Provided photos

HOLLEY – Wreaths are placed on veterans’ graves on Saturday during Wreaths Across America. Holley for the first time participated in the event, which is celebrated in about 4,000 communities across the country.

The Holley Rotary Club took the lead in raising the funding and organizing the event at Hillside Cemetery. The club set a goal for 100 wreaths, but doubled that with the 200 on Saturday.

Kim DeFrank, a Holley resident and the Orleans County treasurer, was among about 35 volunteers who placed wreaths at graves.

Craig Lane, an Air Force veteran, spoke at the ceremony before the wreaths were laid.

Wreaths are set at a veterans’ memorial at the cemetery. The memorial includes five granite etched stones for the Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard. The memorial has a pentagon-shaped concrete base and a 25-foot flagpole.

Laura Bentley, right, of the Holley Rotary Club pushed the wreaths in Holley. She is joined by Kerry Lane in getting the out of a box. Bentley said the group of volunteers were pleased to be out honoring veterans.

Hillside Cemetery has a new look with the wreaths at the veterans’ graves.

Medina placed 1,008 wreaths, with most at Boxwood Cemetery. In Lyndonville, about 450 wreaths will be placed at Lynhaven Cemetery on Housel Avenue in Lyndonville with others put at Yates Center Cemetery, Robin Hill Estate, the Greenman Road Cemetery, Lott Cemetery on Angling Road and a cemetery on Marshall Road.

Lyndonville first joined the Wreaths Across America effort in 2019. Medina has been doing it since 2013.

By Randy LeBaron

Good morning! Grab your favorite cup. Fill it up.

And let’s start this week right… TOGETHER!!!

Long before becoming a Christian, or a pastor for that matter, I still looked forward to celebrating Christmas with great anticipation as most young children do. I found that my family’s traditions enhanced the time leading up to December 25th and added to my excitement for the day. I look back now with nostalgia at that time of my life even as I realize that Christmas has taken on a new meaning for me now. One thing that has stayed the same though is the elation I experience every year at this time.

Growing up I would say that my primary focus, as far as Christmas was concerned, was on getting gifts. I didn’t know a lot about Jesus back then but you had better believe that I was on good terms with Old Saint Nick. He was making a list and checking it twice and I was doing my best to be on my best behavior and not fight with my sister. I knew he was real because every year, all through the month of December, my parents would wrap presents and place them under the tree but then, come Christmas morning, we would always find new gifts with the familiar tag, “From Santa”.

It was fun picking up and shaking all of the packages that had been laid out beforehand, in an attempt to guess what they could be, but the “Santa” presents were special because they always seemed to be bigger or better than the others—something that I had really wanted. I mean it was fine if my folks wanted to give me socks or some generic version of a toy, like when I asked for a transformer and instead I got a Gobot, but when it came to Santa (aka my Grandparents as I found out when I was older) my expectations were much higher because year in and year out these always turned out to be the most amazing gifts. I remember receiving things like my first BMX Bike, a tape recorder (you know the one—it was a black rectangle that laid flat and chewed up every other cassette that you placed in it), and even my very own TV. Sure, it was B&W with only a 13” inch screen but it was mine!

Every year I was like the boy from the movie “A Christmas Story” who, after believing he had already unwrapped all of his presents, was surprised to find out that his father had saved the best for last—his very own Red Rider, carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle. Now fast forward 40-plus years and learning the true meaning of Christmas (It’s all about Jesus!), and forming new traditions with my own family, things have changed. The emphasis I had always placed on “getting” gifts has now been replaced with the joy of “giving” them.  Some things are still the same though.

I still read Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol every year without fail. I still love watching all of the movies and television specials dedicated to this season like: A Charlie Brown Christmas, Elf, The Muppets Christmas Carol, Home Alone, The Santa Claus, Die Hard, and It’s a Wonderful Life. I still love belting out classics carols, like Jingle Bells or Christmas in Hollis, whether I am in the shower, my car, or even just walking down the aisle at Walmart. And I still believe that the best things come when we least expect it.

To that end, over 2,000 years ago there were shepherds in a field watching over their flocks when all of a sudden an angel appeared to them and proclaimed these words, later made famous by Linus Van Pelt, “for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Better than a BB Gun, the latest form of technology, or anything else this world has to offer—when they least expected it they were given the greatest gift.

I hope that you will be just as surprised and blessed this Christmas!

See you in two weeks!

Pastor Randy

MEDINA – MAAC’s Christmas Barrel program came to a conclusion for another year on Saturday, with the delivery of gift boxes to more than 300 individuals, more than 170 of them children.

Sherry Tuohey, who heads the annual Christmas project, said MAAC provided Christmas gifts and dinner to one-third more people than last year. The packed boxes filled the dining room and the entryway of the church.

She said there was such a need in the community, especially since year they had homeless families to provide for this year.

“We live in a wonderful community,” Tuohey told the dozens of firefighters who came to breakfast at the Grove United Methodist Church before setting out to deliver all the boxes. “People are so giving.”

East Shelby Fire Chief Debbie Taylor and her husband Jeff, along with Josh Fuller, load Christmas boxes in their truck for delivery.

Tuohey thanked all the people who helped her – Kathie McMoil who takes charge of personal care items, most of which are donated by Medina High School students and staff; Norma Jean Foster, who does all the food shopping; Barb Vreeland, president of MAAC, who coordinates the drive for hats, mittens and socks; the Boy Scouts who helped carry items up from the basement; and importantly, Medina firefighters who distribute the barrels in November and pick them up in early December; and the firefighters from Medina, East Shelby, Ridgeway and Shelby who volunteer to deliver the filled boxes to families in the Medina area.

Tuohey said she has a wonderful group who work with her. The MAAC Christmas Barrel program is really a year-long project.

“All year long, I’m shopping for deals,” she said.

Chief Matt Jackson and Captain Jon Higgins from Medina Fire Department, standing at left, and firefighter/paramedic Steve Miller load a pickup with Christmas boxes for delivery on Saturday.

Medina fire chief Matt Jackson said the firefighters look forward to the project every year.

“We’ve done it so many years, it goes pretty smooth now,” he said.

Gordie and Sandy Smith of Medina are relatively new volunteers, this being the second year they have helped. When Tuohey announced how tired they were after sorting all the gifts and packing the boxes, Sandy said, “But it’s so rewarding.”

Sherry Tuohey, head of MAAC’s Christmas Barrel program, welcomes firefighters from Medina, East Shelby, Ridgeway and Shelby to breakfast Saturday morning at The Grove United Methodist Church. Firefighters delivered Christmas boxes to more than 300 individuals who applied for assistance.

When the firefighters picked up the filled barrels and returned them to the church, volunteers then spent several days sorting the donations into categories of ages, and boys and girls. Then on Monday and Tuesday, they started to pack the boxes. Each family got a ham, canned fruit and vegetables and multiple gifts for each child in the family.

This year, MAAC provided Christmas boxes to 28 seniors, all of whom received food, personal care items and a crocheted lap robe, made and donated by Jane Wharram of Medina.

In concluding, Tuohey told the room full of MAAC volunteers and firefighters, “We really appreciate you.”

Don Marchner, a volunteer with Ridgeway Fire Department, carries out a Christmas box to his truck. In back, Lt. Steve Cooley with Medina Fire Department talks to fellow firefighters before beginning to load their vehicles.

Group also gives to Boots on the Group which sends care packages to vets

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Jeff Brien, commander of the Marine Corps League Detachment No. 1271, accepts a check from Roger Ettinger with the Sons of the American Legion for Toys for Tots, while Legion commander Brad Rouse presents a check to Ray Ettinger for Toys for Tots.

ALBION – Christmas came early to several veterans’ groups in Albion on Friday, with the donation of checks from the Sheret American Legion Post 35, Sheret Post Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion.

The first presentation was checks for $500 each from the Post and Auxiliary to the Veterans’ Van Service. Dave Kusmierczak of Medina, president of the Orleans County Joint Veterans’ Council, which runs the van service, accepted the check toward purchase of a new van.

“We have two vans that need replacing, and this donation is much appreciated,” Kusmierczak said.

In presenting the check, Post Commander Brad Rouse said, “The Orleans County Joint Veterans Council has a great service they provide to our veterans throughout Orleans County by providing transportation to and from medical appointments to Buffalo, Rochester and Canandaigua.”

Jeff Brien, commander of the Marine Corps League Detachment No. 1271, accepts a check from Pam Taylor, president of the Sheret Post Auxiliary, for the Marines’ Toys for Tots project. At rear is Post commander Brad Rouse and Auxiliary members Wendy Hinkley, Carolyn Gibson and Shirley Smith, and Ray Madigan, treasurer of the Marine Corps League.

Next was a check for $500 from the Post to the Auxiliary to support their project of sending care packages to veterans serving overseas.

“The American Legion Sheret Post 35 is proud to partner with the Auxiliary in support of their two-year commitment to sending care packages to our troops with Boots on the Ground,” Rouse said. “These troops are still in small numbers in countries like Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait.”

This is the second year the Auxiliary has sent care packages to Boots on the Ground, but the first year the Post has assisted them.

“Under my leadership as commander, I am committed to unifying all groups in our post,” Rouse said. “We have become stronger as a group and I commit to continuing to strengthen our relationship and the support one another.”

Members of the Sheret American Legion Post 35 in Albion presented a check for $1,000 on Friday to Dave Kusmierczak, president of the Orleans Veterans Council, toward the purchase of a new van. From left are Shirley Smith, 25-year member of the Sheret American Legion Auxiliary; Brad Rouse, commander of the post; Kusmierczak; Pam Taylor, Auxiliary president; Wendy Hinkley, Auxiliary vice president; and Carolyn Gibson, Auxiliary secretary.

A third donation came from the Auxiliary to the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots.

Auxiliary president Pam Taylor gave a check for $100 to Jeff Brien, commander of the Marine Corps League Detachment No. 1271.

“Upholding the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary, ‘For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth and promote patriotism good citizenship, peace and security,’” Taylor said. “The American Legion Auxiliary is proud to present this check for $100 as a donation for a great cause.”

The final donation was a check for $150, which Rouse presented on behalf of the Post to Ray Madigan, treasurer of the Marine Corps League Detachment, for Toys for Tots. An additional $25 was acknowledged from Joe Gehl of Albion.

The Marines stated the donations will be held and used for Christmas gifts for children of Marines next year.

The Post and Auxiliary said they are constantly trying to raise money through raffles and drawings to support causes such as these in the community. The Auxiliary also holds an annual golf tournament, which although small, Taylor said helps fund their causes.

Brad Rouse, left, commander of the Sheret American Legion Post, presents a check to the Auxiliary to support their Boots on the Ground project for those serving in countries, such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. From the Auxiliary, at left, are president Pam Taylor, vice president Wendy Hinkley, secretary Carolyn Gibson and 25-year member Shirley Smith.

149 have now graduated since 2018; Nick Picardo named alumnus of year

Photos by Tom Rivers: Taylor Gilbert, a credit representative with Farm Credit East, is congratulated by Orleans County legislator Skip Draper on Thursday evening during the graduation ceremony for Leadership Orleans. Charlie Nesbitt, a retired state assemblyman, is in back. Gilbert is among 25 graduates in the 2023 class.

LYNDONVILLE – A new class has completed an intensive program looking at aspects of the Orleans County community and equipping them to be more involved to help steer the county to success.

Leadership Orleans has now graduated 149 people since the first class in 2018. The program aims to build the “citizen capital” of the community, helping develop leaders who are educated on the many facets of the community, from agriculture, non-profit organizations, government services, small and larger businesses, tourism, arts and culture, community health and economic development.

The class also learned about their individual strengths and weaknesses, their personality types and how that shapes their decision-making and tendencies.

The group visited 44 sites around the county during the year and heard from 53 presenters. The program is funded through sponsors and tuition.

Lynne Johnson chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature, congratulates the class on completing Leadership Orleans, which included sessions each month.

“It is no small feat being able to make a commitment when all of our lives are so busy and hectic,” Johnson said during the graduation at the White Birch. “Your continued and future involvement in all aspects of our community is sorely needed and very much welcomed – from running for office, to serving on non-profit boards, to helping develop a vision of what our future can be – we need all of your talents.”

Johnson urged the group to be good listeners in their roles as leaders.

“Unfortunately, open dialogue is too often defined by who can shout the loudest, talk the fastest, deliver the most clever one-liners and generate the most likes on social media,” she said. “I do not think any of us would define that as leadership, yet that’s the path we’re on.”

Dana Joy, clinical supervisor for UConnectCare (formerly GCASA), accepts his diploma and certificates for completing the class from County Legislator Skip Draper and Jayleen Carney, representing Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

The graduates this year include:

• Jenifer Batt, Director Community Services, Arc GLOW
• Julie Berry, Author/Owner, Author’s Note
• Gabriel Bruning, Owner, Bruning Farm & Mountain Mule Ciderhouse, LLC
• Tracy Cliff, Deputy County Clerk, Orleans County
• Angela Conway, Principal, Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School, Albion CSD
• Carl Creasey, Training Manager, Claims Recovery Financial Services, LLC
• Jesse Cudzilo, Executive Director, Orleans County YMCA
• John Fitzak, Legislator, Orleans County
• Taylor Gilbert, Credit Representative, Farm Credit East
• Kristin Grose, Human Resources Manager, Orleans Community Health
• Michele Harling, Town Clerk, Town of Yates
• Katie Harvey, Director of Personnel and Self-Insurance, Orleans County
• Cassandra Healy, Store Mgr./Classroom Inst., Community Action of Orleans and Genesee
• Megan Johnson, Executive Director, Orleans Community Health Foundation
• Dana Joy, Clinical Supervisor, UConnectCare (formerly GCASA)
• Gwendolyn Large, Volunteer, Lyndonville Lions Club
• Kristy Lindner, Senior Quality Engineer, Baxter Healthcare Corp.
• Jaime Lyndaker, Director of Operations/Orleans Campus, Genesee Community College
• Janelle Moyer, Operations Manager, Claims Recovery Financial Services, LLC
• Brian Neal, Manager, Orleans Poverty Hill Farms
• Katherine Oakes, Horticulture Educator, Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension
• Sarah Osborne, Director of Probation, Orleans County
• Michael Restivo, Financial Advisor, Brighton Securities
• Jessica Rockcastle, Human Resources Manager, Baxter Healthcare Corp.
• Elizabeth Tuttle, Youth Services Librarian, Hoag Library

Skip Helfrich

The schedule for this past year included a two-day opening retreat in January, legislative affairs in February, economic & workforce development in March, community health in April, communities & culture in May, outdoor leadership in June, tourism & recreation in July, volunteerism in August, agribusiness in September, education in October, simulated society in November, a closing retreat on Dec. 7 and graduation on Thursday.

“It’s not the same session every year,” said Skip Helfrich, executive director of Leadership Orleans since it started. “Every year we try to make it better.”

He said there are already 25 people committed to next year’s class.

Leadership Orleans also will be starting a “Level Up” program in smaller groups. It will include eight people initially and they will meet weekly in seven 4-hour sessions.

“What’s the next level?” Helfrich said. “Where do we go from here.”

The “Level Up” will focus on how to motivate people, create passion, build a cohesive team, and sell yourself to peers, subordinates and supervisors.

The effort should start in the first quarter of 2024, Helfrich said.

George Kiefer (right), procurement manager for Takeform, accepts the “First Impressions” award on behalf of Takeform in Medina. Skip Helfrich, left, is the Leadership Orleans executive director. Takeform was one of 44 sites visited by the class. Kiefer said Takeform works hard to help companies and organizations make a strong first impression through signage and branding.

Katie Oakes, horticulture educator for Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, shares remarks as a class member during the graduation. Julie Berry, owner of the Author’s Note bookstore in Medina, also spoke during the graduation.

Nick Picardo

Oakes also was picked by the class as “presenter of the year.” She runs the U-pick operation at LynOaken Farms in Lyndonville and gave a message about grafting apple trees. She said that can be a metaphor about bringing different people together and using their strengths.

“We are forever linked by this incredible journey called Leadership Orleans,” Oakes said.

Berry spoke about the power of atomic energy to create a much more through nuclear fusion. She said bringing different people together can result in a much more vibrant end result.

Leadership Orleans brought together people from diverse backgrounds, a program that is desperately needed during a time of polarization, Berry said.

Leadership Orleans also picked an alumnus of the year – Nick Picardo, the Kendall district superintendent.

Picardo was in the 2021 class, when he was executive director of Student Services for Kendall Central School. He has been the superintendent for nearly two years, and just last week led the district on a successful vote for a $12.7 million capital project.

Picardo has spent his educational career in Kendall serving as an administrator, social studies teacher, department chair, coach and advisor.

Jackie Dunham, left, presents the diploma to Gabe Bruning, owner of Bruning Farm & Mountain Mule Ciderhouse. Dunham and Charlie Nesbitt, in back, are both on the Leadership Orleans steering committee. Kelly Kiebala is chairman of the committee.

Nesbitt urged the graduates to shape the direction of the community.

“What makes one community successful and another not?” Nesbitt said during remarks. “It’s the people not the place. It takes a lot of people who know what they’re doing.”

Today is the annual Wreaths Across America and close to 1,700 wreaths will be placed at veterans’ graves. For the first time locally the effort will include Holley.

The Holley Rotary Club spearheaded the effort to have 200 wreaths put at veterans’ graves at Hillside Cemetery. The Rotary Club hoped to do at least 100 wreaths, but fundraising allowed the club to do 200, said Laura Bentley, coordinator of the effort.

Rotarians and community members will set the wreaths at vets’ graves at noon.

Medina will place 1,008 wreaths, with most at Boxwood Cemetery, said coordinator Kathy Blackburn. There will be a ceremony at Boxwood at noon before volunteers place the wreaths.

In Lyndonville, about 450 wreaths will be placed at Lynhaven Cemetery on Housel Avenue in Lyndonville with others put at Yates Center Cemetery, Robin Hill Estate, the Greenman Road Cemetery, Lott Cemetery on Angling Road and a cemetery on Marshall Road.

Lyndonville first joined the Wreaths Across America effort in 2019. Medina has been doing it since 2013.

Wreaths Across America is a nationwide program that honors those who have served by placing holiday wreaths on the graves of military personnel.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Lori Nottingham of Albion drops a donation in the red kettle at Tops Friendly Market in Medina. Manning the kettle are Peter Huth, in background, and Frank Berger, both of Medina. Members of the Butts-Clark American Legion Post volunteered to ring the bell for the entire day.

MEDINA – Ringing the bell for The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle drive is something Frank Berger and Peter Huth have done for decades, and this year is no exception.

When the Butts-Clark American Legion Post signed up to provide volunteers at Tops Friendly Market in Medina on Friday, Berger and Huth were among the first to sign up.

While Huth has been volunteering for at least 25 years, Berger, 89, can’t remember how long he’s been doing it.

He remembers when there were bell ringers almost on every corner.

“We used to ring the bell at Rosenkrans and Country Club Restaurant on Main Street, and Ames when it was on Maple Ridge Road,” Berger said. “I volunteered in the morning when the sun was out, because it could get cold later on.”

For years, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee has overseen the Red Kettle Campaign, where Katrina Chaffee, director of community services, is heading the drive.

While places to ring the bells have declined in recent years, every penny collected is much needed. This year, bell ringers are at Walmart and Tops in Albion and Tops in Medina.

It is stressed that every dollar collected in Orleans County stays in Orleans County.

Berger said he volunteers because he knows The Salvation Army does a lot for soldiers.

“I was in the service and I remember them brining us a cup of coffee and a donut,” he said. “My dad was in the trenches in World War I and The Salvation Army provided them with bags filled with personal care items, such as a bar of soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, a brush and comb.”

Volunteers can still sign up to ring the bell by calling Community Action at (585) 589-5605 and asking for Katrina Chaffee.

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – Medina Junior-Senior High School Social Studies teacher and President of the Medina Teachers’ Association, Joe Byrne, has made a tradition of challenging his male counterparts in the district to grow some facial hair every November.

“Movember” raises attention to the growing number of men’s health concerns such as mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.  Staff is encouraged to make a pledge not to shave their moustaches for a full month.

Joe Byrne presents a check to Nola Goodrich-Kresse, who accepted on behalf of the Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition.

“Many of us deal with some strange looks and stares at school and the community along the way as we go from clean shaven to hairy, but it is for a good cause,” laughs Byrne.  “It is always funny what students say and think about us as our moustaches progress.”

The money raised goes to the Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition. This year the staff decided to continue bringing attention to a major health crisis that affects men, Byrne said.  “Across the world, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day,” he said.

“Men account for 75% of all suicides. I’m so appreciative that our teachers, administrators and staff continue to support this worthy cause. Men usually don’t elaborate on their mental health issues because it’s seen as a sign of weakness in our society,” Byrne said. “Now more than ever, we need to be able to talk openly about our social and emotional wellbeing. It’s a tremendous feeling we are able to make a significant donation to Orleans County Mental Health and I know these funds will be earmarked to help assist countless number of men struggling with thoughts of suicide in our community.”

Jeff Dole, a math teacher at the Junior-Senior High School, organized this year’s fundraiser.  Everyone was thrilled with the $1,400 that was raised.  Byrne says a special shout out goes to retiring social studies teacher Doug Boje.

“We were struggling to meet our goal the last few days in November and he sent an email to staff. He thanked those who already donated and gave the staff a challenge – he would match and double the highest donation for the last three days of the fundraiser,” Byrne said. “His gesture fits in with Movember’s slogan on their suicide prevention page, ‘Be a man of more words.’”

Dr. Mark Kruzynski, superintendent of Medina Central School District, said, “Every year, our faculty raises money for Movember and every year they continue to surpass the previous year.  Mental health ‘IS’ health, and I am proud that we were able to donate to this fantastic cause.”

Nola Goodrich-Kresse, chairperson of the Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition, said, “We are very grateful to the Medina Central School District staff for this very generous donation. Mental Wellness is something we all strive for, but we understand there are challenges for some in seeking help anytime of the year, but especially during the holidays.  We encourage anyone who is struggling to talk to someone they trust or call 988 to talk with a trained crisis counselor 24/7, the call is free and confidential.”

Press Release, Orleans County Legislature

Lynne Johnson

ALBION – Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson has been appointed to the board of directors of the Healthcare Trustees of New York State (HTNYS).

HTNYS, a division of the Healthcare Association of New York State, aims to help healthcare trustees from hospitals and healthcare systems across the state navigate the shifting healthcare landscape, advocate for their organizations, and fulfill their governance responsibilities.

Johnson has been a trustee of Orleans Community Health for more than a decade. Her term on the HTNYS board begins Jan. 1.

“Serving on the board at Orleans Community Health, I have witnessed the rapid changes in healthcare and the challenges healthcare systems face in delivering quality, cost-effective care to residents, especially in rural communities like ours,” said Johnson, a Lyndonville resident.  “I’m hoping to bring that perspective to the HTNYS board and teaming up with others to advocate for our communities.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – A new kiosk with eight panels about attractions and services in Medina was celebrated at a ribbon-cutting on Thursday afternoon. The kiosk lights up in the evening and at night.

It includes QR codes that lead to even more information.

The Village of Medina Tourism Committee worked with Takeform to develop the informational display.

Pictured from left at a ribbon-cutting include Kelly Kiebala and Jan Smith, members of the Tourism Committee; village trustees Diana Baker, Jess Marciano and Marguerite Sherman; DPW Superintendent Jason Watts; Jim Hancock, chairman of the Tourism Committee; Mayor Mike Sidari; Arnie Wolfe, project manager with Takeform; Lynne Menz, graphic designer and marketing manager for the Orleans County Tourism Department; Dawn Borchet, Orleans County Tourism director; Jesse Cudzilo, Orleans County YMCA director; and Kathy Blackburn, a member of the Tourism Committee.

The Tourism Committee includes Jim Hancock as chairman and members Marguerite Sherman, Jan Smith, Lynne Menz, Dawn Borchet, Kelly Kiebala, Kathy Blackburn, Jesse Cudzilo and Greg Reed.

The YMCA secured a $10,000 grant to pay for most of the cost of the kiosk. That money was provided by the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation. The Y, under previous director Greg Reed, sought to increase wayfinding signage in the community. After consulting with the Tourism Committee, the Y was amenable to putting the money towards the new kiosk.

Hancock said the Tourism Committee raised an additional $4,500 in donations and contributions towards the project.

Mayor Mike Sidari said the Y has been a good partner for the village. The organization also pushed for the development and secured funding for a new disc golf course at the Gulf Street Park and leads the “On the Canals” excursions along the New York State Canal system, with kayaking and hydro-bikes.

Jim Hancock, right, head of the Tourism Committee said the new kiosk was about 18 months in the making.

He thanked Takeform in Medina for putting in many hours developing the panels for the project, which highlights Medina and canal history, local cultural and culinary attractions, local services, parks, events and outdoor recreational opportunities.

The Tourism Committee brainstormed the subjects on the panels and obtained photos and text. Hancock said Lynne Menz deserves special mention for putting “an inordinate amount of time and effort into this project.”

Arnie Wolfe (right, project manager with Takeform, shakes hands and gives Mayor Mike Sidari the keys to the new kiosk to allow updates to panels and turn on the lights.

Wolfe said Gasport Welding & Fabrication made the steel structure for the kiosk. The Village of Medina Department of Public Works did the concrete base and was able to lift the structure in place and then bolt it down to the base.

The new kiosk replaces a wooden one that was more of a display board for notices. That kiosk has since been moved to the Medina Dog Park on North Gravel Road.

Dawn Borchet, the county’s tourism director, would like to see similar kiosks in other Orleans villages.

“Better signage is always good,” she said. “It keeps visitors to the community in the area longer.”

LYNDONVILLE – Voters in the school district today approved a $19,505,384 capital project by a vote of 97 yes and 36 no.

“On behalf of the Board of Education and myself, we are grateful for the support of our Lyndonville community and their partnership in good stewardship of our school buildings and grounds,” said Sharon Smith, the district’s superintendent. “Special thanks to our partners at Wendel Architects and Engineers, Buffalo Construction Consultants, and Lyndonville District Clerk Tanya Marek.”

The project includes:

• A new synthetic track with a natural grass regulation soccer field in the middle and better drainage added for the site. This enables the school to host home track meets for the first time in more than a decade, and the track can be used by the community.
• Entrances for both school buildings renovated to improve security and safety.
• Demolition of the wing known as the “metal building” with replacement on the same footprint of four new classrooms. School officials say the metal building has outlived its expiration date, and it is not cost-effective to renovate.
• Replacement of the roof in the areas that were not part of the emergency roof projects.
• Heating and cooling (HVAC) improvements

Lyndonville has about $4.3 million in capital reserve funds for the local share of the project. State aid will cover the rest.

Provided photos

ALBION – Dr. Satya “Kash” Sahukar, left, is shown with his wife Mary Janet on Tuesday evening when he was honored for 50 years of service as a member of the Albion Lions Club.

Sahukar is retired after working 44 years as a pediatrician in the Albion community.

His wife has also been a long-time member of the Lions Club, which celebrated its holiday party on Tuesday at the Tavern on the Ridge, the former Village Inn which isn’t yet open to general public.

Dr. Sahukar is shown with his grandson Ben Lennox, who is also a member of the Lions Club.

ALBION – A canal bridge that has been closed for more the decade hasn’t been forgotten about by village officials.

The Brown Street bridge was closed to vehicular traffic on July 18, 2012 by the state Department of Transportation after an inspection showed serious deterioration of major elements of the steel truss floor system. A pedestrian walkway has remained open.

At a minimum, village officials want the DOT to paint the bridge, put in some lighting and make sure the pedestrian access stays open.

The bridge was constructed in 1912. When it was closed it was among many canal bridges in Orleans County that needed attention.

The state has since paid $10.7 million for major rehabilitations of seven single-lane truss bridges that were constructed between 1909 and 1914. Those bridges were fixed in 2019 and 2020.

They include:

• Bennetts Corners Road in the Town of Murray
• Telegraph Road in the Town of Murray
• Transit Road in the Town of Murray
• Densmore Road in the Town of Albion
• Gaines Basin Road in the Town of Gaines
• Bates Road in the Village of Medina
• Marshall Road in the Town of Ridgeway

The DOT also is working a major rehab of the Main Street lift bridge in Albion, as well as the Main Street lift bridge in Brockport, Monroe County.

Joyce Riley, the Albion deputy mayor, said with all those canal bridge projects either done or being worked on, she thinks it’s a good time to ask the state to look at the Brown Street bridge.

The Village Board voted on Wednesday to have Riley do the paperwork, requesting DOT or the Canal Corp. to pursue Bridge NY grant funding or other money through the state for a major rehab of the Brown Street bridge.

The Village Board also authorized Mayor Angel Javier to send a letter to the DOT to have the bridge at least be painted with lighting added.

The board members don’t want to see the bridge continue to deteriorate. Riley said it’s ugly and a detriment to the east side of the village.

If the state won’t fix it, the bridge should be torn down and removed, Riley said.

Riley said an initial estimate would be $3.7 million to repair the structure to maintain as a safe pedestrian crossing, and another $2 million-plus to reopen for vehicular traffic.

Tearing it down could be a similar overall expense, she said.

“It costs as much to tear it down as it does to fix it, so why not fix it?” she said.

Riley said she was meeting with DOT officials today to see how the village can best present its case for the bridge to be repaired.