation of $5 per meal, with all proceeds going to Orleans County Meals on Wheels and Crop Walk.

Photo by Tom Rivers: The sun goes down Saturday in Medina. This photo was taken on Allis Road, looking west along the railroad tracks.

The week starts with high temperatures in the 40s, with the temperatures dropping later in the week with snow likely. Today will be mostly sunny with a high near 48, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

Then there will be a high of 44 on Monday, followed by highs of 41 on Tuesday and 44 on Wednesday.

On Thursday, snow showers are likely with a high near 33 and a low around 20. Friday and Saturday, snow showers are expected with highs in the mid-20s, according to the Weather Service.

3 steady attendees are committed to keeping open a church that dates back nearly two centuries

The Jeddo Chapel on Ridge Road has a sign out front inviting people to service and coffee hour, but rarely are there more than three there.

MEDINA – A tiny church in Jeddo has been part of the Jeddo community for 183 years, and although it struggles, devoted followers are determined to keep it going.

Officially called the Jeddo Community Chapel, the church is simply known as “Jeddo Chapel,” and while it once was a thriving congregation and hub of the community, it now opens its doors every Sunday to a congregation of three – maybe 10 on a special day.

Peggy Wright of Medina, who started attending the church in 1998, has been preaching the sermon for the past several years.

Attendees on a recent Sunday were Rob Johnson of County Line Road, Chris Craft who lives across the road, and Terry Mahnke of West Shelby Road. All three have families who formerly attended the church, and it is in their memories the three attend now.

Johnson started attending the church after moving back to the area five years ago. His great-great-grandfather Truman Johnson used to attend and was superintendent of the Sunday School for 50 years.

“He used to come to church on his sleigh, picking up kids along the way,” Johnson said.

Craft’s father was a Mason, and in November it will be 100 years since the family moved from Barker to their home across the street, where they started attending the Jeddo Chapel. The Masons played a big part in the history of the church, at one time giving them their lodge. Craft still lives across the street, and even though he also belongs to St. John’s Episcopal Church in Medina, Craft volunteers to turn the heat on each Sunday at Jeddo Chapel.

Three people who regularly attend the Jeddo Chapel are, from left, Chris Craft, who lives across the road; Rob Johnson of County Line Road; and Terry Mahnke of West Shelby Road. The families of all three attended the church in the past.

Mahnke’s mother used to attend the Jeddo church. Mahnke started coming because she had become acquainted with Wright when her daughter Hannah attended Wright’s pre-school.

“Hannah encouraged me,” Mahnke said. “She would come home from pre-school and ask me why we didn’t go to church.”

Wright said she began attending the church after her family became dissatisfied with the pastor of their former church.

“We were looking for a church, and as we had lived on County Line Road, we knew a lot of people who attended the Jeddo Chapel,” Wright said. “And their beliefs fell in line with mine.”

The pastor at that time was away a lot and asked Wright to fill in for him. The parishioners liked the way she preached, even though she has no official training.

The Rev. Richard Heitzenrater eventually took over, and when he left it was voted in April 2011 to close the church, as so many members were no longer attending.

The Rev. David Horner, however, who lived down the street, was married to the former Emily Bird, whose parents were faithful supporters of the church. The Rev. Horner had promised Emily’s father Horace he would make sure the Chapel never closed its doors.

“As I had been filling in on and off, Pastor Horner asked if I would be willing to assume the position of preacher,” Wright said.

Even though he has moved out of state, the Rev. Horner still supports the church.

Another parishioner, Duane Swann, offered to be organist, and for a while they had a handful of followers, which included Craft and the late MaryAnn Davis.

Wright and her small congregation are hoping to spur a revival, but they know it won’t be the first. In a record of its history, the church has undergone several revivals.

After a recent Sunday service, those in attendance had lunch in the small dining room.  Clockwise from left are Rob Johnson, pastor Peg Wright, Chris Craft and guest Allan Kropf.

The earliest recollections of religious meetings in Jeddo are in 1837, when a Sunday School was organized in the Jeddo School House and the pastor of Johnson Creek Baptist Church began holding evening meetings in the school house. These continued until the people of the community felt a better place should be provided for worship.

The building was originally owned by the Good Templars Lodge, who offered it to the Johnson Creek Baptist Church, if they do the work to make the building suitable for the Lodge to meet. In the spring of 1887, work was begun and everyone in the community turned out to help dig out the basement and make a more substantial foundation for the building.

Farmers brought their teams and wagons and drew the stones that made the wall for the church. The stones came from an old abandoned Free Will Baptist Church which stood on Fruit Avenue, on the farm later owned by Paul Blackburn. The land on which the Johnson Creek Baptist Church stood had been purchased by the Good Templars from Josiah Payne, who lived next door. The Templars then deeded it to the Johnson Creek Baptist Church.

The Good Templars were given a lease of 99 years on the hall and could use it when it was not in use by the church.

Also about this time, the Jeddo Chapel Society was formed. The ladies agreed to pay all of the church expenses, including repairs, janitor, fuel and lights. They did so until the early 1950s.

In 1888, Mrs. William Bird’s sister Nellie Clark started a Young People’s Society of Christian Endeavor, which continued for 50 years. The women helped paper the chapel and bought the first carpet. When the time came for seats, Almer J. Brown donated red oak logs from his farm, which became the Bird farm. Will Bird was working for Brown at the time and drew the logs to Middleport to be sawed. He brought the lumber back to John Singleton’s wagon shop, the brick building next door, which later was Brewer’s Store.

‘Although our numbers have gradually decreased, we still feel the Lord wants us to continue worshiping him at this locality. Once again, we are praying for a revival that will reach our neighbors and beyond, and we will once again see the pews in this beloved church filled.’ – Peggy Wright, preacher at Jeddo Chapel

Gus Smith, who lived across the street where the Crafts now live, made the black walnut book racks now in use and put them on the pews. The organ is the one that was brought from the Sunday School which met in the Jeddo School House. In 1895, Mrs. Truman Johnson became organist, and then pianist. She continued for more than 50 years. (Rob Johnson explained that every generation of his family had a Truman, and he has a brother Truman today).

It was a long time before the church had a bell. For years the Good Templars and the Christian Endeavor Society had socials to raise money for the Bell Fund. It was eventually purchased with an additional gift from Josiah Payne.

The history of the church was compiled by William Bird’s wife Sarah.

“This chapel means so much to me, for I have been interested in it for 70 years,” she wrote in 1957. “How well I remember 70 years ago when it was dedicated,” she said. “I trust the future generations will take the interest, not only in keeping the building in repairs, but also assisting in the church services.”

Wright said the Jeddo Chapel continued to grow many years after as the community’s residents sacrificed, labored and gave their all. She said the community’s heart was in Jeddo Chapel and a need was soon evident for expansion. As in the past, Josiah Payne came to their rescue, and in February 1923 he deeded the land under the present kitchen to the Chapel. No one remembers who built the kitchen, Wright said, but the fact remains that the cooperative efforts of the Jeddo community made it possible.

In the spring of 1954, the Chapel was almost sold again and its doors closed, as was the school house. However, people worked and sacrificed as before, Wright said. An organ was purchased in 1959 and paid for in full in 1960. Carpet was installed, a furnace was put in and many more activities prevailed. Although enthusiasm continued and people gave their best, the Jeddo Chapel was once again instructed to close its books on April 22, 1961 and seek a more efficient means of existence within the Hartland Baptist structure.

The church bell may have been stilled, but in the hearts of Jeddo residents, the spirit had not died. For in the summer of 1974, a handful of Christian pioneers reorganized the Chapel’s Sunday School. By winter of 1974-75, worship had resumed with 15 charter members and incorporation as a full recognized American Baptist Church. They were received into membership of the American Baptist Churches of the Niagara Frontier on Feb. 8, 1975.

Wright said she is happy to lead worship at the tiny church. She researches her sermon each week and prints a weekly program. She said she spends some time every day working on something for the church. They have no organist or pianist any more, but Wright bravely leads the few in singing the hymns.

She takes no regular salary, and she said expenses are paid out of the collections taken each week. If there is anything left over after the bills are paid, that is her salary.

“Although our numbers have gradually decreased, we still feel the Lord wants us to continue worshiping him at this locality,” Wright said. “Once again, we are praying for a revival that will reach our neighbors and beyond, and we will once again see the pews in this beloved church filled.

The members are contemplating having a dinner at the church in the near future, in hopes the public will come and develop an interest in their congregation.

Worship is at 10 a.m. Sunday, and the church would welcome any visitors.

Two Tales of Inspiration in One City

It was on my bucket list to visit the Our Lady of The Rockies in Butte Mt. So, I headed to the Copper Mining town and upon arrival discovered two things. #1. I had to take a bus ride up a steep winding mountain dirt road to get there and #2. I was too late for the daily tour.

I only had one night so I did the next best thing and visited the tiny museum and snapped a picture from the highway of Our Lady.

Our Lady was an idea created from the heart of a desperate husband, Bob O’Bill, who prayed his wife would recover from cancer. He made a pact with God that if she survived he would build a 5-foot statue honoring Mother Mary. His prayers were answered and in 1979 the project began.

Six years later, with donations of money and man hours, Our Lady was completed and craned up in sections to her destination atop the Saddle Rock on Butte’s East ridge of the Continental Divide. The end result was the 3rd largest statue in America raising 88.6 feet high to the heavens.

Fear and bad timing left me at her base, but someday I will make it to the top!

However, this story took a turn for me because during our overnight stay at the Old Finlen Hotel in downtown Butte, we traveled off the beaten path and found a memorial dedicated to the Granite Mountain/Speculator Mine disaster. In 1917 during Wartime production, 168 Men died in the incident caused by a fire in the mine – the most deadly event in underground hard rock mining.

With only us there, the outdoor memorial felt still. Overlooking the mining site, plaques display the letters miners left to their families before perishing in the mine. I gazed over the ridge of the memorial and across the way Our Lady overlooks the entire city. Our Lady is meant to watch over all women especially mothers, but I think she blesses all in her gaze.

What really affected me was when I looked through the photos I took across the mine, I noticed a beam of light coming from the sky down onto the mining site. It gave me pause and made me believe that this town was special because it has two sources of light and hope shining upon it – the Our Lady and The Souls of those lost shining down in that beam of light. Through grief and sadness hope still shines here.

Many find Butte to be a rundown town. This active mining town is rich with history. It inspired me because this little town endured many struggles, but as a community they were able to come together and create two destinations of hope from charity and tenacity. That is what communities are built on. A town very much like our own, I thought. Deep with history. Much of it in need of love and care…with signs of hope and rebirth everywhere. With history as it’s beacon of light.

Join My Blog live online at https://www.positiveperksposts.com to catch up on weekly photo perks and past posts & Like and Share Your Comments on what what little town has brought you inspiration. Happy Perks to Everyone!

Truly,

Debbie Burgoon London
Your Sassy Small Town Missus from Albion

A 2014 Medina High School graduate is the top-ranked soldier out of about 200 who completed a Basic Leader’s Course in the Middle East.

U.S. Army Spc. Emilee Austin graduated on Jan. 24. She is a member of the 1-150th Cavalry Regiment, West Virginia National Guard, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team.

At the Basic Leader’s Course soldiers learned the fundamentals of leadership, readiness and training.

Spc. Austin was the distinguished honor graduate and recipient of the commandants writing award. She said that one of the advantages to attending BLC while deployed is that soldiers are already away from home and in the same environment.

“We were able to bond more as a class because we were all going through the same things,” Austin told Army Lt. Col. Cindi King, who highlighted Austin in a news article for the West Virginia National Guard. (Click here to see the full article.) “Having a support system is a big factor, which we had from our units and from one another.”

The National Guard article goes on to state the following:

The course teaches soldiers the fundamentals of training, including physical readiness. Austin said that being proficient in physical readiness training is important when attending the course.

“Have all of the exercises from start to finish memorized and make sure you are doing everything properly,” said Austin. “It’s all goes back to attention to detail.”

One of the biggest advantages for today’s soldiers preparing for leadership courses is access to information and the regulations through technology. They have the ability to research and study on the internet at all times through their cell phones.

Aside from the access to mobile technology, the soon-to-be-NCOs also benefitted from strong leaders and instructors.

Austin said that her classmates had outstanding small group leaders who facilitated the instruction and shared lessons from their own experiences. She added it was also beneficial to hear from her peers and their experiences.

“One of our instructors told us, ‘don’t become what you unit is, become what your unit can be,’” said Austin. “Take what you learn from BLC and apply it back at your unit and be ready to make change to be better.”

The 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team is comprised of National Guard Soldiers from North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, West Virginia and Washington, deployed for Operation Spartan Shield.

Let’s go on an adventure together….to Hawaii!

Black sand beach in Wai’ananpa Park, Maui, formed by the rough surf pounding on fresh, bubbling lava flow from Haleakela Crater over a millennia or more

One of countless stunning waterfalls – this one in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii.

If you’re anything like me, you spend quite a bit of your time during these long WNY winter months dreaming about places where the sun is shining on a warm sandy beach or tropical setting. Well, that is exactly why I decided to take action this year and booked a cruise to Hawaii in January. It was nothing short of amazing and I wish I was still there.

On this particular trip, I toured the islands using Norwegian Cruise Lines. They have a ship called the Pride of America that sails just about every week year round out of Honolulu and after seven days of stops at the four main islands, they return to Honolulu to end the cruise. I do believe it is the perfect and easiest way to see as much of Hawaii as possible in a week. Granted, this is only my never to be humble opinion. I am just a regular person who enjoys traveling – I’m not a Norwegian spokesperson or a travel agent. I am just sharing what I believe is a perfect option for people who like to cruise and want to see Hawaii efficiently. Of course, you can vacation there on your own or at various resorts or other cruise lines – any travel agent or Google search can help you find what works for you…

…But, hear me out on this option:

This is a unique cruise that takes the hassle out of Hawaiian Island hopping. I flew into Honolulu the day before my cruise and spent the night at a hotel convenient to the port. We set sail on Saturday and arrived at our first port – Maui – on Sunday about sunrise. We spent two full days in Maui. About dinner time on the second day, we left Maui to cruise over night to the Big Island of Hawaii where we spent one day docked in Hilo and then cruised overnight to spend the next day docked on the other side of the island in Kona. Another overnight cruise took us to Kauai where we spent another two full days before cruising overnight back to Honolulu, Oahu and the end of the cruise. At each port, we had a long list of shore excursions covering a wide variety of interests and activities or we could venture out on our own. I usually choose to do the cruise line’s shore excursions. My point is that this vacation option takes all the hassle out of island hopping – I get to spend time on each island maximizing the day light hours, I am transported between the islands overnight while I enjoy the ship’s entertainment and get a good night’s sleep, and my floating “hotel”, restaurants, and all my luggage follow me effortlessly throughout! Can’t beat that!

Now, let’s talk about Hawaii! I’m sure I’m not the first to say this and, for all I know, it may even be an official motto somewhere, but I am declaring Hawaii the “Land of Waterfalls and Rainbows”! In the seven days I spent in paradise, I saw more rainbows and waterfalls than I’ve ever seen in my life and it was heavenly! While each island is distinctly different, this was a common theme on all of them. When I think of Hawaii, I think surfing and beaches and big waves. Yes, there is definitely a lot of all of that. But, there are also beautiful drives through the country side with every shade of green imaginable, stunning canyons and cliffs, and a year round rotating growing season that ensures some kind of fruits and florals will be plentifully in season whenever you are there.

Near the top of Waimea Canyon, we were treated with this amazing double rainbow. It was so vivid and seemed so close we could almost touch it. I’ve never seen anything like it.

Waimea Canyon on Kauai took my breath away, including this waterfall.

On Maui, I spent one day on the Hana Highway traveling up the eastern coastal route taking in true natural perfection with waterfalls and black sand beaches and tropical plants and one day in the little coastal shopping town of Lahaina. On The Big Island, I saw a macadamia nut plantation, lush foliage, and tried some 100% Kona coffee (which surprised this tea drinker, who does not like coffee at all…this coffee, however, I LOVED)! Then, Kauai had the most gorgeous canyon I’ve ever seen – Waimea Canyon – that took my breath away! On Oahu, I visited the Dole Pineapple Plantation and saw more amazing beaches and natural beauty. I don’t like to pick favorites, but I do believe Kauai wins this one! I loved all the islands I visited and would love to return someday. But, the Waimea Canyon on Kauai stole my heart and brought tears to my eyes! I can honestly say that I have now seen the most beautiful place on earth!

I must confess, though – this was not the first time I visited Hawaii. The first time was in 2009 and I spent four days on Oahu – it was awesome, but I vowed to return and see the other islands. I’m so glad that I did just that on this trip. Like most of my tour guides said, it is easy to forget that Hawaii is part of the United States – it is so far from the mainland and it is so different than any other state in every way imaginable. It’s like going to another country without needing a passport or visa!

If you’re thinking of visiting Hawaii, I hope you found this helpful when looking at all the options for ways to enjoy the islands. Whatever you do, please consider finding a way to see Waimea Canyon on Kauai and be sure to find a shop to try some 100% Kona coffee fresh from the source – I got my fill of free samples at the Royal Kona Coffee Center in Kona on the Big Island, but there are lots of places to fall in love with it….but, be careful – it can be addicting and it isn’t cheap coffee!

If you want to read more about my 2020 Hawaiian adventure, visit my Blog at www.thoughtsbykim.com to view a series of five posts – each one focusing on a specific part of the trip – with tons more photos of the amazing range of different views Hawaii has to offer.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Lisa Albanese, right, of Brockport is program director of the new Wound Center at Medina Memorial Hospital. Alicia Grandy of Albion is the Wound Care Center nurse. They stand in the stretcher/bed room at the center which recently opened.

MEDINA – An unused space in Medina Memorial Hospital is seeing new life as the location of a new Wound Care Center.

Lisa Albanese of Brockport, formerly of Medina, is program director for the Wound Care Center, which has offices in both Medina and United Memorial Health Care Center in Batavia. Medina’s center is located on the first floor of the hospital, in what used to be the Intensive Care Unit.

The centers are each served by a nurse, podiatrist Dr. Joseph Canzoneri, who is medical director at both centers, and panel physicians Dr. Christine Cameron and Dr. Zerah Ali.

The Wound Care Centers are affiliated with Healogics, a national organization which specializes in the treatment of chronic wounds. The Medina and Batavia centers adhere strictly to guidelines set forth by Healogics which have proven to be successful in healing patients with chronic wounds, Albanese said.

The decision to open a Wound Care Center in Medina was prompted by the tremendous success of the one in Batavia, Albanese said.

Batavia’s Wound Care Center opened in 2011, and for the past three years has received recognition from Healogics Institute Center of Excellence for performing above the national standards. Last year they healed 96 percent of patients. The average days to heal was 24, Albanese said.

Dr. Cameron sees patients from 1 to 5 p.m. in Tuesdays, while Dr. Canzoneri and Dr. Ali see patients from 1 to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays.

The Medina center features one stretcher room for patients who need to lie down, two rooms with large treatment chairs and one room with a regular chair. They also have a Hoyer lift for patients who are wheelchair bound or can’t stand alone.

Types of wounds which could be treated include surgical wounds which have opened up or diabetic wounds that won’t heal.

The majority of wounds are diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers (such as bed sores), burns, failed skin flaps from surgical procedures, wounds caused by radiation, arterial ulcers (caused by poor circulation) and venous ulcers on the leg.

Wound Care Center nurse Alicia Grandy of Albion demonstrates how a treatment chair can be adjusted to fit any patient.

“It’s the best feeling ever when we can work with a patient and actually heal them,” Grandy said.

“We’ve seen patients who had wounds for years which wouldn’t heal,” Albanese said. “They came to us and we’ve been able to heal them. Living with a wound really affects their quality of life.”

They are able to do debridements of tissue, which helps to stimulate new tissue development, and also do negative pressure wound therapy to stimulate granulation tissue. They also use compression therapy and do total contact casting.

Patients attend the Wound Center weekly, where their progress is continually evaluated.

“If a wound is too wet, we dry it. If it is too dry, we wet it,” Grandy said. “What sets us apart is our ability to utilize special healing guidelines.”

All of the Center’s providers and clinical staff, including Dr. Canzoneri, Dr. Cameron and Dr. Ali, have specialized training in wound care.

“We are very excited to be here,” she said.

When needed, diabetes educator Marion Miano can be available to counsel diabetic patients.

According to information provided by Albanese, 6.7 million people in the United States are affected by chronic wounds, and that number is growing, fueled by an aging population and increasing rates of diabetes, obesity and the late effects of radiation therapy. If left untreated, chronic wounds can lead to diminished quality of life and possibly amputation of the affected limb.

Medina’s Wound Care Center has a front office coordinator, Ellie Pratt, on duty Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday to answer calls. Patients may call (585) 798-8176. On other days, callers may leave a message.

No referral is needed to make an appointment at the Wound Center.

The Wound Care Center will host a meet and greet from 4 to 6 p.m. March 25.