By Dr. Robert Ford, Chief of Optometry, Oak Orchard Health

As you may know by now, a rare total solar eclipse will happen Monday, April 8, 2024, and the Western New York region is one of the best places to experience it. Our region is in the path of totality—a narrow band of area across Earth where the moon briefly covers all but a thin disk of sunlight around its edges. The excitement begins at 2:07 p.m., when the moon begins to cover the sun, at 3:20 p.m., the total eclipse will begin and last for about 3 minutes. It is a spectacular moment to witness as day turns into night in a matter of seconds and the stars begin to shine.

The dark side of looking at the sun

The only safe way to view the event is with special solar viewing glasses. They are made with filters that block Ultraviolet—or UV—light. And it is best to plan to wear special viewing glasses for the entire event rather than risk any exposure.

UV sunlight can burn your eyes’ retinas in less than a minute or two. Even a partially concealed sun is unsafe to view with the naked eye. Even though daylight will begin to dim, the ultraviolet rays will still be just as strong. The same is true when it is cloudy or you’re wearing sunglasses or looking through your home’s or vehicle’s windows.

Oak Orchard Health has safety glasses for viewing

Oak Orchard Health will be giving away ISO Certified eclipse viewing glasses to their current patients in our offices starting April 2. They are appropriate for adults and children. Limited supply is available and there is no cost.

You can also find places to purchase special eclipse viewing glasses by Googling The American Astronomical Society, a trusted organization, or see if your local library has them available, as the organization StarNet Libraries has distributed millions of the special viewing glasses to libraries around the U.S.

Precautions about other devices

If you are taking photos with your phone or camera, you still need to wear your viewing glasses. But there are certain devices that are unsafe to view the eclipse through even if you are wearing your viewing glasses: telescopes and binoculars. This is because such devices use magnifying lenses that will ruin the protective structure of the viewing glasses and damage your eyes anyway.

Watching out for kids

As for young children, remember to protect their eyes as well as your own. Providing them with viewing glasses can still be risky unless you control every second of your children’s behavior. So, the safest way for children to view an eclipse is indoors, on a television or computer screen, to be sure their eyes are never exposed to harmful rays. If your children are a bit older—teenagers—and want to experience the eclipse outdoors, just make sure they know to wear those special viewing glasses even as daylight dims. They may think, like other folks, that it is safe to look directly when it is not.

What to do about accidental exposure

After the eclipse, if you or a loved one have accidentally viewed direct sunlight and notice blurred or distorted vision, a change in the way you see colors, a blind spot, or a headache—usually within a few hours or the next day—make an appointment with an eye doctor right away. We have openings at our Brockport office. Just call (585) 637-3905 extension 3.

Sometimes, the symptoms of sun damage will go away after a few weeks or months. Sometimes, that damage is permanent.

For more on eclipse viewing safety, visit aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/solar-eclipse-eye-safety

Oak Orchard Health has a comprehensive Eye Department that includes two experienced Optometrists and a full suite of eyewear including contact lenses.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Mike Sidari enjoys some punch during a brief reception at Monday’s Village Board meeting, his last time presiding over the Village Board meeting as mayor. He is chatting with Gabrielle Barone, center, and Debbie Padoleski.

Barone is vice president for business development for the Orleans Economic Development Agency. She said she frequently reached out to Sidari about possible business projects in Medina. Padoleski is retired as Medina’s village clerk/treasurer. She was elected trustee last week and starts April 1 on the Village Board.

Sidari has been Medina mayor the past eight years, and was a trustee for two years before that. Sidari opted not to seek re-election last week. Marguerite Sherman, the current deputy mayor, starts her term on April 1. There will be a 5 p.m. swearing-in that day for Sherman and the new trustees, Mark Prawel and Padoleski.

There will be an open house on Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. for people to stop by and see Sidari at the village clerk’s office at 119 Park Ave.

Mike Sidari, center, reads a statement near the end of the Village Board meeting on Monday at the senior center. From left include trustees Jess Marciano, Marguerite Sherman, Tim Elliott and Diana Baker.

Sidari has been mayor during a time of several major business projects in Medina, as well as several community initiatives including a new dog park, skate park, an upgraded Pine Street Park with a splash pad, and much improved Boxwood Cemetery.

Sidari also helped Medina with the successful application for a $4.5 NY Forward grant from the state for downtown and waterfront projects. The state is expected to soon announce how that grant will be spent in the community.

The mayor said people have often remarked about Medina’s success during his tenure as mayor, with many telling him he was doing a great job. He was quick to respond it’s been a team effort in Medina.

“The one thing I can lay claim to is surrounding myself with some of the best trustees, department heads, workforce, committee members and business owners that a mayor can ask for,” he said, reading from his statement. “There are too many people that have contributed to the village, I can only say a general sincere heart felt public thank you to all of you. Your efforts and forward thinking made my job easier to navigate.”

The trustees may have disagreed, but Sidari said all were focused on reaching a resolution that was best for the village.

“I can honestly say all of them had the best interest in this place we call home,” he said. “It has been said that a political is in this for himself, a public servant is in this for the people. All of us have been public servants for the people of Medina.”

He encouraged residents to become active in the village.

“There are many opportunities to volunteer,” Sidari said. “If someone is thinking about throwing their hat in for a board position, get involved in a committee or two, come to board meetings and learn how things get done.”

Sidari said he made a promise to himself when he was elected mayor eight years was to do his best for the village “and try not to get too many people made at me. I hope in the eyes of the community I kept that promise.”

Sidari said he is available to help the new board during the transition to a new administration.

“Remember, it’s a must that all of you work together.”

He thanked his wife Brenda to putting up with all the meetings, phone calls and emails day and night.

The Village Board members and the crowd at the meeting stand and applaud Mike Sidari near the end of Monday’s Village Board meeting.

He was praised by department heads for his leadership while they managed their departments with planning projects, handling personnel issues and adhering to budgets.

Code Enforcement Officer Dan Gardner, Police Chief Todd Draper, Fire Chief Matt Jackson, DPW Superintendent Jason Watts and Village Clerk/Treasurer Jada Burgess all commended Sidari for his work as mayor.

They also praised Tim Elliott for his eight years of service as a village trustee. He lost a close election last week.

Jada Burgess said she witnessed Sidari’s dedication to the village, and praised him for “serving with integrity, knowledge and always being available to the taxpayers.”

The mayor worked with volunteers to implement improvements to the parks, including a skate park, new basketball court, a splash pad and now the early stages of an inclusive playground at Skate Street Park.

“His motto hasn’t ever been ‘I did this,’” Burgess said. “It has been, ‘We did this,’ knowing that the members of this community are what continues to move Medina forward in a  positive direction.”

Burgess thanked Sidari for helping her grow in her position as clerk-treasurer for the village.

She also praised Trustee Elliott for his service on the board.

“His insight has been refreshing, often bringing an out-of-the-box thinking which is beneficial to the board,” Burgess said about Elliott.

‘New Yorkers have suffered through unconstitutional lockdowns, mandates and unscientific guidelines’

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) joined his colleagues in the State Assembly on Monday to call for an independent and public review of the state’s Covid response.

Steve Hawley

On March 7, 2020, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency, shutting New York down for over a year, and exactly four years ago on March 25, 2020, Cuomo made the unthinkable decision to force Covid-positive patients into nursing homes.

During the pandemic, roughly 80,000 New Yorkers died while families and local businesses struggled to make ends meet and keep the lights on.

In May of 2022, Gov. Hochul called for a multimillion-dollar study of the state’s pandemic response. Nearly two years later, no due date has been announced and New Yorkers are still left to wonder why their government failed them. This proposed independent study will bring clarity and closure to those who suffered and lost loved ones in the pandemic while holding officials accountable for their actions.

“New Yorkers have suffered through unconstitutional lockdowns, mandates and unscientific guidelines. Now is the time for answers,” Hawley said. “Gov. Cuomo’s reckless policies put countless people in harm’s way and in many cases led to the tragic loss of lives.

“Nursing homes were forced to take in Covid-positive patients and hard-working communities were given curfews and told to stay home while their kids lost valuable time in the classroom. No number of independent reviews can reverse the pain and suffering New Yorkers experienced during that time, but it is our duty to be open and transparent with the public. It’s time for New Yorkers to learn the truth so we will not repeat the mistakes of the past.”

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

ALBANY – New York State Senate and Assembly Republicans, U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro, Voices for Seniors Co-Founder Vivian Zayas and Director Tracey Alvino and colleagues from their conferences gathered at the Capitol on Monday, marking the fourth anniversary of the Department of Health directive that forced nursing homes to accept Covid-positive patients.

Rob Ortt

The infamous order was a public health catastrophe that had devastating effects on nursing home populations and directly contributed to the almost 15,000 Covid deaths in long-term care facilities during the pandemic.

The group renewed its calls for the long-awaited independent review of the state’s disastrous Covid response. Despite commitments from the Hochul Administration to conduct an investigation, little to no progress has been made.

As thousands of families continue to wait for answers, the investigation process has only recently identified an outside consultant – Virginia-based The Olson Group, Ltd.. In addition lawmakers on Monday urged the governor to finally convene the “Reimagining Long-Term Care Task Force,” which has also been delayed.

“The best way to ensure New York is better prepared in the future, is to openly and honestly assess the mistakes of the past,” said New York Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “Thousands of families continue to mourn the loss of their loved ones in nursing homes due to the disastrous March 25th directive from former Governor Cuomo. They deserve the thorough, transparent investigation that was promised, not more inaction from their state government.”

Senate and Assembly Republicans have repeatedly requested legislative hearings equipped with subpoena power to seek answers and provide accountability for the families who lost loved ones due to the previous administration’s mishandling of the pandemic. The now publicly disclosed intentional omission of information by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his staff, and the damaging reports from Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Attorney General Letitia James support the need for further examination of the state’s Covid pandemic response by an independent entity.

“Four years of unanswered questions, four years of families grieving, four years of zero transparency,” said Will Barclay, leader of the Assembly Republican Conference. “Under no circumstance should the 2020 nursing home directive ever have been tolerated. Last year, Gov. Kathy Hochul promised families an independent review of the state’s policies during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic; New York families are still awaiting that review.”

MEDINA – The Village Board approved allowing use of the parking lot at the Medina Senior Center at 615 West Ave. as the new home for a car show.

The vote came after several people spoke in favor of keeping the car show at the Canal basin where there is plenty of shade and room for car owners to relax in chairs by the Erie Canal.

The car show in the Canal Basin for nearly 30 years was organized by former Orleans County Sheriff David Green. He retired from the role of car show organizer after last year. The events often drew 80 to 100 cars.

Rollin Hellner and Tom Snyder have offered to organize the shows this year, but Hellner said the costs would be less at the senior center. He owns The Walsh, a bar and restaurant across from the parking lot. He said he can extend his insurance to include the car shows, and also car enthusiasts could also use the bathrooms at The Walsh or nearby Poler’s Pub so port-a-potties wouldn’t need to be rented.

“I want to blow this out of the water,” Hellner said about drawing big crowds for the car show. “I want people to come see our village and beautiful Main Street. It’s going to take the community to make this great.”

Hellner said there are about 80 parking spaces for classic cars when the show moves to the senior center.

Staying at the Canal Basin likely won’t be an option in the near future anyway because Hellner said the state is planning to reconfigure the lot, taking away some parking to add more green space. The state hasn’t announced if and when the project will occur. It is among the proposals for the village’s $4.5 million NY Forward grant.

John Pratt, one of the classic car owners, was among the speakers who said he would prefer the Canal Basin.

“We’ve got a park-like setting,” he said about the Canal Basin. “Everybody likes it down there. It’s user-friendly with the shade and the water. There are a lot of other places they can go and sit in a land old parking lot.”

With the change to the senior center approved, Pratt asked the board to consider closing part of Park Avenue. That would make more space to park classic cars, and provide spots for the owners and their guests to sit in grass with some shade. That suggestion will be considered before the new car show season starts on May 31.

Hellner and Snyder said they are planning 12 car shows until Aug. 30. Two weeks ago they asked that the Super Cruise be on a Friday, with part of Main Street blocked off for about 200 cars. But they have relented from that and agreed to keep the Super Cruise on a Wednesday – Aug. 28.

Village officials don’t want to see Main Street closed on a Friday, which is a busy night for the restaurants.

Marguerite Sherman, the deputy mayor, cast the lone vote against the senior center parking lot for the car show. She wanted to do a walk-through of the parking lot to see how Hellner and Snyder planned to position the cars, to maximize the space. She wanted more time to consider the change, but the other board members agreed to allow use of the lot, with Hellner and Snyder to work out the particular details of how to best host the car shows.

Trustee Tim Elliott made the motion to allow use of the parking lot. He said Hellner and Snyder are eager to start promoting the event.

“The car show in the Canal Basin ended in August,” Elliott said. “This is a brand new car show. It’s their hard work going into this. It’s their money going into it.”

Press Release, Congressman Joe Morelle

ROCHESTER – Congressman Joe Morelle was joined by local leaders today to announce the full implementation of the Honoring Our PACT Act by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs.

All veterans exposed to toxins or other hazards while serving in the military are now eligible to enroll directly in VA healthcare, years ahead of schedule.

“We passed the Honoring Our PACT Act in Congress because our nation’s heroes shouldn’t have to jump through bureaucratic hoops to access the healthcare benefits they have rightfully earned from their courageous service,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I’m thrilled the provisions of our legislation have been implemented ahead of schedule, opening the door to life-saving care for millions of veterans. I am grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs for their swift action and look forward to our continued work together to ensure our veterans have the full benefits they deserve when they return home.”

The bipartisan Honoring our PACT Act, which Congressman Morelle voted to pass in 2022, expanded VA healthcare to veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service including burn pits and airborne hazards; created presumptions for 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers, shifting the burden of proof off our veterans; and streamlined internal processes so more veterans can receive the help and support they need in a timely manner.

As of March 5, 2024, the VA has fully implemented the provisions of the Honoring Our PACT Act by making all veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in our armed forces—whether at home or abroad—eligible to enroll directly in VA health care. While the Honoring Our PACT Act mandates veterans become eligible increments between 2022 and 2032, this decision waives the phase-in approach and makes every veteran eligible for care immediately.

To see if you, your family, or someone you know is eligible for care under the Honoring Our PACT Act, visit VA.gov/PACT. To learn more about how to register for healthcare through the VA, click here.

ALBANY – Two Village of Medina trustees traveled to the State Capital in Albany last week to seek more state funding for the village.

Jess Marciano and Diana Baker joined about 50 other municipal officials from around the state in Albany for a lobbying day. The event was organized by NYCOM (New York Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials) and the Association of Towns of the State of New York.

Marciano and Baker met with other officials from the state and then went to see the local state legislators, State Sen. Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

The village trustees had a list for the two state legislators. The trustees noted the village government has about 50 full-time employees serving a community with a high-poverty rate.

The employees are in the fire department (21 staff), police department (13 employees), Department of Public Works (12 workers), Clerk’s Office (4 staff) and one code enforcement officer.

The Medina trustees pressed the legislators to push for a sizable increase in AIM (Aid and Incentives to Municipalities) for Medina.

Marciano and Baker presented a chart showing Medina’s meager AIM amount of $45,523 for a village of 6,047 – for $7.53 a person. Smaller cities get more than $100 a person and this is unrestricted aid, to be spent at the discretion of the municipality. (The city of Salamanca, which is similar in size to both the villages of Medina and Albion, collects $928,131 in AIM funding or $156 per person for its 5,929 residents.)

NYCOM also is making more AIM a legislative focus, saying the $715 million total for cities, towns and villages hasn’t been increased in 15 years. NYCOM is seeking a 43 percent increase or another $309 million in AIM.

Jess Marciano, left, and Diana Baker met with Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

Marciano and Baker also said Medina needs more state funding for water and sewer upgrades, and for road maintenance.

“We’re about to go into another incredibly difficult budget year,” Marciano said. “We have to figure out a way to get more money in the village.”

Marciano said Medina isn’t just looking for a state handout. The village has been trying to convince the County Legislature to share more of the local sales tax. The Legislature hasn’t increased the sales tax to towns and village since 2001. It’s been stuck at $1,366,671 for 10 towns and four villages. Medina gets $160,160 of that total.

The local sales tax for the county totalled $23.1 million in 2023. Medina gets less than 1 percent of the total.

The village also is trying to rein in expenses without putting off long overdue projects such as a ladder truck replacement and need to expand the fire hall.

Baker said the discussions with Hawley and Ortt were “very enlightening” as they shared about so many factions in a diverse state, all pushing their own agendas. The smaller towns in rural communities often are overwhelmed by the larger cities and their needs.

Ortt was asked specifically to push legislation that would help the village. Medina has tried for years to have state legislation pass that would allow for a 2 percent occupancy tax for room rentals in the village.

Medina first tried to have the tax imposed in 2018 but it has stalled in the State Legislature.

Hawley has agreed to introduce legislation in the Assembly. Ortt has sponsored the legislation before in the State Senate but now said he is reluctant to back bills that result in a tax increase.

He told Marciano and Baker the “the circumstances have to be right” for him to push the bill in the Senate. He would have to give up something to make a deal with the Democratic Party majority. Right now, he said the Medina legislation benefits so few. But he told Marciano and Baker he isn’t giving up on the legislation.

Baker and Marciano appreciated that both Hawley and Ortt met with the Medina representatives without an appointment. Baker and Marciano said they will schedule more appointments next year so they present Medina’s challenges to more state officials.

“We had very good luck that both were available,” Marciano said about Hawley and Ortt.

The average price for a gallon regular gasoline went up an average of 6 cents nationally and in New York State in the past week. The national price today is at $3.53, while the statewide average is $3.43.

However, in Orleans County, the average price went up less than a cent, from $3.370 a week ago to $3.376 today, AAA reported.

Here are the prices today among Western New York counties:

• Orleans, $3.376
• Genesee, $3.314
• Wyoming, $3.393
• Livingston, $3.397
• Monroe, $3.357
• Niagara, $3.298
• Erie, $3.364
• Chautauqua, $3.522
• Cattaraugus, $3.431
• Allegany, $3.432

“While domestic gas demand has been lackluster, rising oil prices helped to push pump prices higher,” AAA said in a statement. “Gas prices are a lot like seasonal temperatures, rising with the arrival of spring. The demand for gasoline increasing during spring break also pushes pump prices higher.

“The upward trend in gas prices is not unusual this time of year. Another critical factor is the arrival of more expensive summer blend gas, which tends to increase pump prices by 10 to 15 cents. That transition is underway in some parts of the country.”

AAA also reported diesel prices remain relatively steady. The national average price for diesel is $4.04, up a cent from last Monday, while the New York average is $4.40, also up a cent.

Provided photos

MEDINA – Three Cub Scouts in pack 28 in Medina on Saturday “crossed over” and became Boy Scouts. The new Boy Scouts include, from left: William Mojeski, Jace Campisano and Sidney Mack.

The trio is shown with other Boy Scouts after they earned their “Arrow of Light,” the highest award in Cub Scouts (under 11 years old). They “crossed over” on a ceremonial bridge into Boy Scouts (11 to 18 years old).

These Cub Scouts on Feb. 17 participated in the Pinewood Derby last month. Jace Campisano came in first place with William Mojeski in second.

“We’ve got many fun activities coming up like Buffalo Bisons Baseball Scout Night, Bowl-a-Rama, and summer camp,” said Todd Draper, one of the leaders.

Anyone interested in the program and leave a message with the Scout’s charter organization, The Grove United Methodist Church. A message can be left by contacting Pastor Paul Adell at (585) 798-2142 or by email at medinaumc1@gmail.com.

ALBION – Hoag Library has two trustee positions up for election on May 6.

People interested in serving as a trustee need to live in the library service area (central Orleans towns of Barre, Albion, Gaines and Carlton).

Petitions needs to be signed by at least 25 adults in the service area. Petitions have been available at the library service desk since March 14. They are due by 5 p.m. on April 5.

The election will be from noon to 7 p.m. with results announced that night during the library’s annual meeting.

Press Release, Medina Mustang Band Boosters

Both Medina JV and Varsity Winterguards travelled to Liverpool, near Syracuse, to compete in a Mid-York Color Guard Circuit competition on Saturday.

The Mid-York Circuit is comprised of winterguard programs from Central and Eastern New York, while the North East Color Guard Circuit encompasses those in Western New York.  The trip gave the Medina guards the chance to experience other winterguard programs and thus expand their knowledge and awareness of the artform across the state.

There were 34 guards in a class structure that was somewhat different from those in the NECGC. Medina JV guard remained in the Cadet class and competed against Laurens JV, East Syracuse Minoa JV, Cicero North Syracuse JV2, the Black Knights JV (Rome, NY), and Central Square JV.  Scores ranged from 75.85 for Laurens to Medina’s 65.05.

The SA (Scholastic A) class was divided into three levels with the Medina Varsity competing in the SA2 class against the Laurens Jaguars, Baldwinsville Varsity, East Syracuse Minoa Varsity, and Cicero North Syracuse JV1. Scores ranged from a high of 88.20 for Laurens to 71.22 for Medina.

Medina is gearing up for the North East Color Guard Circuit championships on April 6 at Gates Chili High School.

Judging by the price of gas, this photograph of Narby’s Superette was taken in 2001.

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Vol. 4, No.12

CARLTON – For over one hundred and forty years, a general store has operated from the location which until recently housed the now closed Narby’s Superette at The Bridges in Carlton.

Several photographs from the Orleans County Department of History collection document this history.

This photograph, dated 1887, shows two adjoining businesses – that of G.W. Root on the left and G.D. Fowler’s general store on the right. A hotel, later destroyed by fire, had originally been built on this location.

Two men are standing on the left of the building. Peering closely, we can see two young children wearing white shirts peeking out from either side of what appears to be a tub.

The man standing on the left on the front porch is identified as George Root, who was a Civil War veteran of 8th NY Heavy Artillery. To the right, the man leaning against the pillar is identified as Ed, but his last name in not readable, while the man to his right is identified as G. D. Fowler.

This photograph, dated 1888, shows G.D. Fowler’s’ General Merchandise delivery wagon. Canned goods and fabric may be seen on the back of the wagon. The body language captured in the interchange between the three people shown here is classic. The salesman, identified as A.J. Small, is obviously pitching a sale for his goods. The older lady in the middle appears skeptical, while the young lady on the left is almost convinced, but still a little uncertain.

Fowler’s store also housed the Post Office. Benjamin and Gifford Fowler alternated as Postmasters from 1877 -1915 with a brief interruption from 1894-1897 when the post was held by James J. Waldron. Postal service to The Bridges was discontinued in 1915, when the mail was sent to Kent. Benjamin Fowler was one of the directors of the Albion-Carlton Telephone Company formed in 1880 and his store was among the first to provide telephone service in the area.

Fowler’s store was later purchased by Benjamin Bamber. A listing in the 1903 Orleans County Directory noted that Bamber was a general merchant who sold dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, hats and caps, drugs and medicines, hardware, crockery, paints, and oils. The store was also identified as a “Telephone Pay Station.”

Following Benjamin Bamber’s death in 1921, the store was run by his son Ward and was later acquired by Floyd Burns. The left half of the building was torn off many years ago.

Sharon and William Narburgh, Jr. acquired the business in the mid 1960s. Sharon continued the operation following the death of Mr. Narburgh in 1992. Upon her recent retirement, she calculated that she had worked at the store for a remarkable 58 years.

By Randy LeBaron

Good morning! Grab your favorite cup. Fill it up. And let’s start this week right… TOGETHER!!!

This Sunday (Palm Sunday) is the beginning of Holy Week which caps off Lent, leads into Easter, and focuses on the the passion of the Christ. I know that not everyone celebrates Easter, some are preparing for Passover which is only a month away, but for me as a Christian pastor this is the climax of the Christian calendar. It is also, as I have found, a great time to connect with others in the community.

Over the past 6 weeks I have enjoyed gathering with others from different churches and different backgrounds at the Lenten Lunches offered in Albion and Medina. Not only do I like to fellowship with others in the community who I do not get a chance to see on a regular basis, but it is the one time of year that I am pretty much guaranteed to get a delicious egg salad sandwich. Even if you don’t celebrate Lent you have probably partaken of a Friday Night Fish Fry with friends or family. Even as I write this, I am realizing how much this season of fasting is actually centered around food, but I digress.

The point I am trying to make is that there are plenty of opportunities for people to come together during this time and it only multiplies during holy week. Most churches will have their own Palm Sunday and Easter morning services, we meet @10 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Medina in case you are looking for somewhere to go, but there are other occasions to connect with those outside of your immediate circle on Good Friday and Easter morning.

Last year I participated for the first time in the MAAC Cross Walk where I was one of many who took turns carrying a cross around Medina while pausing at different spots to read the Scriptural account of Jesus’ journey to Golgotha. It was interesting last year because just before we were about to start a fire broke out filling the area with smoke which caused us to reroute. Thankfully the first responders on scene did a good job containing it so after praying for the safety of all involved we began our walk. If you are interested, we will be doing it again at noon this Good Friday starting at the Medina City Hall.

Good Friday is also a great time to gather with other churches and denominations in order to reflect on the cross and look ahead to the empty tomb. For the past decade I have been a part of the P.A.C.T. Good Friday Service where hundreds come together to worship and share in Communion. Personally, this is one of my favorite and most anticipated events each year. If you would like to join us it is at the Oak Orchard Assembly of God Church @ 6:30 p.m. on March 29.

Lastly, another thing I was able to experience for the first time last year was Easter Sunrise Service at Boxwood Cemetery in Medina. A little over 40 of us joined together on a cold, windy day to sing a few songs and hear a short message in what turned out to be a beautiful, serene setting. If you are an early bird we will be gathering there again at 7 a.m. this Easter morning.

See you in two weeks!
Pastor Randy

About 75 participate in Wayne Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness 5K

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Runners gather at the start line in front of a new inflatable resembling a colon this morning in the parking lot at the Albion Elementary School.

There were 56 finishers in the race, and several others who walked part of the 3.3-mile distance.

Photos by Marsha Rivers: Alex Zirkelbach of Olney, Maryland is out in front in today’s

Wayne Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness 5K in Albion. Alex won the race in a time of 19:45.

Jody Lynn Musolino of North Tonawanda was the first female, crossing the finish line in a time of 23:36.

The course was changed from the usual route along Route 31, from the elementary school to Mount Albion Cemetery and back after heavy snowfall last night.

The state Department of Transportation deemed the shoulders of 31 off limits after the snowfall.

Race organizer Bert Gallmon of Wolfpack Multisports considered cancelling the race, but Albion school officials agreed to be out early and have the parking lots and walkways plowed.

The course ended up being three loops of 1.1-mile each in the elementary and high schools.

The Cayea brothers of Medina take off fast at the start of the race. Arian Cayea, second from left, was second overall in 19:46 and his brother Aeddon, left, was sixth overall in 22:35.

The course was longer than a typical 5K by about 0.2 mile.

Photos by Tom Rivers: A runner heads to the finish line, the inflatable of a colon. Wolfpack Multisports recently acquired the inflatable for the Burlison 5K, which is in memory of an Albion elementary music teacher who passed away at age 36 from colon cancer on March 26, 2014.

Wayne’s wife Lisa and son Adam attended the event today.

Race organizer Bert Gallmon of Wolfpack Multisport encourages people to get checked for colon cancer, starting at 45.

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.

Colon cancer occurs when cells in the colon or rectum grow uncontrollably. Abnormal growths, known as polyps, can occasionally develop and certain polyps may eventually develop into cancer. Polyps can be found by screening tests and be removed before they become cancerous. Colon cancer is preventable, with the proper screening and education.

Some of the risk factors for colorectal cancer include:

• Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps
• Lifestyle factors that include overweight and obesity; not being physically active; certain types of diets such as a diet low in fruit and vegetables, a low-fiber and high-fat diet, and a diet high in processed meats; tobacco use; and alcohol use

Colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms right away and some people have no symptoms. Some of the symptoms may include:

• A change in bowel habits
• Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement)
• Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way
• Discomfort in the stomach area such as cramps, gas, or pain that do not go away
• Unintended weight loss
• Weakness and fatigue

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 90% of people whose colorectal cancers are found early, diagnosed and treated appropriately are still alive five years later.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Mallory Ashbery, center, is Marmee March, the mother of four daughters in Little Women. Marmee’s husband and the girls’ father is away in the Civil War, serving as a Union Army chaplain.

The girls include, from left: Danielle Wyant as Meg, Lily Brigham as Amy, Ella Trupo as Beth and Mallory Kozody as Josephine “Jo” March. They are at home in Concord, Mass. Mr. March sends a letter that he has contacted pneumonia. His wife prepares to go see him in Washington.

Albion performed the musical with shows on Friday at 7 p.m., and today at noon and 7 p.m. in the middle school auditorium.

The show is co-directed by Elliott Michki, Kailey Winans and Kathy Winans.

Jo (Mallory Kozody) acts out one of her novels, “An Operatic Tragedy,” while sister Meg (Danielle Wyant) chimes in.

Jo aspires to be a great novelist. Her stories entertain her family but so far have been rejected by 22 publishers.

James Ruiz plays Mr. Laurence and Zackary Baron is Theodore “Laurie” Laurence. Mr. Laurence is upset that Jo cut down one of his trees.

Laurie becomes friends with the March sisters. He first proposes to Jo and is rejected, and later marries Amy, the youngest sister.

Sawyer Brigham plays Sir Braxton and acts out a scene Jo’s operatic tragedy, with Clarissa, played by Keira Zambito. She is fleeing Sir Braxton and is heroine of Jo’s operatic tragedy. Julia Button, right, is in the ensemble.

Jo (Mallory Kozody) comforts her sister Beth (Ella Trupo) who has been stricken by scarlet fever and would die from the illness, causing a great sadness in her family.

Gideon Pask plays Professor Bhaer, a German professor who falls in love with Jo. The two become engaged with plans of opening their own school. Pask sings “Small Umbrella In The Rain.”