Job Corps carpentry student Kalvie Grimsley fastens down the bench in Pine Street Park.
Press Release, Medina Rotary Club
MEDINA – On Wednesday, the first of four “Buddy Benches” were installed in a Medina playground. The idea of Buddy Benches was brought to the Medina Rotary Club by member Carl Tuohey.
He and Cynthia Hewitt spearheaded the project. The Iroquois Job Corps carpentry trade students constructed four Buddy Benches for the Medina Rotary.
Buddy Benches provide students a safe way to find a buddy. When children see someone sitting on the Buddy Bench, they know he or she needs a friendly companion and can join them to say hello or invite them to play. The first Buddy Bench was placed at Pine Street Park.
Special thanks go to Public Works Superintendent Jason Watts and Medina’s Mayor Marguerite Sherman for their assistance in seeing this project to completion.
The Medina Rotary Club has raised money sponsoring events such as chicken barbecues, meat raffles, Corn Hole tournaments, and meal pairings. Recently, this service organization has donated to the local food pantry, donated multiple Adirondack chairs to benefits and fundraisers, donated to the YMCA, gives a yearly high school scholarship, raised money for Orleans County Walk to end Alzheimer’s, donated to Medina families in need (mattresses, bed frames, bedding, and a bicycle), and is donating four metal benches to the Village of Medina for youth baseball.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 September 2024 at 10:17 am
11-year-old sixth-grader also leads state in points
Provided photos: Laina Stewart, 11, carries the checkered flag after winning a race at the Ransomville Speedway.
LYNDONVILLE – Laina Stewart in her fifth season of racing has earned the title of track champ at Ransomville Speedway. She races go-karts in the Junior 2 Division.
Laina, who just turned 11, zooms around a ½-mile dirt oval, topping 40 miles per hour. Her go-kart is labelled, “The Lyndonville Rocket.” She is a sixth-grader at Lyndonville.
Laina also currently tops in the state in points in the Junior Purple Clone division with 286 points. Levi Herriven is second at 278, and Jax Cotriss of Middleport is third at 256. Jax finished second to Laina at Ransomville.
“They pretty much battle it out all year,” Laina’s stepfather Ricky Washburn said about a friendly rivalry between Laina and Jax.
Laina also races at the Weedsport Speedway near Syracuse once or twice a month on Saturdays or Sundays while Ransomville has been a weekly competition on Thursdays. The state rankings continue until the final week of racing on Oct. 27 in Weedsport.
“She’s a natural at it,” Washburn said about Laina. “She’s competitive.”
Laina Stewart, second from left, is shown with her family, including her mother, Desirae Davis; stepfather, Ricky Washburn; and her sister, Parker.
Laina moved up a division this year after being in the Junior 1 Division in 2023. She races with about 15 other 10- to 12-year-olds. The maximum speed increased by about 5 miles per hour from Junior 1, topping out at about 45 mph this year. Laina likes to go fast on the straight-a-ways and lets off the gas, a little, when she rounds the corners
She also plays soccer and softball, and this year is playing football for the first time, as a defender for Lyndonville’s youth football team.
The racing is a family-oriented event. Washburn and Laina’s grandfather, Keith Davis, are in the pit and keep the go-kart in good working order.
Laina’s 3-year-old sister Parker is eager to get into racing in about two years.
“It’s fun getting together every week,” Washburn said about the racing outings. “It’s a whole family thing.”
Laina appreciates the support from her major supporters: Slack Karts Performance Mfg., a go-cart business in Middleport; Tom Klink from Infinit Technology Solutions; and Independent Pizzeria in Weedsport.
After the season ends in Weedsport, Laina expects to race a few times this winter in Kentucky.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 September 2024 at 8:39 am
Provided photo
CLARENDON – Melissa Ierlan, the Clarendon historian and code enforcement officer, stands with a fiberglass ox that was delivered to the town on Wednesday.
The town paid for the ox and the delivery charges from Texas, using ARPA federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. It will be painted and on display at the town hall as part of Orleans County’s bicentennial in 2025.
The first ox was painted during the Orleans County 4-H Fair in late July by artist Stacey Kirby Steward.
Ierlan said town officials are discussing the theme for the ox. She is leaning towards a Carl Akeley theme in honor of Clarendon’s native son who was a world famous taxidermist and conservationist. He was instrumental in creating the first national park in Africa.
Akeley grew up on Hinds Road in Clarendon, when he started “stuffing” birds and small animals. He made ground-breaking advances in taxidermy. The Akeley Hall of African Mammals includes many of Akeley’s elephants, lions, rhinos and gorillas. They are displayed in New York City at the American Museum of Natural History.
Anyone with other ideas for painting the ox can send Ierlan an email at clarendon_hs@yahoo.com.
Ierlan said oxen were instrumental in helping the pioneers settle in Orleans County. She recalled visiting Ida Cook when she was 106 and she shared how her ancestors came to Orleans County, with only their children, an ox and a cart.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 September 2024 at 9:25 pm
BATAVIA – Assemblyman Steve Hawley will leave Batavia on Thursday morning with a group of veterans and their families, heading to the U.S. capital to see numerous monuments and landmarks.
This will be the 15th time Hawley has led veterans on the Patriot Trip. This year’s trip will feature stops at several notable locations in the D.C. area including the WWII, Korean and Vietnam War memorials as well as Arlington National Cemetery.
“Taking our local veterans on these annual Patriot Trips is one of the most rewarding parts of my job,” Hawley said. “I’m glad we’re able to put this event on for another year and show our veterans the gratitude and appreciation they deserve.”
The bus will leave at 7 a.m. from the Batavia Downs parking lot.
Hawley started leading the Patriot Trip in 2008. It has been an annual event every year, except in 2020 and ’21 due to concerns about Covid.
Hawley started the trips for local veterans after taking his father, a World War II, to see the war memorials in the nation’s capital. Hawley said seeing the memorials helped his father to talk about his experiences in the war and to feel appreciation for his service.
Photo courtesy of Rob Ortt’s Office: State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt and owners of Escarpment Arms call on Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the big game hunting by rifle bill into law.
Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt
LOCKPORT – Today, standing with the owners of Escarpment Arms, New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt called on NYS Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign Senate Bill S.8382B, which would allow for rifle hunting of big game in Niagara County, into law.
The bill passed the Senate and the Assembly with wide, bi-partisan support and will amend existing conservation laws at no cost to taxpayers. After passing both houses, the bill now awaits Gov. Hochul’s signature to become law. Until then, the current prohibition on big game rifle hunting in Niagara County will continue.
“I, along with my partners in the Assembly, are calling on Governor Hochul to sign this bill prior to deer and bear hunting season. In Niagara County, sportsmen have been waiting a long time to be able to partake in the tradition of hunting big game by rifle within county limits,” said Senator Ortt. “Niagara County remains one of the last counties upstate where rifle hunting is prohibited. At the request of county residents and lawmakers, this bill aims to change that and allow more opportunities for hunters to exercise an American tradition.”
The bill does have limitations. Cities within the county, including Lockport, North Tonawanda and Niagara Falls, will be excluded from rifle hunting.
Once signed by Governor Hochul, the bill will immediately go into effect.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 September 2024 at 1:30 pm
ALBION – The public is invited to a dedication at 9 a.m. on Sept. 28 when four memorial benches will be unveiled by the basketball courts at Bullard Park.
The coated steel sport benches are the latest addition to the new courts, which opened last October.
Four people or organizations paid $750 for a memorial bench which will have plaques.
Those memorialized include Jonathan Doherty, an active community member who helped with many of the events and fundraisers at the park. Doherty was 38 when he passed away on May 5, 2022. The Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events is paying for the bench.
Another bench is in memory of Jesse Swartout, who passed away at age 21 in 2002 when he was a senior at Skidmore College. He has family in the local area.
A bench will be in honor of Craig H. Anderson who died from leukemia in 1973 following his senior year at Albion. He was a standout athlete at Albion and the high school gym is named after him.
The other bench will be in memory of Justin Swanger, who passed away in his sleep at age 22 on Nov. 28, 2014. Swanger played on the Albion basketball team and was a three-point specialist.
The Greater Albion Community Recreation and Events, a non-profit that has helped spearhead improvements at Bullard, also is working on a video promoting the activities and recent upgrades. The group is planning a video shoot at noon on Oct. 12 at the park. The community is welcome to be part of the video.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 18 September 2024 at 9:10 am
File photo by Ginny Kropf: This banner hung over downtown Medina to promote homecoming last week. The Medina Mustang Sports Boosters urges stores to decorate their windows.
MEDINA – The Medina Mustang Sports Boosters are excited to announce they will again be celebrating Homecoming 2024 by inviting local businesses to get involved in Homecoming Week in a variety of ways.
“Homecoming is a community event – a time to celebrate, not just Mustang athletics, but who we are as a community,” said Melissa Valley, head of the Mustang Sports Boosters. “Mustang Sports Boosters are always incredibly appreciative of the support the Medina business community provides us, and now we want to celebrate you.”
Their goal for Homecoming the week of Sept. 23 is to get the whole community involved and into the Mustang spirit. Homecoming will feature activities and games throughout the week, including the Homecoming game Sept. 27, when the Medina Mustangs football team hosts Newfane.
“We hope to get businesses involved in two ways,” Valley said. “First, we would love for downtown to show its Mustang spirit with our third annual window decorating contest. Secondly, we want to promote their business by adding their homecoming special of the week to our Mustang Menu.”
If businesses don’t want to enter the contest, Valley said the Mustang Boosters will welcome any form of Mustang spirit that works for them.
A giant banner proclaiming Homecoming Week will be hung over Main Street in honor of the week.
“The banner was made by our very own Print Shop and it will be on display over Main Street next week,” Valley said. “We also have banners that will be up at Vets Park. We will promote any business who wants to join in on the run or any Mustang specials for the week.”
The Mustang Boosters encourage everyone downtown and in Medina to show as much Mustang pride and spirit as they can during Homecoming Week.
“It is something that unites the community in a positive way,” Valley said.
Anyone wishing more information can contact Valley at mvalley@medinacsd.org or by calling (716)-531-3055.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 18 September 2024 at 8:15 am
GASPORT – Once Brandi Silsby had two children of her own, she knew she wanted to raise them in the Montessori method of learning.
On Sept. 16, Brandi Silsby and co-founder Rachel Struckmann opened the Bergamot Montessori School at 8403 Rochester Rd. The school is affiliated with the Wildflower Organization, which helps schools around the country with funding.
The method of teaching was founded in Italy in the early 1900s by Maria Montessori, who applied the scientific method of learning and observed children’s natural tendencies toward learning.
Montessori schools accept children ages 2 years 10 months to kindergarten.
“In a traditional Montessori school, children stay with us three years,” Silsby said.
Both Silsby and Struckman are highly trained educators. Silsby, a reading specialist, taught in public schools in the area since 2008, the last year being at Towne School in Medina. She has a dual major in childhood and early childhood education and a master’s in literacy. Both ladies are Montessori trained. Struckmann, who has a degree in social work, did an observation of Montessori at Nardin Academy and St. Columba Brigid in Buffalo.
In traditional classrooms, students follow the same lessons, leaving some children behind while others forge ahead. In Montessori classrooms, students challenge themselves when they’re ready, developing greater self-sufficiency and personal independence, and building an internal sense of purpose and motivation.
In Montessori, each child has an individualized learning curriculum which follows the child.
(Left) Rachel Struckmann watches as Brandi Silsby demonstrates a child’s learning exercise on a work rug. The rug defines a child’s space and they learn to respect other children’s rug and walk around it. (Right) Brandi Silsby points out number rods, which help children learn to count.
Bergamot Montessori School is one of only two authentic, full-day Montessori schools in Niagara County, and will be the only one licensed in Niagara County through the Office of Children and Family Services.
“This allows us to offer financial assistance to our families,” Struckmann said. “We also have to follow strict guidelines for health, safety, administration and education.”
Fourteen children are registered at the school, which has the capacity to accept up to 24. If they reach 19 students, they will hire a third person, Silsby said. They hope to draw children from Middleport, Medina and Gasport.
Struckmann said their method of learning creates independence in every aspect.
“We are setting the foundation for independence,” she said.
Rachel Struckman and Brandi Silsby stand by a sound chart, which helps children learn the alphabet and associate letters with certain sounds.
When children arrive, the first thing they do is go in a small room called the Cubby Room, to hang up their coats, take off their outside shoes and put on their inside shoes. They next walk to a counter and choose a popsicle stick with their name on it.
All learning activities are done individually. The only group activities during Circle Time, are songs, movement and reading aloud.
Children are assigned a work rug, and are taught the meticulous, calculated way to unroll it. All activities are completed on their rug, which defines their space, and other children quickly learn to respect it and walk around another child’s space.
The method also makes time for learning grace and courtesy, a hallmark of Montessori, Struckmann said. Respect for others is also part of the curriculum.
“Children learn how to tuck in a chair, blow their nose and wash their hands properly,” she added.
A sensorial area is for refining the senses and preparation for the mathematical mind.
“Everything we do is precise,” Silsby said. “If a child is talking, he’s not moving. If he’s moving, he’s not talking.”
When a child has picked an activity, he is asked if he wants to practice more or put it back on the shelf. They cannot choose an activity until they’ve had a lesson in it, then they may choose it any time.
“Montessori is incredibly structured,” Structmann said.
“We call it ‘freedom within limits,’” Silsby said.
Bergamot Montessori is a 501c3 organization through Wildflower.
An open house is planned for the public from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 26.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 September 2024 at 10:15 pm
Arc GLOW, an organization serving people with disabilities in the four local rural counties, is grateful for today’s announcement from Tom Golisano that he is donating $5 million to the agency.
“What a wonderful and unexpected surprise we received today!” the organization posted on Facebook.
Golisano announced he is giving $360 million to 82 non-profit organizations in the Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse regions.
Of those donations, $104 million is going to 26 organizations serving people with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
Arc GLOW is among eight Western New York and Finger Lakes chapters of The Arc New York that will each be receiving a gift of $5 million from The Golisano Foundation.
“We are thrilled to learn that Arc GLOW will be receiving $5 million from the Golisano Foundation,” said Martin Miskell, Arc GLOW’s chief executive director. “This will allow the agency to expand our programs to meet the needs of the individuals and families we serve.”
Arc GLOW serves people with disabilities in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
“On behalf of the entire Arc GLOW community, thank you to Thomas Golisano and the Golisano Foundation for opening doors for opportunities for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities (IDD) to be valued members of their communities with the opportunity to realize their full potential and a future that is secure,” Miskell said.
Press Release, Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition
ALBION – This Sunday, Sept. 22, the Medina Teachers’ Association and the Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition will be hosting our first Men’s Day Out event from 1 to 6 p.m. at Dubby’s Tailgate, 165 S. Platt St.
This event is for men, their sons, nephews, neighbors, co-workers and friends. It will be an opportunity to play some neat games – fowling, soccer pool and cornhole – and learn about suicide prevention, and local resources.
The free registration includes a brief message of hope, Dubby’s mini pizza, 4 wings, a bottle of water, cornhole, fowling, soccer pool, resources and so much more. More food and other beverages/games will be available at cost.
Students in grades Pre-K to 8 must be accompanied by adult to enter Vets Park
Press Release, Medina Central School
MEDINA – The Medina Central School District is looking forward to an outstanding fall season. The district’s goal is to provide a positive and welcoming experience to our athletes, students, parents, fans, visitors and officials.
Please help us achieve this goal by following our expectations and contributing to a positive environment.
As a reminder, all students in grades Pre-K to 8 must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or responsible adult when attending a game. This parent or responsible adult must supervise their children at all times. Students in grades Pre-K to 8 will not be allowed into Vets Park without a parent or responsible adult.
Also, as a reminder, there should be no use of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, or any controlled or banned substance on the Medina Central School District premises. Additionally, vapes, “dab” pens, and e-cigarettes are not allowed on District premises.
We also want to remind fans to refrain from using profanity and making negative comments toward coaches, athletes, or officials. Game supervisors and administrators will address inappropriate behavior. The District and the New York State High School Athletic Association may prohibit unruly spectators from attending games.
Thank you for helping us maintain a positive, supportive atmosphere for all our student-athletes! Go Mustangs!
ROCHESTER – Tom Golisano announced today he is giving an unprecedented and historic series of major awards totaling $360 million to 82 non-profit organizations in Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse.
This commitment nearly doubles Golisano’s lifetime giving, bringing the total to $775 million, with more to be expected. The announcement was made at the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship.
Golisano, the founder of Paychex and the former owner of the Buffalo Sabres, is listed on the Forbes 400.
The unrestricted, multiyear awards range from $250,000 to $20 million each, paid over four to five years, spanning healthcare, education, animal welfare, disability services, and other crucial community needs.
Almost all of the organizations who learned today that they are receiving a major award have been recipients of prior awards by Mr. Golisano and/or the Golisano Foundation. This significant financial commitment represents support for a diverse range of causes, all of which are meaningful to Tom and follow suit with prior awards given. Awards received may be used at each organization’s discretion.
Capping the monumental nature of this initiative, Mr. Golisano is also making a transformative $52 million award to the Golisano Foundation by increasing the total investment assets to $120 million. This infusion of funding will increase the Golisano Foundation’s giving from approximately $3 to more than $5 million annually, allowing even more opportunities for new and current organizations to access crucial grant funding that falls within the Foundation’s established mission.
“I’m thrilled to provide support to the Upstate New York community, to the region where I built my life and my business,” said Mr. Golisano. “I know that there are many organizations doing great work and understand that running a nonprofit is not easy, facing both opportunities and challenges, like raising money. These awards are the result of relationships I’ve formed over the years. I am impressed with these organizations’ dedication and innovation. It is extremely rewarding to see what they have been able to accomplish with my financial support over the years. I hope this unexpected, unrestricted funding helps them build on their successes and broaden their impact.”
The $360 million commitment announced today brings Mr. Golisano’s overall philanthropy to $775 million. This includes more than $41 million in grants made by the Golisano Foundation, which he founded in 1985, primarily to organizations devoted to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It also helps animal welfare organizations through Bailey and Friends, an initiative of the Golisano Foundation founded in honor of Golisano’s two dogs, both of whom were named Bailey.
“We encourage non-profit organizations to visit our website to learn more about Tom’s personal giving and the Foundation’s mission,” said Erica Dayton, executive director of the Golisano Foundation. “We look forward to the new influx of agencies we’ll be introduced to through the widespread news of Tom’s most recent giving. Understanding the needs of the communities we support and the organizations that devote their expertise to serving them is a constantly evolving process. We are always looking to learn more and determine how we can be supportive with the resources available.”
Today’s announcement follows Mr. Golisano’s June 2024 commitment of $50 million to the University of Rochester Medical Center to establish the Golisano Intellectual and Development Disabilities Institute—his largest single gift to date.
$360 Million in gifts announced today to 82 organizations
Gifts by Region: Rochester, $201 million; Buffalo, $66.5 million; and Syracuse, $40.5 million. $52 Million also is going the Golisano Foundation, which serves the Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse regions and Southwest Florida
Community – 8 Organizations – $25 Million
The Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester – $5 Million
Foodlink – $5 Million
Freedom Guide Dogs for the Blind – $2 Million
Hillside Family of Agencies – $5 Million
Lifespan – $2 Million
Medical Motor Service of Rochester & Monroe County – $2 Million
Veterans Outreach Center – $2 Million
WXXI Public Broadcasting – $2 Million
Education – 16 Organizations – $86 Million
Alfred State College – $5 Million
Allendale Columbia School – $5 Million
Aquinas Institute of Rochester $5 Million
Bishop Kearney High School – $5 Million
Canisius University – $5 Million
The Charles Finney School – $3 Million
Daemen University – $5 Million
The Harley School – $5 Million
Hope Hall School – $3 Million
McQuaid Jesuit High School – $5 Million
Nazareth University – $5 Million
Niagara University – $10 Million
Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women – $5 Million
Roberts Wesleyan University – $5 Million
Rochester Institute of Technology – $10 Million
St. John Fisher University – $5 Million
Health – 9 Organizations – $69 Million
American Cancer Society, Golisano Hope Lodge – $2 Million
American Red Cross – Greater Rochester Chapter – $5 Million
Daystar Kids – $5 Million
Mercy Flight Central – $5 Million
Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center – $10 Million
Oishei Children’s Hospital of Buffalo – $10 Million
Rochester Regional Health – $20 Million
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester, NY – $2 Million
Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital – $10 Million
Arc GLOW (Genesee/Livingston/Orleans/Wyoming) – $5 Million
Arc of Monroe County – $5 Million
Arc of Ontario County – $5 Million
Arc of Wayne County – $5 Million
AutismUp – $3 Million
Best Buddies, WNY – $1 Million
Catholic Charities Family and Community Services – $5 Million
CDS Life Transitions – $5 Million
Cobblestone Arts Center – $2 Million
Empowering People’s Independence (EPI) – $5 Million
EquiCenter – $2 Million
Golisano Autism Center – $3 Million
Heritage Christian Services – $5 Million
Holy Childhood – $5 Million
Lifetime Assistance – $5 Million
Mary Cariola Center – Future Announcement
Mozaic (Arc of Seneca, Cayuga & Yates Counties) – $5 Million
People, Inc. – $5 Million
Special Olympics New York – $1 Million
Springbrook – $5 Million
Starbridge Services – $2 Million
Summit Center – $5 Million
Animal Welfare – 23 Organizations – $24 Million
Better Together Pet Rescue Center – $250,000
Beverly Animal Shelter – $1 Million
Chautauqua County Humane Society – $1.5 Million
Chemung County Humane Society & SPCA – $1 Million
Finger Lakes SPCA – $1.5 Million
Headed for Furever – $250,000
Hornell Area Humane Society – $1.5 Million
Humane Society of Schuyler County – $1.5 Million
Humane Society of Wayne County – $1.5 Million
Humane Society of Yates County – $1.5 Million
Joyful Rescue – $250,000
Keller’s Kats Rescue – $250,000
Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester – $2 Million
Mr. Grey’s Strays – $250,000
Operation Freedom Ride – $250,000
Pet Adoption Network – $250,000
Pet Pride of New York – $1.5 Million
Rochester Emergency Veterinary Services – $1.5 Million
Rochester HOPE for Pets – $250,000
SPCA in Cattaraugus County – $1.5 Million
SPCA Serving Allegany County – $1.5 Million
SPCA Serving Erie County – $1.5 Million
Wyoming County SPCA – $1.5 Million
Golisano Foundation – $52 Million
“One of my favorite sayings is ‘the only wealth you keep is that which you give away,’ and I’m so lucky to be able to live that out,” Golisano said. “The success of Paychex and the hard work of the employees there are ultimately what makes these donations possible, and I am beyond grateful that I have the ability to do so. I look forward to seeing how this will be used to strengthen their organizations and better the communities they serve.”
ALBION – Orleans County is planning two voter registration days for people to make sure they can cast ballots in the upcoming election.
The Orleans County Board of Elections has set the following voter registration days:
Oct. 5 from 2 to 9 p.m. at the Hoag Library, 134 S Main St., Albion.
Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Board of Elections office, 14016 State Route 31, Suite 140.
Eligible New York voters have until Oct. 26 to register to vote in the general election on Nov. 5.
Gov. Kathy Hochul is urging New Yorkers to contact the NYS Board of Elections or their local County BOE for accurate and trustworthy election information.
The governor noted today, Sept. 17, is National Voter Registration Day. Eligible New Yorkers can register to vote online, in person, or by mail. Information about voter registration eligibility requirements, as well as links to the online voter registration portal and downloadable registration forms, can be found on the State Board of Elections website (click here).
“National Voter Registration Day is an important opportunity to foster engagement in our democracy,” Governor Hochul said. “Our democratic institutions are only as strong as the voters who participate in them, and I encourage every eligible New Yorker to make their voice heard.”
Voters who are unsure of whether they are already registered to vote can check their registration status at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov.
Contact information for county boards of elections across New York State can be found by clicking here.
Election Day this fall will take place on Nov. 5 with early voting from Oct. 26 through Nov. 3.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 September 2024 at 8:00 am
Photos by Tom Rivers: Jesse Cudzillo (left), director of the YMCA in Orleans County, and Tim Elliott hold the new Medina-opoly game that is being sold as a fundraiser to upgrade the women’s locker room at the Y.
MEDINA – The Monopoly game has been given a facelift in Medina, with local businesses taking the place of the prime real estate featured in the economics-based board game.
Players buy and trade properties in the game, and seek to develop them with houses and hotels.
The Medina-opoly game starts in a corner featuring the Medina Area Partnership. About 70 Median businesses and organizations are featured on the board.
Tim Elliott, a former Medina village trustee, worked with Jesse Cudzillo, director of the YMCA in Orleans County, to sell the spots on the board. They were a quick sell out.
“Medina is lucky to have businesses to fill it up and to have a waiting list,” Elliott said.
The board highlights Medina’s historic downtown business district.
There are 350 copies of the game that arrived in early September. The sponsorships paid to have the game produced in a Medina theme.
The games are being sold for $35 each, and the proceeds will go to the Y to update the women’s locker room. If the games sell out, the Y should receive about $12,000 towards the locker room improvements.
“It’s a Medina keepsake,” Cudzillo said. “It takes a snapshot of where Medina is in 2024.”
The Y director said he appreciates the support from the community in buying spots on the board, and also in purchasing the games. So far about 75 have sold. The came be purchased at the front desk of the Y. They will be there for the upcoming Ale in Autumn event on Sept. 28. They are also available online through the Canalside Tattoo website.
Medina was featured in the Monopoly game before, back in 1995 and 2000. The Medina Rotary Club led the effort to sell the spaces on the board and to make the games available to the community.
Elliott said the game could be updated again in the future.
“This shows how Medina has changed,” he said about the new board, compared to the Medina businesses from 1995 and 2000. “In 10 years there will be more changes.”
