Photos by Ginny Kropf: Don Colquhoun, vice president and treasurer of OCALS (Orleans County Accredited Learning Services) presents a plant to outgoing president Nicole Goodrich at their annual meeting Tuesday night.

MILLVILLE – OCALS could certainly be called “The little agency that could.”

Started on a shoestring in 2006 by Don and Rose Ruck with donations from their family, OCALS has survived lack of funding, loss of volunteers and Covid, to emerge more determined than ever to pursue their goal.

The organization originally known as Orleans County Adult Learning Services has recently changed its name to Orleans County Accredited Services to reflect the fact it now serves students as well as adults, and it is nationally accredited.

OCALS held its annual meeting Tuesday night at Millville United Methodist Church. Outgoing president Nicole Goodrich was presented with a plant by vice president and treasurer Don Colquhoun for her years of service.

New board members announced were Pam Schuner, president; Don Colquhoun, vice president; Carolyn Wagner, secretary; and Don Colquhoun as treasurer.

Kathleen Punch of Medina was introduced as the new community engagement coordinator, who will work 40 hours a month planning outreach events to inform the public of the services OCALS provides.

Punch is an educator who has taught kindergarten through 12th grade during her 20 years of teaching. She taught Spanish in Florida, before moving back to Medina in 1995. She is fluent in Spanish and plans to put that to use to bring in more clients from the Spanish population.

“We are very fortunate to have her,” said Carolyn Wagner, who worked with Colquhoun in the search to fill the position.

Goodrich introduced new board member Julie Keller, who has taught for 26 years in Albion. She is real passionate about literacy and is interested in becoming a tutor, as well, Goodrich said.

Barb Dunham, who heads the Family Literacy Program, reported a new program has been started at Intergrow in Gaines, with six students from there, including one from Italy and one from Puerto Rico.

Carolyn Wagner, left, stands with OCALS new community engagement coordinator Kathleen Punch of Medina, who was introduced at OCALS annual meeting.

They still have not gone back into Lyndonville schools or Iroquois Job Corps, Dunham said. She said restrictions from Covid have not been fully lifted.

Colquhoun said as soon as things are back to normal, OCALS will be providing tutoring in all five Orleans County schools.

Dean Bellack, executive director of United Way of Orleans County, was introduced. He explained his agency’s mission and shared their efforts in acquiring grants for several organizations in the county, totaling more than $700,000.

A grant last year was for more than $340,000 for Orleans County’s Digital Divide Initiative, in an effort to provide high speed internet to all areas of the county, train people who are not familiar with the Internet and provide computers to families who can’t afford them. OCALS has committed to provide three mentors for the program.

Colquhoun said in spite of the stumbling blocks along the way, OCALS has managed to increase its number of tutors, students and units of service.

Colquhoun said beside Covid, the biggest hit to OCALS was the reduction in United Way funding from $10,000 to $4,000. He vowed the agency this year was determined to accomplish four things to help raise money:

• Hold a book sale, which they did during the Lions’ annual Community Yard Sale in June, raising $230.
• Have a basket raffle, which they did in July at Case-Nic Cookies, earning $780.
• Have a bake sale in conjunction with Mary Lee Knights pumpkin sale next month.
• Make a direct appeal to supporters.

The evening concluded with recognizing Barb LaBelle as “Tutor of the Year.”

“She has the most hours working with students,” Goodrich said.

Anyone wishing to volunteer as a tutor or request services can contact OCALS by calling (585) 590-1292 or logging on to their website.

MEDINA – The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce has announced its annual award winners and Canalside Tattoo in Medina has won the Business of the Year.

Canalside was started by Shawn Ramsey in 2015. The business originally was on East Center Street and then in 2017 moved to a bigger location at 540 Main St., the former Curvin’s News.

Ramsey was originally the lone tattoo artist at Canalside, and he now employs several artists. Canalside also sells body jewelry, apparel (shirts and socks) and stickers. The business also hosts many community fundraisers.

Other award winners include:

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Dave Snell of Albion
• Phoenix Award – Dubby’s Tailgate in Albion
• New Business of the Year – Red, White and Moo in Holley
• Community Service Award – Orleans Koinonia Kitchen in Albion
• Agricultural Business of the Year – Rush’s Farm Market in Carlton
• Business Person of the Year – George Bidleman of Medina
• Small Business of the Year – Roadies in Carlton
• Hidden Gem – The Gallagher Barn in Medina
• Employer of the Year – (to be announced by Orleans County Job Development)

“The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce this year’s Annual Award winners,” said Darlene Hartway, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce. “These Orleans County businesses/ businesspeople are great examples of how hard work, discipline, tenacity can lead to success. They all have shown a great commitment to the Orleans County community as well.”

The award winners will be recognized at annual awards ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 20, at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville.

For the third straight fall fishing season, the State Canal Corp. will be releasing water from the Erie Canal into local tributaries through mid-December to boost the fall fishing runs.

The program has been deemed a success, improving the chances for fish to swim upstream. The released canal water provides adequate water flow in streams for salmon, trout and steelhead to swim upstream.

File photo by Tom Rivers: The Oak Orchard River is one of several tributaries that will have its water levels boosted to improve the local fall fishery.

The schedule for releasing water includes:

Increased flows from Sept. 15 through Dec. 15 for Oak Orchard River in Orleans County, Sandy Creek in Orleans and Monroe counties, and Eighteen Mile Creek in Niagara.

The flows will be increased from Oct. 13 through Dec. 15 for Johnson Creek in Orleans and Niagara counties.

“The New York State Canal Corporation releases water from the Erie Canal into Lake Ontario Tributaries in Western New York for an extended period each fall to create a longer season and even better angling conditions,” the Canal Corp. said in announcing the schedule.

Fishing has a $28 million annual impact in Orleans County. The local officials say the extended season will be a boost for local restaurants, lodging establishments and other businesses.

The project is part of the “Reimagine the Canals” initiative to better utilize the canal and support many recreational opportunities along the canal system.

Press Release, 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.

Safety Day event participants included the Middleport Fire Department, Middleport Police Department, Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, WellNow Occupational Health Clinic and the Alzheimer’s Association Western New York Chapter.

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

“Safety Day is a great opportunity for plant employees and first responders to interact in a cooperative effort to keep our employees safe at home, on the job and to benefit the local community,” said Katie Russell, FMC Middleport plant manager. “It is all part of FMC’s ongoing commitment to safety as our core value and empowering employees to always put safety first.”

Press Release, Orleans Community Health

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health is excited to announce the addition of Todd Prier, MD, to the Orleans Community Health Surgery Clinic.

Dr. Todd Prier

Dr. Prier recently served as a general surgeon at Lourdes Riverside Surgical in Binghamton and prior to that he held positions at Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital (Binghamton) and Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.).

In January 2021, Dr. Joseph Misiti donated his practice to Orleans Community Health as an opportunity to grow healthcare in the area. Earlier this year, the surgery clinic moved into its new home in Medina Memorial Hospital. The move was strategic and allows patients to be within steps of numerous other services being offered throughout the hospital.

“Earlier in the year, we were excited to make the announcement that the surgery clinic was moving into Medina Memorial Hospital, now we’re able to share news of growth,” said Marc Shurtz, chief executive officer of Orleans Community Health.

The Orleans Community Health Surgery Clinic is located in Medina Memorial Hospital and provides comprehensive surgical services in many specialized areas, including: colon and rectal surgery, dialysis catheter placement, gastrointestinal surgery, colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, PEG tube insertions, head and neck surgery, including tumors, hernia repair, minimally invasive surgery, pancreas, liver and biliary surgery, skin and soft tissue sarcoma surgery, surgical pathology, and excisional biopsy of ganglion.

The surgery clinic can be reached at (585) 798-2550.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley led a group of 79 on the 14^th annual Patriot Trip from Thursday through Sunday. The trip returned after a three-year absence. The 2020 and ’21 trips were cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions and concerns.

Hawley started the trips for local veterans after taking his father, a World War II, to see the war memorials in the nation’s capital. Hawley said seeing the memorials helped his father to talk about his experiences in the war and to feel appreciation for his service.

The group stopped at the Iwo Jima Monument.

Hawley also pushed to lead the trips after a suggestion from another World War II vet, Michael Paduchak of Kendall. He wanted to see a new World War II memorial in Washington, D.C. Hawley and his staff put together a Patriot Trip that has endured. This year’s trip was the first time there wasn’t a World War II vet on the journey. Most of the veterans on the latest trip served in the Vietnam War.

The trip included stops at the WWII, Korean War, Vietnam, Iwo Jima, Air Force and September 11th Memorials. The trip also included visits to the National Museum of the United States Army, Gettysburg, the National Museum of the United States Marine Corps and a host of other famous sites and monuments in and around the Washington, D.C. area.

The last monument stop was by the “Three Soldiers” that are part of the Vietnam War Memorial.

ALBION – Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke announced a Child Car Seat Check Point Event will be held Sept. 24 on National Seat Check Saturday. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Orleans County Public Safety Building, 13925 Route 31 in Albion.

According to data, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ranging from ages 1 to 13, Bourke said. Preventative measures, such as proper installation of car seats, boosters and seat belts can lower many deaths and injuries, he said.

“Informing and instructing parents and caregivers on child safety and proper installation of car seats is critical to saving young lives,” Bourke said. “Our Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will inspect your car/booster seats to assure that your child is in the correct seat for their size and age.”

For more information about car seats, contact Certified Technician Kevin Colonna at 585-589-5527 or Kevin.Colonna@orleanscountyny.gov.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Julie Berry, right, New York Times Best Selling Author and owner of Author’s Note book store in Medina, and her buyer and cousin Erica Caldwell are planning for the store’s one-year anniversary on Saturday.

MEDINA – Saturday will mark the one-year anniversary of Author’s Note book store, and owner Julie Berry, a New York Times Best Selling Author, is planning a big celebration.

Julie and her husband Phil were living in Los Angeles when she learned the book store in her home town was for sale. She couldn’t take a chance there would not be a book store here, so she and Phil made the decision to move back to Medina and purchase the store.

A year later, she can’t believe a year has gone by and how successful their venture has been.

“Come and celebrate our birthday with us,” Julie said. “We couldn’t have done it without you,” she said of the public’s support of her store. “We’ve felt so much love from the community. No business can exist without that love. We are really celebrating the Author’s Note family and all the community who supports us. We are so grateful.”

She also couldn’t have done it without her buyer and cousin Erica Caldwell.

Julie is especially thankful that local schools and libraries are buying some books from her.

Author’s Note will celebrate on Saturday, with music in the store, popcorn and small gifts for children. Julie anticipates completion of new book shelves and is hoping to unveil new lines of merchandise.

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from additionally from 8 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Author’s Note is located at 519 Main St.

Press Release, Town of Yates

YATES – On Saturday, the Town of Yates will celebrate its bicentennial with the last of its three fairs – the “Grand Finale Lake Fair.”

The event will be from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Yates Town Park at the northern terminus of Morrison Road on Lake Ontario, and will be free to all.

After the “Family Fair” in July and the “Street Dance” in August, this final event of the bicentennial year for Yates will feature the unveiling of the newly renovated town park.

“We are very grateful for the NYS Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative and the Lyndonville Area Foundation grants,” Yates Town Supervisor Jim Simon said.

The $2.5-million dollar upgrade to the park includes a new pavilion, playground, kayak launch, pier and walking path.

The event will begin at 1 p.m. under the new pavilion with proclamations and brief speeches from state and local officials, followed by a ribbon and cake cutting.

Throughout the afternoon, food will be provided by the Polish Cadets and Mrs. Ribs food trucks (pay as you go), and free cake and cookies from Case-Nic Cookies will be available. There will also be several craft vendors.

The new pavilion features handicap accessible bathrooms, and the new playground for kids ages 2-12 will be officially opened.

There will be several scavenger hunts with bicentennial commemorative prizes. There will also be chalk drawing on the new kayak launch. Weather permitting there will be stone skipping competitions on the lake. Eagle Creek band will be playing live music from 3 to 5 p.m.

The event will take place rain or shine and, although there are a number of picnic tables available, organizers recommend bringing lawn chairs.

“Our 200th Anniversary Committee has worked hard for over a year to provide these three events, and we are very excited to see the culmination of our efforts,” Simon said.

Members of the committee are Brad Bentley, Kelly Cousins, Cindy Grabowski, Susan Hrovat, Ginny Hughes, Russ Martino, Dawn Metty, Jim Simon, Cal Stinson, Georgette Stockman, Joanne Suhr, Valerie Wells, Tom Wenhold and Katie Whipple.

Simon also acknowledged the important contribution of the town government, especially the Highway Department, and the Yates Town Park Task Force including Linda Fisk, Jon Hinman, Ann Marie Holland, Paul Lauricella, Russ Martino, John Riggi, Jim Simon, Georgette Stockman and Roger Wolfe.

For more information go to the Town of Yates website: townofyates.org, or call Town Supervisor Jim Simon, 716-946-2075.

Press Release, New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal

BUFFALO – At the 2022 Fall Seminar of the New York State Association of Counties being held this week in Buffalo, the County of Orleans was honored with receipt of the New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal (NYMIR) Risk Management Award, which is given annually in recognition of a member county’s commitment to sound risk management, safety and training efforts.

The award was presented to the Chair of the Orleans County Legislature Lynne Johnson by NYSAC’s Executive Director Stephen Acquario and NYMIR’s Executive Director Kevin Crawford.  The award’s inscription reads: “In recognition of a commitment to sound risk management, safety and training that makes a difference.”

In presenting the glass crystal award, Mr. Crawford stated that, “Effective risk management requires a team approach, everyone working together to reduce the liability and exposures which are inherent in so many local government operations. Orleans was chosen from among our subscribing members – which includes 33 counties – because of the way in which its officers and employees respond to risk recommendations and other loss control suggestions.  Examples abound. Orleans County has been exceptionally attentive to key risk management procedures both operationally and from a property preservation perspective.”

Crawford praised the county for planned preventive maintenance and upgrades ahead of foreseeable end of life and obsolescence issues have meant that there has not been a single property claim at the county in the last five years.

Over 200 employees having taken NYMIR’s courses in Preventing Phishing, Data Privacy and Safe Computing. In total, over 1,300 online training sessions with NYMIR have been recorded for the County.

Stephen Acquario concluded his award presentation remarks by adding, “since it joined the Reciprocal as one of the very first Subscribers back in January of 1994, the County has remained committed improving safety within its ranks. It has a group of officials and employees who take risk management into account and are proud to do so. Likewise, NYMIR and NYSAC are proud to recognize their efforts today.”

‘We can honor and protect our Second Amendment, while also ensuring that dangerous weapons do not fall into the wrong hands. We must do more to ensure the safety of our schools and communities.’

Press Release, Congressman Chris Jacobs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) introduced the Federal Assault Weapons Licensing Act, legislation designed to put in place additional protections on accessing high-powered weapons.

The Federal Assault Weapons Licensing Act would create a new licensing system for any American seeking to purchase a new assault weapon – anyone who already owns an assault weapon at the time of enactment would be grandfathered in.

The licensing process would require an individual to take a mandatory safety course, pass an FBI background check, submit fingerprints, and provide proof of identity. This license would need to be renewed every five years if an individual wants to purchase or obtain additional assault weapons.

“We saw firsthand in Buffalo, Uvalde, and countless other communities around our nation that high-powered semi-automatic weapons have the capacity to cause an extreme amount of destruction in a very short amount of time,” Jacobs said. “While the overwhelming majority of Americans who own these weapons are law-abiding, responsible gun owners – the increasing trend of mass shootings with these weapons shows additional safeguards must be placed upon obtaining them. My bill will better ensure these guns do not fall into the wrong hands, while still protecting Americans’ ability to exercise their Second Amendment rights.”

If an individual fails to pass a background check at the time of purchase, disqualifying information becomes available, or DOJ finds an individual poses a threat to themselves or others, their license can be withdrawn. Importantly, this bill will also increase the availability of information on criminals that the FBI draws from when conducting a background check. The bill also contains protections for the privacy and constitutional rights of license holders.

The bill also incorporates reasonable exemptions. Like individuals who already own an assault weapon, active-duty military and law enforcement officers would not need a license. Additionally, the legislation allows an individuals without a license to use an assault weapon at a shooting range, or for the purposes of hunting, if a license holder supervises. It also allows a non-license holders to assume a weapon if it is necessary to prevent imminent death or serious harm to another person.

“My legislation is common sense and provides a straightforward licensing process to ensure those who are purchasing and taking ownership of assault weapons are responsible, law-abiding Americans,” Jacobs said. “We can honor and protect our Second Amendment, while also ensuring that dangerous weapons do not fall into the wrong hands. We must do more to ensure the safety of our schools and communities, and I urge my colleagues to join me in sponsoring this legislation.”

Bills alumni were in town to raise money for prostate cancer research, awareness

Photos by Tom Rivers: Six former Buffalo Bills spoke recently during a fundraiser at Medina Theatre as part of a benefit of Prostate Cancer Awareness. From left include Marlon Kerner, Booker Edgerson, Ed Rutkowski, Lou Piccone, Ken Jones and Paul Maguire. Randy Bushover at right served as emcee.

MEDINA – Six former Buffalo Bills at a recent fundraising event in Medina are very excited about the team’s prospects this season, but the Bills alumni didn’t want to jinx the team by predicting a first Super Bowl victory.

But the players were impressed after the Bills dismantling the reigning Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams 31-10 on the road Sept. 8. The Bills are back on the filed tonight at home versus the Tennessee Titans.

“They have all the tools,” said Ken Jones, an offensive lineman with Buffalo from 1976 to 1986. “They can take this all the way, but it’s one game at a time.”

Jones was joined by five other Bills alumni – Booker Edgerson, Marlon Kerner, Paul Maguire, Lou Piccone and Ed Rutkowski – during an event at the Medina Theatre on Sept. 10. They were raising money for “Cure the Blue.” That effort seeks more funding for prostate cancer awareness and research. The Medina event raised $2,900 for the cause.

Booker Edgerson, center, urges men to get checked annually for prostate cancer. Marlon Kerner is at left and Ed Rutkowski is at right.

Jones said the Bills will be a powerhouse as long as Josh Allen stays on the filed. Allen has a rocket arm and also runs often, barreling into linebackers and lineman. He is the first player in NFL history with at least 100 touchdowns throwing and 25 running in his forist four seasons.

Jones would like fewer running plays for the quarterback.

Ed Rutkowski was a wide receiver and backup quarterback on the Bills from 1963 to 1968. He may be best known for serving eight years as Erie County executive from 1979 to 1987. He remains a diehard Bills fan.

“They’re talented, they’re deep, they’re well coached,” Rutkowski said. “But don’t run Josh so much.”

Paul Maguire, who may be best known as television sportscaster, was a punter and linebacker. He first played for the San Diego Chargers in 1960 and then joined the Bills, playing with Buffalo from 1964 to 1970. He was a member of three AFL Champion teams, two with Buffalo and one with the Chargers.

“We’re the only champions they’ve ever had,” Maguire said about the 1964 and ’65 Bills.

The former Bills included top, from left: Booker Edgerson, Ken Jones and Marlon Kerner. Bottom left: Paul Maguire, Lou Piccone and Ed Rutkowski.

Maguire said he cringes when Allen takes off with the ball and seldom slides, preferring to be wrestled down by a defender.

“We don’t want to see the quarterback running the damn football,” Maguire said.

Rutkowski said injuries and weather are unknowns in the season.

“It’s not easy getting to the Super Bowl,” he said. “You have to win your division and then get through the playoffs. Everyone is going to be out to get the Buffalo Bills.”

Even the top teams can have a bad game. Rutkowski recalled being on the 1968 team that won only one game. It was a huge upset, 37-35 over the New York Jets that were led by Joe Namath and would go on to win the Super Bowl that year. But in a game against the Bills, Namath threw five interceptions with one returned for a touchdown by Edgerson. The Bills had the worst record that year and used their first round pick in 1969 on O.J. Simpson.

One of the items up for bid was a poster of former Bills who have been inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Maguire thanked Edgerson for leading the former Bills into another cause, “Cure the Blue.”

“I can’t tell you how important it is to be part of something you’ve never had,” Maguire told the group at Medina Theatre. “Booker has worked so hard for years to educate on this issue.”

Edgerson, an all-star defensive back for the Bills in the 1960s, was first treated for prostate cancer 26 years ago.

Edgerson is a member of the AFL championship teams in ’64 and ’65. He is on the Bills Wall of Fame. He is the president of the Buffalo Chapter of the NFLPA Retired Players Association.

Edgerson said men avoid talking about prostate cancer but he wants it to be discussed, much like breast cancer.

As part of the “Cure the Blue” initiative, men who are minorities are urged to be regularly screened for prostate cancer beginning at age 40 while white males should do annual screenings beginning at 45.

“It should be treated just like mammograms,” Edgerson said.

Randy Bushover, right, served as emcee for the event and interviewed the former players. The event was a fundraiser for “Cure the Blue,” with proceeds going to prostate cancer awareness and research.

Other Bills at the event included Lou Piccone and Marlon Kerner.

Piccone was an undersized wide receiver and kick returner who played 10 seasons in the NFL with the Jets from 1974 to 1976, and then the following seven years with the Bills retiring in 1982.

He overcome obstacles to make an NFL team, and then was able to stay on a roster for a decade, despite weighing only 168 pounds. He caught 100 passes in his career, gaining 1,380 yards. He led the NFL with 39 kickoff returns and 961 kickoff return yards with the Jets as a rookie.

Marlon Kerner played for the Bills from 1995 to 1998. He shared that he met his wife in Buffalo and they have been married now for 22 years. Booker Edgerson, right, was a star defensive back for the Bills in the 1960s.

Piccone said punting and kickoffs are important, if they don’t get the limelight. Those special teams can pin an opponent deep for a long field, or the receiving team can run one back, shortening the field.

“Special teams is where you get your start,” he said. “You throw yourself through a wedge.”

The Bills team today is deep and skilled at all positions.

“They’re firing on all cylinders,” Piccone said.

Marlon Kerner, a Buffalo Bill form 1995 to 1998, shared how he met his future wife at a 7-11 and the two have now been married for 22 years with three children.

Kerner was a third-round draft pick who suffered two torn ACLs. He has worked with many current Bills in player engagement with the community.

The Bills aren’t just looking for the strongest, fastest and most skilled players, Kerner said.

“The Bills want players with the right culture,” he said. “If not in the right culture, when adversity hits it can go the wrong way.”

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Chris Busch, left, and Rob Robinson look at one of the T-shirts designed for the entertainers participating in the first ever Busker Festival in Medina, scheduled to coincide with Ale in Autumn this Saturday.

MEDINA – A tradition which dates back to the Medieval ages is about to make its debut in Medina.

A busker is a street performer who entertains crowds with their musical, unusual or comedic acts for tips in public areas. Busking has a long history dating back centuries when local merchants would invite buskers to their storefronts, plazas or public squares to attract new business.

On Saturday, Medina’s annual Ale in Autumn will be enhanced by 17 buskers throughout the downtown.

The idea was brought to the Orleans Renaissance Group before Covid by Rob Robinson, a local musician, said Chris Busch, president of ORG.

Robinson said he has buskered a lot, in places including Toronto and Olcott.

Once things got back to normal after Covid hit, the idea was brought up again. Robinson laid out a map of downtown and determined places where a busker could perform.

“We started reaching out to businesses and made 17 Xs on the potential spots on the map,” Busch said. “Buskers will be spread out throughout the downtown.”

The buskers will provide a variety of entertainment, including country, blues and gospel music, hula hoop girls and magicians. They will be on the streets from 1 to 6 p.m. and people are encouraged to visit downtown and tip the performers.

“It’s going to be fun,” Busch said. “It’s unusual and people will like it. It’s another first for Medina.”

Robinson said the only other time he knew of anything like this was in the early 2000s, when Middleport had buskers at their Labor Day celebration.

“I could just see its vision,” Robinson said. “It’s an old idea, but new in Medina. I see it becoming an annual thing. There are a lot of street performers in Western New York, but no actual buskers.”

The annual Ale in Autumn will be from 1 to 6 p.m., with time slots staggered at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to prevent congestion. Check-in is at the Medina Senior Center on West Avenue, said event coordinator Ann Fisher-Bale. Twenty-one local businesses have signed up to take part.

Beers and ciders have been ordered from around the world, Fisher-Bale said.