By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 February 2025 at 2:52 pm
Lynn Creasey
MEDINA – The Senior Citizens of Western Orleans have $15,000 to install air conditioning at a former train depot, which serves as a meeting place for the seniors.
Lynn Creasey, president of the Senior Citizens of Western Orleans, said the building is often too hot during the summer for seniors to comfortably socialize for cards, games and meals.
The group has $15,000 saved and is willing to pay for the costs of AC wall units, Creasey told the Village Board on Monday.
He has secured two bids from contractors for the project and is expecting two more.
Village Board members want to hear from Jason Watts, the DPW superintendent, first before forging ahead. The board wants to make sure the existing utilities can handle the additional AC and see if Watts has any input on the project.
The building was originally constructed in 1908 as the NY Central Depot. It has been the home of the Senior Citizens of Western Orleans since 1968. Creasey said the seniors have done several improvements to the building over the years, including a fresh coat of paint about three to four years ago.
Creasey said the organization survives on donations, but is committing the funds to the project so the seniors can use the site during the hot summer weather.
By Jason Klein, Fifth Grade Teacher at Clifford Wise Intermediate School
MEDINA – At Clifford Wise Intermediate School in the Medina Central School District, two talented fifth-graders, Iszabella Eaton and Fiona Oakes, are making waves with their creative storytelling.
Both students in Mr. Klein’s class have discovered a shared love for writing, a passion that has sparked not only their individual creativity but also an inspiring collaborative effort.
Medina Central School District, an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) school district, emphasizes “A Portrait of a Graduate,” a vision to equip students with 21st-century skills, character traits, and social-emotional competencies needed for success in college, career, and life. Iszabella and Fiona exemplify this vision as they channel their creativity, teamwork and determination into a shared writing project.
Fiona’s passion for storytelling began in third grade, where journaling became a daily habit:
“I have always loved making up stories and imagining things,” she said. “In 3rd grade, my teacher had us write in a journal every day, and she gave us feedback that helped me improve. This past summer, I even wrote a whole play!
“My idea for a Christmas story came to me this past holiday season. It’s about a girl trying to get home who meets unexpected friends on the way. I knew I needed help, so I asked Iszabella to join me. We’ve been friends forever, and she makes writing even more fun. She always has great ideas, and our story is turning out amazing. It’s a book that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer for the characters as they make their journey home. I hope one day it gets published. I might want to become a writer when I grow up!”
Iszabella, who has been crafting stories since she was 7, shared her journey:
“I love to write stories and books,” she said. “Ever since I was 7 years old, I made little children’s books. They were at least two pages long! But when I got older, I wrote better books. In 4th grade, I shared a story about a family of five with my teacher, and he encouraged me to keep writing. That encouragement made me a better writer.
“Now, in 5th grade, I’m working on a Christmas story with my best friend, Fiona Oakes. She has amazing ideas and always makes me laugh. Writing together is really stepping up our friendship. I hope Medina will love our book—it’s a story you can enjoy all year round. One day, I’d love to become an author!”
Their shared story, which combines humor, emotion, and the spirit of friendship, is a testament to their creativity and collaboration. Both girls credit their teachers for inspiring them and hope their work will one day reach a wide audience.
As Medina Central School District continues its mission to develop well-rounded, future-ready graduates, Iszabella and Fiona’s story shines as an example of what can be achieved when young writers are encouraged to dream big and work together. Keep an eye out for this duo’s work—it’s bound to be something special!
NORTH TONAWANDA – Eighteen string students from the Royalton-Hartland Central School participated in the recent Niagara County Music Educators’ Association honors ensembles.
All of the students auditioned in December at the NCMEA All-County Auditions at Lockport High School. Based on their audition score, they were selected to participate in their respective Honors Ensemble.
Lily Pabon-Rosa, Addyson Kiner-Ronson, Simon Fournier, Tessa Degenhardt, Josephine Silsby, Lydia-Grace DeMaison and Hailey Pasnik participated with the Junior/Senior All-County Orchestra on Feb. 7-8 at Starpoint Middle School.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 February 2025 at 10:34 am
A 2021 Medina High School is among the new graduates for the State Police Academy.
Jack Rutkowski, now of Pine Bush in Orange County, graduated last week from the academy.
Eric Miller of Medina also was in the class. Oliver Valenti of Akron also completed the 216th session of the Basic School of the New York State Police Academy. The new State Troopers increases the State Police ranks to 5,034 sworn members.
Rutkowski was a Boy Scout in Troop 35 in Medina, and played on the school’s soccer and baseball teams.
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the six designated Free Fishing Days in New York State, encouraging New Yorkers to get offline and get outside to enjoy these affordable outdoor recreation opportunities statewide.
Free Fishing Days will take place on: Feb. 15-16 (Presidents’ Day Weekend), June 28-29, Sept. 27 (National Hunting and Fishing Day), and Nov. 11 (Veterans Day).
During these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for freshwater fishing on New York’s waters.
“Free Fishing Days in New York’s waters are a great, affordable way for residents and visitors to explore new places and provide an opportunity for anyone looking to get outside and enjoy nature,” Governor Hochul said. “Whether casting a line in freshwater lakes, ponds, streams, or rivers, New York offers some of the best fishing opportunities in the nation and allows for memorable fishing experiences that increase tourism and benefit the economy.”
The Free Fishing Days program began in 1991 to give people who might not fish a chance to try the rewarding sport of freshwater fishing at no cost, to introduce people to a new hobby, and to encourage people to support conservation by purchasing a New York State fishing license. Free fishing day participants are reminded that although the requirement for a freshwater fishing license is waived during free fishing days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect.
Outside of free fishing days, anglers over the age of 16 must have a valid fishing license. For more information on purchasing a license visit the DEC website.
‘The Trump administration is stealing from our children, our teachers, and our families to give tax breaks to the wealthy’
Press Release, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand
Kirsten Gillibrand
NEW YORK – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined union leaders, elected officials, students, parents and educators to warn of the disastrous consequences of President Trump’s threat to shut down the United States Department of Education.
If the department closes, the resulting chaos would mean over 2.6 million K-12 students at 4,800 New York schools could lose federal funding, Gillibrand said. This includes half a million New York students with disabilities who could lose nearly $1 billion in annual support, as well as nearly a quarter million English learners at New York schools who could be deprived of an annual $66 million that supports their education.
“President Trump’s threat to shutter the Department of Education is a reckless and unconstitutional move that would jeopardize the programs that help New York’s kids, families, schools, and communities thrive,” Gillibrand said in a news release. “The Trump administration is stealing from our children, our teachers, and our families to give tax breaks to the wealthy. It is jeopardizing our nation’s academic progress and our role in the global economy at the expense of our children, and we cannot stand for it. There should be no debate – defunding education defunds our future, and I will do everything in my power to protect the Department of Education.”
The Department of Education serves students across the country by:
Providing funding to support the nation’s most vulnerable students through Title I grants
Funding special education programs for students with disabilities
Administering Pell Grants for low-income college students
Supporting school improvement programs to improve education outcomes
Funding programs to promote mental health and after-school activities
These programs could be in jeopardy if the Department of Education were shut down. Even a temporary disruption could be devastating for students, their families, and educators.
If the department is shut down, the impact on New York families would be devastating:
Over 2.6 million K-12 students at 4,800 schools throughout the state could lose federal funding
525,000 New York students with disabilities could miss out on $984 million in annual support
Schools could be deprived of $12 million in mental health supports
392,000 New York students could lose the $1.9 billion in Pell Grants that help them afford college
247,000 English learners at New York schools could be deprived of an annual $66 million that support their education.
AMES, IOWA – Zachary Fike of Medina has made the Dean’s List for the fall semester at Iowa State University. Fike is a senior majoring in agronomy.
He is one of 11,500 Iowa State University students who have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the fall semester 2024 Dean’s List. Students named to the Dean’s List must earn a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded course work.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 February 2025 at 8:40 am
Makenzie McGrath of Medina first recipient of the honor
Provided photo: Medina music teacher Kyla Leno-Denise, left, congratulates Makenzie McGrath on being awarded the Scholar Artist Award from the Orleans County Music Educators’ Association.
The Orleans County Music Educators’ Association has created a new honor to recognize and celebrate graduating music students who demonstrate commitment and leadership in their respective music programs, while also prioritizing academics and maintaining good grades.
Makenzie McGrath, a senior at Medina, is the first recipient of the award. She received it during Saturday’s All-County Music Festival in Kendall.
“It is the intention of OCMEA to make this a long-standing recognition for years to come,” said Zach Busch, president of the Music Educators’ Association and a band teacher at Holley.
His wife Andrea, a Medina music teacher and vice president of the OCMEA, pushed to create the award. Mrs. Busch presented it during Saturday’s concert.
County music teachers were asked to nominate students who met the following criteria: a GPA of 90.0 or above, active participate in their school’s music department, and leadership in their school district and/ or community.
Makenzie McGrath has a GPA of 98.28 and is a leader in her music department. She plays clarinet in the high school wind ensemble, tenor saxophone in jazz band, sings soprano in choir and is the drum major of the Mustang Marching Band. McGrath also is involved in Medina’s Winter Guard, and both theater and dance productions at her school and in her community. She plans on attending college next year to major in music education.
“Beyond her musical talent and leadership, what truly sets Makenzie apart is the kindness and thoughtfulness she shows to others,” said Medina music teacher Kyla Leno-Denise in nominating McGrath. “In every rehearsal, she is patient and understanding with peers, taking the time to offer constructive feedback and encouragement without ever seeking recognition. Her positive attitude and willingness to support others foster an environment of collaboration and mutual respect. Makenzie has an innate ability to make others feel comfortable and confident, which is an essential quality in a team-oriented setting like the music classroom.”
McGrath was one of four nominees this year. Other nominees included Logan Trillizio from Medina, who was nominated by Matthew Jaeger, high school band director at Medina; Mallory Kozody from Albion, who was nominated by Michael Thaine, high school band director at Albion; and Owen Schultz from Holley, who was nominated by Zach Busch, band director at Holley.
“I am so proud of Makenzie and all of the other students who continuously go above and beyond to make Orleans County an amazing place for music education,” said Andrea Busch. “All four of this year’s nominees are outstanding young men and women, and I cannot thank them for the positive impact they have made.”
Photo by Tom Rivers: Makenzie McGrath, second from left, sings during the All-County Festival on Saturday at Kendall. She is next to Mallory Ashbery, left, and Madelyn Elliott, to the right of McGrath.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 February 2025 at 9:18 pm
Board members not in agreement in moving forward with bond to finance project
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Medina Village Board is looking at a one-bay addition to the fire hall to accommodate a new ladder truck due to arrive around this Christmas. The board hasn’t reached agreement on a bond to pay for the addition.
MEDINA – The Village Board has received an estimated price for an addition to the fire hall: $1,041,590.
That is significantly less than the $6 million the village was looking at for a two-bay addition plus upgrades to the existing fire station.
The $6 million was deemed far too costly by the Village Board about a year ago. The board has debated the past year how to proceed. It prefers a one-bay addition, although the board hasn’t committed yet on starting the process for a bond to pay for the addition.
The MRB Group in Rochester presented a design and estimated cost for the one-bay addition in a Dec. 12 report to the board.
A 1,750-square-foot addition to the fire station would be an estimated $700,000 for construction costs for a steel, masonry and concrete building. That includes HVAC, plumbing, electric, lighting and a fire alarm system for a facility that would a free-standing building with a truck bay and a unisex bathroom.
Although a freestanding building and independent of existing fire station, the new building would be connected for architecture and mechanical, electrical and plumbing purposes, the MRB Group stated.
Other costs include:
Utilities at $35,250 for sanitary sewer lateral, 500-gallon oil/water separator, connection to existing sanitary sewer and roof leaders
Site improvements at $19,525 for mobilization, excavation for foundation and pad, seal and crack fill parking lot, and concrete pads for doors.
Design and construction contingency at 15 percent for $113,216. That makes for $867,991 estimated construction costs.
Estimated soft costs (20 percent) or $173,598 for architectural; mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering services; surveying fees, geotechnical; construction management; SEQR (environmental impact statement); fiscal fees; bonding fees; legal fees; and net interest.
That puts the overall estimated costs at $1,041,590.
But Mayor Marguerite Sherman said there remain unknowns with the project. There may not be many bidders given the project has been downscaled so much. Some contractors may not be interested in what is now considered a small project, she said.
There could also be some environmental surprises that could push up the costs.
She suggested the village pursue seeking a bond for $1.5 million to cover the construction costs and some possible surprises. If the cost is less or if the village secures other revenues through grants, Sherman said the bond amount would be less than the $1.5 million.
She wants the village to keep moving forward on the project because a new ladder truck is expected to be ready in December. As it stands with the timing, a new building might not be ready until February 2026.
The board on June 26, 2023 accepted the bid for $1,698,995 from Pierce Manufacturing in Appleton, Wisc. to build the new fire truck with a 100-foot-long ladder. The truck will replace a nearly 30-year-old ladder truck with a 75-foot ladder.
The new truck will be taller than the current one and won’t fit in the bay at the fire station. The current ladder truck has a clearance of 10 feet, 4 inches but the space in the fire station is 10 feet, 6 inches. The new ladder truck will have a clearance of 13 feet.
Trustees Debbie Padoleski and Mark Prawel want to wait on taking out the bond until more details are known on the costs to the village for the fire hall addition. Padoleski said taxpayers will want certainty on those details if the village starts the process for a bond.
Padoleski said the village made a “bad decision” by committing to a ladder truck without a solid plan for the addition.
Trustee Jess Marciano and Mayor Marguerite Sherman said the ladder truck is clearly needed and delaying on that truck would have only pushed up the costs for the truck.
Sherman said the village is seeking grants for the addition, and she is meeting with a representative from U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney’s Office and an official from the state Homes & Community Renewal to help pay for the addition.
“I feel in my heart I’m doing everything I can to find funding,” Sherman said at this evening’s Village Board meeting.
Any commitments to help with the project won’t come right away, Sherman said. She wants the village to keep moving forward, knowing the bond could be reduced if additional funding comes through.
Prawel said the board shouldn’t have committed to a new truck without knowing how it would be paid. Prawel joined the board on April 1, 2024 after the vote on the ladder truck.
“I’m not convinced we need a new truck,” Prawel said at this evening’s board meeting.
He said he disagrees with Fire Chief Matt Jackson’s contention it is critical to have a new one.
Marciano rejected that reasoning from Prawel. She said a recent inspection showed the truck is in disrepair.
To cancel the order for the new fire truck would cost the village a 10 percent penalty or about $170,000, plus the village would still have an old ladder truck without a new one coming. Sherman said she thinks the penalty now would be $250,000 to cancel the order.
Marciano said it is reasonable for village taxpayers to foot the bill because it is village equipment. She welcomes grants and assistance for the project.
“I would love for Chuck Schumer to buy it for us,” she said.
Padoleski said she worries the village is becoming unaffordable for many of the residents. The bond payments for the fire truck and addition will only make it worse for people, raising their taxes even more.
The board will spend April working on the 2025-26 village budget. Padoleski said some tough choices may need to be made on village services to bring down the tax burden.
“Something has to go some people can afford to live here,” Padoleski said.
Village resident Carol Callina spoke at this evening’s meeting and she suggested the board consider eliminating the police department and having the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office take over patrolling the village and responding to calls in Medina.
Marciano said Callina is the first resident to make that suggestion in a public meeting.
The board will meet again on Feb. 24. Sherman said more information should be available then about grant possibilities and other potential federal and state aid.
She agreed the village could face some tough choices during the budget process.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 February 2025 at 5:37 pm
The average price of regular unleaded gas is up 4 cents in the past to an average of $3.14 in the United States, while the New York state-wide average is up a penny to $3.18, AAA is reporting today.
“Amid the threat of tariffs, the national average for a gallon of gasoline ticked up four cents from last week to $3.14,” AAA said in a news release. “Fluctuations in gas prices depend on several factors including global supply and demand and the price of crude oil, which could be impacted by tariffs.
“The slight increase in fuel prices this week could be due to markets and retailers reacting to news of potential tariffs,” AAA said. “Crude oil prices, however, remain stable, ranging from $71 to $75 per barrel this morning compared to $74 to $79 per barrel last Monday.”
Here are the average prices for counties in Western New York:
Orleans, $3.248
Genesee, $3.185
Wyoming, $3.185
Livingston, $3.193
Monroe, $3.178
Niagara, $3.101
Erie, $3.130
Chautauqua, $3.317
Cattaraugus, $3.175
Allegany, $3.233
For drivers who use diesel fuel, the national average price is $3.65, down one cent from last Monday. The New York average is $3.97, up 2 cents from last Monday, AAA reported.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 February 2025 at 11:22 am
Provided photos
Orly the Ox, the Orleans County bicentennial mascot, has been out and about in Orleans in the past few weeks.
He was in Kendall last Wednesday for the finale of a euchre tournament between residents of Kendall and Hamlin. Orly is shown next to Bill Hardenbrook of Kendall.
The Kendall team triumphed over Hamlin in a friendly rivalry going back 71 years.
Orly also stopped by Dustin’s Pizzeria in Holley last week to highlight the Super Bowl as one of the busiest food holidays of the year. (Orly was happy to see the Kansas City Chiefs get walloped by the Philadelphia Eagles in the game.)
Photo by Tom Rivers
Our beloved ox also needed to satisfy a hunger craving and made a beeline to the Village House Restaurant where he scarfed down a Greek salad and some pie.
You can follow Orly’s adventures on the Orleans County Tourism social media accounts on Facebook (click here) and Instagram (click here).
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 February 2025 at 9:18 am
Gov. Kathy Hochul today announced the Village of Brockport has been awarded a $4.5 million NY Forward grant.
“‘It’s all in Brockport’ became our shared vision as we dreamed of what our village could become with a NY Forward grant,” said Brockport Mayor Margay Blackman. “The Brockport of our NY Forward dreams is one that works for all – young, old, university student, resident, visitor, tourist. The water brings people, Brockporters say, and we will invest in our waterfront to establish Brockport as the premier, inclusive recreation community on the Erie Canal. What I’m especially proud of today is that 6 people, including our grant writer, crafted a successful proposal, in house, in 2 short years.”
The village seeks to transform its historic downtown corridor into an accessible tourist destination and a home where visitors, residents and people of all abilities can recreate, socialize, live and age in comfort, according to a news release from the Governor’s Office.
The governor also announced the City of Canandaigua will receive the bigger $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative and the Village of Phelps will get a $4.5 NY Forward grant. Canandaigua, Phelps and Brockport are all in the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, which also includes Orleans County.
“By investing in the future of these Finger Lakes communities, this funding will revitalize their downtown areas by building vibrant and thriving destinations where businesses, families, and visitors can flourish,” Governor Hochul said in a news release. “With our Pro-Housing Communities initiative, we’re giving local leaders the tools to transform their cities, towns and villages into hubs of opportunity, culture, and affordable living. This is how we build stronger, more connected communities that work for everyone across New York.”
Canandaigua, Brockport and Phelps will now develop a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize their downtowns. A Local Planning Committee made up of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders will lead the effort, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners, according to the news release.
The Strategic Investment Plan will guide the investment of DRI and NY Forward grant funds in revitalization projects that are poised for implementation, will advance the community’s vision for their downtown and that can leverage and expand upon the state’s investment.
