Provided photos

SHELBY – The Shelby Volunteer Fire Company hosted a basket raffle on Sept. 17 which attracted more than 600 people and raised about $12,800 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

A local contingent for “Team Fuller 155” also participated in the Out of the Darkness Buffalo walk for Suicide Prevention at Canalside in Buffalo on Sept. 23.

With the basket raffle and the walk the local group raised $17,543 for Suicide Prevention, said Ike Watts, one of the leaders of the local effort.

Ike Watts, left, and her husband Jason Watts are pictured on Sept. 23 during Out of the Darkness Buffalo, a walk to raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Ike Watts lost two people close to her to suicide. Both were first responders and public employees. She said first responders are often the last ones to seek out help, despite being exposed to many traumatic situations, that often leave them in physical and emotional pain.

The Watts and Fuller families have participated in the walk in Buffalo since 2016. This year a basket raffle was added in Shelby to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

A big group attended Out of the Darkness at Canalside in Buffalo.

Ike Watts doesn’t want there to be a stigma with suicide. She wants people to feel comfortable reaching out for help if they are struggling.

Medina FFA students served breakfast at the basket raffle event on Sept. 17. At left is Jack Cecchini and Maddie Farley is at right.

Watts praised a local committee for joining her in organizing the event on Sept. 17: Rebecca Lacy, Tammy Fearby, Christine Crane, Todd Eick and Stacey Knights. Watts said she expects the raffle will be back again next year after this year’s successful debut.

Provided photos: Jennifer Metz, executive director of CASA for Children, speaks during the organization’s fundraiser on Sept. 30 at Terry Hills Golf Course and Banquet Facility in Batavia. Metz, a Medina resident, leads the organization that serves children in Genesee as well as some in Orleans County.

Press Release, CASA for Children

BATAVIA – Close to 80 guests gathered at Terry Hills Banquet Facility on Sept. 30 for the 11th Annual CASAblanca Casino Fundraiser put on by the Genesee County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Children.

“It was wonderful to see so many people come out to support such an important cause,” said Jennifer Metz, Executive Director of Genesee County CASA. “The evening was filled with laughter, basket raffles, a silent auction, and Las Vegas-style casino games provided by Upstate Vegas Events out of Rochester.”

She praised the guest speaker who was very familiar with the work that Genesee County CASA for Children does. Her name is Madi Coniglio and she spoke about her experience with CASA and how CASA helped to change the trajectory of her life.

Madi Coniglio served as guest speaker and thanked CASA for its assistance.

“When I first started with CASA my hope and stability returned,” Madi said. “My voice was heard, and I was listened to for once. In a life full of doubt, I knew I never needed to doubt CASA’s ability to make sure I would be safe and loved.”

Other speakers included Pamela Wentworth, member of the Board of Directors and a volunteer advocate, and the Honorable Thomas Williams, Genesee County Family Court judge.

“The guests had a great time playing games, enjoying the delicious meal catered by the wonderful staff at Terry Hills, and socializing with each other,” Metz said. “I’m sure it was a night to remember for everyone who attended. The event was a huge success, and those funds will go to support the important work of CASA for Children throughout the community. Overall, it was a fantastic evening for a great cause.”

Genesee County CASA is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to train and supervise a diverse group of volunteers to advocate for children who have been abused and/or neglected.

The family court system appoints cases to CASA and we then assign them to our volunteer advocates. The children appointed to us are at risk of being removed from their homes or they have already been placed into the foster care system.

CASA’s goal is to ensure that all of these children have safe and permanent homes as quickly as possible. A child who has a CASA advocate has significantly fewer placements than a child without one. The involvement of a CASA advocate helps to improve the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of the child.

“We are always recruiting new advocates,” Metz said.

If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer or would like more information about the program, please contact Executive Director Jennifer Metz at 585-815-7809 or send an email to director@geneseecountycasa.org.

She also thanked the many sponsors of the event, and those that donated baskets for a raffle, gift certificates and silent auction items.

This photo includes many members of the board of directors and other key members of CASA for Children. Front row, from left: Deb Davis, Carla Franklin and Bev Hoy. Back row: Michelle Dills, Pamela Wentworth, Patricia Wormley, Executive Director Jennifer Metz, Christine Belongia (volunteer coordinator and advocate), Nicole Kresock and Christine Ditzel. Missing from photo: Barbara Hale, Kristie DeFreze, Rachel Hale, Erica Smith, Michael Vickner and Cathy Contant.

The guests play casino-style games at Terry Hills.

By Jeannie Wodo, CDPSE, Orleans Community Health IT Team Lead/IT Clinical Analyst/HIPAA Security Officer

In today’s digital age, technology continues to revolutionize the healthcare industry, making it more patient-centric and efficient. One such advancement is the introduction of patient portals, which have proven to be invaluable tools in fostering patient engagement and improving healthcare outcomes.

It’s time to delve into what patient portals are, their impact on patient participation, and the evidence from studies that underscores their importance in modern healthcare.

What are Patient Portals?

Patient portals are secure online platforms that give individuals direct access to their personal health information, typically provided by their healthcare providers or institutions. These portals offer a range of features, including:

1. Access to Medical Records: Patients can view their medical history, lab results, medications, and treatment plans.

2. Communication: Patients can send secure messages to their healthcare providers, facilitating direct and convenient communication.

3. Appointment Scheduling: Many portals allow patients to schedule appointments, request prescription refills, and receive appointment reminders.

4. Educational Resources: Portals often provide resources, such as educational materials and links to trusted health information, to help patients make informed decisions about their health.

Empowering Patients through Studies

Over the past decade, numerous studies have examined the impact of patient portals on healthcare outcomes. The results consistently show that patients who actively use portals are more likely to take control of their healthcare journey, adhere to their providers’ recommendations, and achieve better health outcomes.

1.  Improved Medication Adherence: One key aspect where patient portals excel is medication adherence. Studies have shown that patients who regularly access their medication lists and receive medication reminders through portals are more likely to take their medications as prescribed. This leads to better management of chronic conditions and reduces the risk of complications.

2. Enhanced Communication: Effective communication between patients and healthcare providers is fundamental to quality care. Patient portals facilitate secure messaging, enabling patients to ask questions, seek clarification, and report concerns directly to their providers. Studies confirm that improved communication leads to better understanding of treatment plans and increased patient satisfaction.

3. Engagement in Preventive Care: Patient portals often display preventive care reminders, such as vaccination schedules and recommended screenings. Patients who use these portals are more likely to stay up to date with preventive measures, ultimately reducing the likelihood of preventable illnesses and complications.

4. Timely Access to Test Results: Quick access to test results is crucial for informed decision-making. Patients who use portals can view their lab results as soon as they are available. This timely access empowers patients to discuss results with their providers promptly, enabling faster adjustments to treatment plans when necessary.

Conclusion

Patient portals have transformed healthcare by putting patients at the center of their own care. The evidence from various studies is clear: Patients who actively engage with these portals are more likely to adhere to their treatment plans, communicate effectively with their healthcare providers, and ultimately experience improved health outcomes. As technology continues to advance, patient portals will remain a vital tool in promoting patient empowerment and enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club last week presented a ceremonial check for $4,300 to support transportation and respite programs for the Office for the Aging.

The golf tournament was held on July 20 at Shelridge Country Club in Medina.

Pictured from left include Bill Downey, a member of the Rotary Club; OFA Director Melissa Blanar; Becky Karls, Albion Rotary Club member and OFA employee; and Cindy Perry, Rotary Club member.

Blanar said the funding will help with a transportation program where volunteers take senior citizens to appointments in Orleans County and surrounding counties. There were 432 requests for transportation from Sept. 20, 2022 to Oct. 1, 2023.

The nine volunteer drivers traveled 7,716 miles, Blanar said. They receive mileage reimbursement for the trips which are often to medical appointments, the pharmacy, the bank, hairdresser or to see a loved one in a nursing home.

For more information about the volunteer program, either as a driver or rider, contact the OFA at (585) 589-3191. Drivers can specify if they only want to do trips within Orleans County.

Blanar said some of the funds from the golf tournament will also help with a new respite program being developed by the OFA. That program provides activities for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia and can provide respite for caregivers.

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

As the colder weather starts drawing people in their homes, the windows are closed, and the heat is turned on, this creates a perfect setting for viruses that cause respiratory illnesses to spread.

“Respiratory viruses include rhinovirus (the common cold), influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. These viruses are spread from person to person by coming in contact with fluids like saliva (spit), respiratory droplets (from coughing and sneezing), or mucous from someone who is sick,” said Brenden Bedard, Director of Community Health Services for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “These viruses tend to mutate or change making it difficult to destroy, making it possible to get any of these viruses more than once.”

Generally, these viruses can be mild for most people however, for the very young, the very old and those with weak immune systems, or underlying health condition(s), they can cause serious illness.

Daily practicing of good health precautions throughout the year can limit the spread of all respiratory illnesses. Make sure you and your family practice the following:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing/sneezing. This may prevent those around you from getting sick. Use your elbow or shoulder to limit the spray when coughing/sneezing.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. It is especially important to wash your hands after you have coughed or sneezed into your hands or blown your nose. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Frequently disinfect shared items, like doorknobs, phones, pens, remotes, etc.
• Talk with your healthcare provider about being vaccinated for flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumonia. For information on vaccinations visit vaccines.gov.

Practice these other health habits for general health all year:

• Clean and disinfect touched surfaces at home, work and school.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Engage in regular physical activity. As you are able, work up to 20-30 minutes a day most days of the week.
• Manage your stress. Read a book, chat with a friend, take a walk, etc.
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids.
• Eat nutritious foods.

For more information on respiratory illnesses visit: https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory- viruses/index.html.

To access New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) COVID-19 isolation orders, visit: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/isolation. Residents should follow the COVID-19 isolation guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html.

For more information on Health Department programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your respective health department at:

• Orleans County: 585-589-3278
• Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Richard Bannister is pictured with his sculpture, “ET’s Baby.” It is made from spalted maple on painted steel.

Bannister, a Barre resident, has 18 sculptures on display at the Marti’s on Main Gallery at 20 South Main St. Friday was the opening reception for the show and about 50 people attended.

Bannister has displayed his work in art shows in seven states and in Mexico, but this is the first time in Albion. Genesee Community College in Batavia also has 21 of his pieces on display until the end of October at the Rosalie “Roz” Steiner Art Gallery.

Bannister created “Reclining Nude” from black cherry on pine. Reflect in mirror is the sculpture, “Large Hipped Lady,” which is made of black cherry wood on painted steel.

Kim Martillotta-Muscarella, owner of the gallery, said Bannister is “a legend.” She is thrilled to feature his sculptures to close out this year’s exhibits.

 The gallery is open by appointment. Contact Martillotta-Muscarella at (585) 590-9211 for more information.

(Left) “Oh No, Pregnant Again?” is made from black cherry on painted steel and (Right) is “Eiffel Tower.”

“Breast Cancer” made from a weeping willow.

“Elongated Pregnant Woman” is among the sculptures that Bannister made using chisels. Bannister said he doesn’t start working on a piece of wood with an end result in mind.

“It has taken 30 years for me to realize that this isn’t me at all,” Bannister said about the sculptures. “It is very humbling. It is a gift.”

First responders and employees of FMC’s Agricultural Sciences Plant in Middleport gather for Safety Day activities at the plant. Pictured from left include Edgar Chirivella, FMC Middleport interim plant manager; Sgt. Roland Johnson, Middleport Police Dept.; Joshua Walker, maintenance & site services manager at FMC Middleport; Deputy Nicholas Ross, Niagara County Sheriff’s Office; Ryan Czaja, Middleport Fire Department Chief.

Photos and press release from FMC

MIDDLEPORT – FMC Corporation’s Agricultural Sciences Plant in Middleport recently hosted its annual Safety Day for plant employees with area first responders and featuring presentations and demonstrations focused on community, home and work safety.

Among the Safety Day event participants were first responders including the Middleport Fire Department, Middleport Police Department and Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, as well as companies that provide products and services that support FMC’s safety protocols including Dival, MSA and Modern Disposal.

Key elements of the day were fire extinguisher and impairment trainings for plant employees.

As part of Safety Day, the FMC Middleport plant was proud to make donations to both the Middleport Fire Department and the Middleport Police Department.

“FMC is a company that is truly committed to safety, which is why our annual Safety Day is such an important event for us,” said Edgar Chirivella, FMC Middleport interim plant manager.  “It gives the members of our team the chance to connect and spend some time with the first responders who serve our community, as well as representatives of the companies who provide the safety equipment we rely on.  It’s a great opportunity for us to learn all we can about the latest advances in safety protocols and equipment.”

Middleport Police Chief John Swick (center) accepts a donation to the Police Department from Edgar Chirivella (right), FMC Middleport interim plant manager and Joshua Walker, maintenance & site services manager at FMC Middleport.

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This group of long-time firefighters gathers last week at St. Mary’s Athletic Club on Moore Street for a monthly meeting.

Photos and information courtesy of Chuck Norman

ALBION – Did you know the original four departments of the Albion Fire Department still meet the first Wednesday every month?

Several years ago, Active Hose graciously asked the separate departments to join together for meeting and fellowship. Those departments included Dye Hose, Hart Hose and Hook & Ladder.

The meeting is held at the St. Mary’s Club in Albion and a meal is served to those in attendance.  The October meeting meal was a stuffed porkchop with mashed potatoes and green beans, and dessert of ice-cream and a mini-donut.  The meal was prepared by local renown chef Theresa Schmackpfeffer.

This month’s meeting was brought to order by Darryl Szklany (Active Hose 1969) and the pledge to the flag was recited. The minutes from the prior meeting were read and accepted.  Old business, new business, birthdays and next month’s food committee was elected; motion for adjournment was made and seconded.

Fuzzy Norman of Dye, right, and Ace Caldwell of Dye, left, show their appreciation to Theresa Schmackpfeffer for last week’s meal. All three are 91 years old.

Fuzzy has been a member of the Dye Hose since 1950, while Ace has been a member since 1952.

Other members in attendance at the recent meeting include:

Dennis Stirk – member of Active hose since 1969

Dennis Smith – Active Hose since 1968

Ed Norton – guest – Barre Center 1971

Mike Stirk – Active Hose 1965

Darryl Szklany – Active Hose 1969

Bill Basinait – Active Hose 1974

Micky Pilon – Die Hose 1960

Bert Mathes – Active Hose 2010

Francis Dibley – Active Hose 1971

Missing from the photo, Chuck Norman – Dye Hose 1973; and Willie Culverwell – Active Hose.

Darryl Skzlany, back left, and Bill Basinait listen to the conversation at the meeting.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – The Village of Medina teamed with the Orleans County YMCA on a new 9-hole disc golf course. Most of the new course is in a wooded area at Gulf Street Park.

Hole 1 goes across the wide open grassy area of the park with the basket near the entrance to the woods. Then the next eight holes are in the wooded area. The village Department of Public Works cleared a path in the woods for the different disc golf holes.

The new course opened on Saturday. The tee boxes still need to be added, but the starting points are marked with pink flags for beginners or blue for more skilled players.

Manny Velez, 34, of Medina tried the course for the first time this afternoon. Velez is shown here before his first shot on the Hole 8. Velez has been playing disc golf for about two years.

“This is pretty challenging,” he said about Medina’s new course.

He likes the weaving paths in the woods, and how the course starts and ends in a loop. He said he is grateful to have a course so close by.

“Having it in town we don’t have to travel,” he said. “It’s awesome.”

The basket for Hole 8 is only a few feet from the water of Glenwood Lake.

Here is another view of the basket for Hole 8 with the lake in the background.

Manny Velez retrieves one of his frisbees that he threw a little too hard with it landing in the water. Velez said the lake is shallow near the course so it wasn’t hard to get the frisbee back.

Once the tee boxes are added, with the distance to the baskets noted, Velez said he can better calculate which frisbee to throw and how far.

He urged people to give disc golf a try, and to go easy on themselves in the beginning. It takes practice to learn how to angle the throws and get the right distance.

The basket for Hole 7 is tucked in close to many trees.

Medina’s DPW used a skid steer with a forestry head to carve a path in the woods, mulching brush and small trees.

Medina worked with the Orleans County YMCA to develop the course in a project funded by a grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. Albion did a similar project at Bullard Park.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation gave the YMCA $20,000 to $24,000 to develop the projects with tee boxes, signs and baskets that are mounted in small concrete foundations – 8 inches wide by 20 inches deep.

Gas prices dropped in the past week, with the average price for regular unleaded down 4 cents in New York State to $3.85 and the price down 11 cents nationally to $3.70, according to AAA. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.63.

Among counties in Western New York, the average prices today include:

• Orleans, $3.871
• Genesee, $3.817
• Wyoming, $3.891
• Livingston, $3.861
• Monroe, $3.862
• Niagara, $3.809
• Erie, $3.842
• Chautauqua, $3.760
• Cattaraugus, $3.754
• Allegany, $3.866

AAA reports that national pump prices dropped significantly amid lower demand and a decrease in oil prices. This morning, oil is $85 to $86 per barrel.

“If oil prices continue to decline, drivers can expect further price drops at the pump in the weeks ahead,” AAA said.

The national average price for diesel is $4.51, down five cents from last Monday, and down from $5.03 a year ago, AAA reported. In New York, the average diesel price is $4.73, down two cents from a week ago, and lower than $5.09 one year ago.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The photo of Maddox Pearl is next to a display of banners highlighting players on the Albion boys and girls varsity and JV teams on Saturday.

The school celebrated “Super Soccer Saturday” with home games from the morning to dusk.

Maddox Pearl, 5, of Albion passed away on Sept. 30 after a courageous battle with DIPG, an aggressive brain tumor.

The Albion varsity girls wore yellow “Kick for Cancer” shirts for the game on Saturday against CSAT. The players wore the names of people affected by cancer. This player highlighted Maddox Pearl and the late Byron Neal, who passed away from cancer at age 8 on April 14.

The varsity team and their coach Maggie Orbaker gather for a photo before Saturday’s game at home.

Many of the players wrote the name of Maddox as well as close family members who have battled cancer.

Case-Nic Cookies owner backs many agencies and causes

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Mary Kou Tuohey started Case-Nic Cookies in 1995 and has supported many local fundraisers with the business. She will receive a Community Service Award from the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 19.

MEDINA – The announcement she would be receiving a Community Service Award from the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce is a surprise and an honor, said Mary Lou Tuohey.

The owner of Case-Nic Cookies at 439 Main St., Tuohey said serving her community is just what she does.

Tuohey was a registered nurse when she decided to change careers.

“I had always wanted to own a cookie shop,” she said. “I tried to get into Lockport Mall, but they refused me. I thought about going back to school to become a doctor’s assistant, but with two young kids, that wasn’t an option.”

She figured with her own store, the kids wouldn’t have to go to a baby sitter, and on Feb. 11, 1995, she opened her bakery.

“It was just me and my family,” she said.

Three days later was Valentine’s Day and with her nephew behind the counter they opened the door.

“It was horrifying,” she said. “People filled the sidewalk outside the door. I only had one regular oven and offered four kinds of cookies. I couldn’t bake fast enough.”

She went home that night and thought, “I think I’ve made a big mistake.”

Her first store was down the street and when the store at 439 Main St. became vacant, she moved there.

Her business continued to grow. She added more varieties of cookies, including cutouts, cupcakes and brownies.

She had named the store after her and husband David’s two children, Casey and Nicole. Nicole was born with Triple X Syndrome and has received tremendous support from The Arc. So naturally, The Arc was one of the causes Tuohey started to support.

Both of her parents died of Alzheimers, so that also has become a favorite charity. Every year, Nicole makes links out of construction paper and Tuohey sells them in the cookie shop, with all the money going to the Alzheimer’s Association. She annually is a leader in organizing the Walk for Alzheimer’s. Nicole also makes bracelets and Mary Lou makes cutout cookies, all of which are sold for $1 to benefit their charities.

Tuohey used to sponsor a basket raffle every year, but when Covid hit in March 2020, she couldn’t do a traditional event. So she devised a system where she numbered the baskets and printed them out on a sheet of paper. That was placed in an envelope and put inside a bucket outside her door when the store was closed. Supporters could choose what baskets they wanted and write the number of tickets they wanted placed in each basket. Then they put their money in the envelope with the sheet and drop it in the mail slot.

That became the norm for non-profits’ basket raffles. Tuohey has given up the window in her store and allows any non-profit to use it for their raffle for a month.

She generously donates to benefits when she is asked, providing a basket for their raffle or a gift certificate.

“I ask people for donations for The Arc and the Alzheimer’s Association, and those who ask me for donations are struggling, so if I can help them, I do.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

EAST SHELBY – Aaron Knights welcomes walkers and joggers to a 5K for the Knights-Kaderli Fund that started near the East Shelby Fire Hall on Saturday at 11 a.m.

Knights is the son of the late Richard Knights, who died from cancer at age 38 in 1984. He is part of the inspiration for the Knights-Kaderli Fund, which directs about $40,000 to $50,000 a year to help people in Orleans County who are battling cancer.

The fund also is named in honor of Sue Kaderli, who died from cancer at age 52 in 1989.

The 35^th annual walk/run is one of several fundraisers for the Knights-Kaderli Fund. The walk headed from the fire hall down East Shelby Road.

The Knights and Kaderli families estimate that more than $1 million has been used from the fund since it was established, helping cover some of the utilities, co-pays and other bills for people fighting cancer.

The fund typically assists about 40 to 50 people a year with some of their expenses.

“We’ve been through what these people are going through,” said Mary (Kaderli) Zelazny, one of Sue’s daughter. “The last thing you should to worry about is how you should pay a bill. If we can ease that burden that is a great help to people.”

There were about 140 baskets up for raffle, which drew a crowd of people hoping they would be able to take home some of the items.

Mary Zelazny said she is grateful for the many residents and businesses that donated baskets for the event.

“We’re grateful to live in this county,” Zelazny said. “People are very caring.”

There were also other higher-end items up for raffle.

Butchie Stockwell, right in yellow, is on the move in the 5K walk with her friend Nicki Dresser and Nicki’s daughter Cece, 7.

Stockwell said the Knights-Kaderli Fund provided some financial assistance when her parents, Bill and Connie Lyster, both had cancer. Stockwell said the funds eased some of the worries during a difficutl time for her late parents.

Stockwell said she is pleased the Knights and Kaderli families remain committed to the cause of helping many local families each year.

For more information on the Fund, click here or contact Mary Zelazny at (585) 746-8455, Melissa Knights Bertrand at (716) 983-7932 or Stacey Knights Pellicano at (716) 998-0977.

Photo and information courtesy of Medina Mustang Marching Band

WEBSTER – The Medina Marching Band competed for the fourth time this season on Saturday when the Mustangs traveled to Webster.

A total of 10 bands performed, starting with the Pride of Rochester who performed in exhibition.

In SS1, East Irondequoit earned 1st place with 83.5 followed by Medina in 2nd with 77.4.

In SS3, Le Roy earned 1st place with 72.95 followed by Marcus Whitman at 71.65.

Other winners were Greece in LS3 with 76.80; Oswego in SS2 with 76.7; Webster in LS2 with 84.8 and Victor in the National class with 83.05.

There are two more competitions to go and then Carrier Dome for the championship. The Medina band consists of 76 members and approximately 30 of them are marching for the first time.

They practice several times each week and you can see their progress as well as subtle changes to the drill. Their perseverance is to be commended.

Medina’s next competitions are Victor on Oct. 14, Central Square on Oct. 21 and the championships at the Dome on Oct. 29.