By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 19 September 2022 at 9:49 am
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.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 19 September 2022 at 9:23 am
‘We wanted a more central location. Our goal is to connect with the communities of Medina, Ridgeway, Shelby and Lyndonville.’ – Kevin Weigel, site pastor at OneChurch in Medina
MEDINA – A long-standing church at the corner of West Avenue and Park Avenue is now home to a new congregation, after Grace Baptist Church sold the building in May.
OneChurch has had a presence in Medina since 2017, when they came from Akron and held their first service Christmas Eve at the former Sacred Heart Church on Ann Street.
Kevin Weigel, site pastor for OneChurch, said they transitioned the former Catholic church site to a Free Methodist Church, and their congregation grew to 130 attendees before Covid hit.
“After Covid, we realized we had to change locations, as our lease was coming due,” Weigel said. “We wanted to be more in the center of town.”
When One Church discovered the former Grace Baptist Church was available, OneChurch purchased it in May.
Attempts to locate someone from Grace Baptist Church for a comment have been unsuccessful, and even Weigel isn’t sure what happened to the congregation.
According to Grace Baptist Church’s website, “A group of faithful believers were led by the Spirit to walk away from a liberal denomination and unite into an independent Baptist church which came to be known as Grace Baptist Church.” That was in 1931.
OneChurch spent the summer painting and remodeling the building, and on Sunday held their first service there.
Weigel wanted to emphasize how great their landlord Skip Draper was to them at the former Catholic church site.
“He treated us fantastically,” Weigel said. “But we wanted a more central location. Our goal is to connect with the communities of Medina, Ridgeway, Shelby and Lyndonville.”
They have services for children through eighth grade and worship at 10 a.m. Small “Connect” groups to dig deeper into Scripture are held throughout the week. Amanda Kroenig of Medina is the children’s director. Production coordinator is Caleb Cudzilla of Medina. A new director, Morgan Ellis, has been hired for the high school ministry. She is also the teen center coordinator for the YMCA in Medina.
“We are a very casual church,” Weigel said. “Our worship is contemporary with messages relevant and practical, based on Scripture.”
OneChurch enjoys partnering with associations in the community and looks forward to intensifying those relationships going forward, Weigel said.
The original OneChurch is based in Akron, with another site in North Tonawanda, in addition to Medina.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 September 2022 at 8:45 am
Price drops from $4.14 to $3.99 in past week in Orleans
The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas is now below $4 in Orleans County. The price came down in the past week from $4.141 to today’s $3.987, according to AAA.
Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.68, down 4 cents from one week ago. It was $3.19 a year ago. The New York State average is $3.78, down 11 cents since last Monday, AAA reported.. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.28.
“Gas prices in every region of Western and Central New York have dropped below the $4 mark offering some relief to drivers,” AAA said. “The decline in prices comes as demand for gasoline decreases. However, fluctuating oil prices could put the brakes on gas discounts. As of September 12, oil prices range from $84 to $90 per barrel. If oil prices begin to rise, pump prices would likely follow.”
In New York, the average price for regular unleaded is $3.780 today, compared to $3.889 a week ago, $4.279 a month ago and $3.282 a year ago. The diesel price is at $5.128 today, compared to $5.207 a week ago, $5.442 a month ago and $3.391 a year ago.
Here are the prices among Western New York counties (Orleans is the highest):
Photos and information courtesy of Medina Band Boosters
The Medina Mustang Marching Band competed for the first time this season on Saturday at Hilton High School.
Seven schools performed in four classifications. In SS1, Medina earned 1st place with a score of 78.35 followed by East Irondequoit at 77.60. The Pride of Rochester performed in exhibition. The LS3 class had three competitors and Greece earned 1st with 75.5 followed by Hilton at 70.35 and Auburn with 62.75. Corning Painted Post was the only band in the LS2 class and they scored 73.4.
The Medina Marching Band is under the direction of Matthew Jaeger and assistant directors Kyla Leno and Diana Baker. All three are graduates of Medina and participated in the marching band. Their show this year is “Take to the Skies.” This year’s band consists of 91 students of which 27 are seniors and 23 rookies.
Medina’s next performance is our home show – the “Fall Festival of Bands” – this Saturday. It’s a great opportunity to see these young people and all their talents and skills.
The Mustang band members include from left: Gabbi Flores-Medina (guard captain), Mia Hobbs (drum major), Gabe Mark and Seagan Majchrzak (assistant drum majors).
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 September 2022 at 10:44 am
Photos courtesy of On the Canals: Corning Museum of Glass will bring its Mobile Hot Shop to Medina for three days from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1.
MEDINA – Mayor Mike Sidari is looking forward to Corning Museum of Glass coming to the Canal Basin for three days.
Corning will have a “Mobile Hot Shop” in town from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1. The Hot Shop uses unique glassmaking equipment to recreate a state-of-the-art studio environment.
At venues around the world, in conjunction with exhibitions, events and art and design initiatives, Corning’s gaffers demonstrate complex hot glassmaking techniques, the state’s Reimagine the Canals said in a notice about the upcoming event.
“I am excited to welcome Corning Museum of Glass back to Medina and Orleans County,” Sidari said. “The event was sold out with standing room only for most of the demonstrations when the event was on the barge a few years ago. If anyone did not have the chance to see it then, do not miss it this time!”
The event at Medina’s Canal Basin is free to the public and people of all ages are welcome. Demonstrations take place every 45 mins throughout the day. To sign up, click here.
“You Design It; We Make It!” demonstrations take place the following dates and times:
Sept. 29 at 10:15 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.;
Sept. 30 at 11 a.m.;
Oct. 1 at noon.
The protocol for “You Design It; We Make It!” includes:
Arrive early and pick up a drawing sheet.
Make your own unique drawing using the colored markers provided.
Include a description or “artist’s statement” – it helps our team understand your idea – and submit your design 30 minutes prior to the show.
Our glassmakers will choose one idea and make that piece live on stage.
On the Canals is a year-round program of free recreational and cultural activities highlighting the many ways you can enjoy the canal water ways and trails across New York State.
The Orleans County Tourism Department and Orleans County YMCA are working with the Reimagine the Canals and Corning on the event.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 September 2022 at 9:29 am
Weekly High School sports schedule Monday Boys Soccer – Byron-Bergen at Lyndonville, 5 p.m. Girls Soccer – CSAT at Medina, 6 p.m.; Lyndonville/Barker at Holley, Oakfield-Alabama at Kendall, 7 p.m. Field Hockey – Wilson at Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m. Golf – Roy-Hart at Newfane, 4 p.m. Volleyball – Elba at Lyndonville, Kendall at Pembroke, Medina at Akron, Roy-Hart at Newfane, Wilson at Albion, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday Boys Soccer – Albion at Wilson, Newfane at Roy-Hart, 6:45 p.m.; Holley at Wheatland-Chili, 7 p.m. Girls Soccer – Albion at Newfane, 4:45 p.m.; Akron at Wilson, 6 p.m. Field Hockey – Medina at Akron, 4:30 p.m. Golf – Barker at Albion, Medina at Akron, 4 p.m. Cross-Country – Medina at Barker, Newfane and Roy-Hart at Albion, Wilson at Akron, 4:45 p.m.
Wednesday Boys Soccer – Roy-Hart at Newfane, 5 p.m.; Akron at Medina, 7 p.m. Girls Soccer – Lyndonville/Barker at Alexander, 4:30 p.m.; Holley at Notre Dame, 5 p.m.; Alexander at Kendall, 7 p.m. Golf – Albion at Roy-Hart, Akron at Barker, 4 p.m. Volleyball – Medina at City Honors, 6 p.m.; Elba at Holley, Wheatland-Chili at Kendall, Albion at Byron-Bergen, Lew-Port at Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday
Boys Soccer – Lyndonville at Kendall, Attica at Holley, 7 p.m. Girls Soccer – Roy-Hart at Newfane, 4:45 p.m.; Wilson at Albion, 6:45 p.m. Field Hockey – Barker at Roy-Hart, Newfane at Wilson, 4:30 p.m.; Kenmore at Medina ,5 p.m. Golf – Roy-Hart at Wilson, 4 p.m. Volleyball – Attica at Lyndonville, Akron at Kendall, 6:30 p.m.
Friday Football – Albion at Pioneer, Medina at Tonawanda, Newfane at Roy-Hart/Barker/Lyndonville, 7 p.m. Girls Soccer – Holley at Byron-Bergen, Pembroke at Kendall, 7 p.m. Golf – Albion at Wilson, Roy-Hart at Akron, Barker at Medina ,4 p.m. Volleyball – Holley at Notre Dame, Medina at Roy-Hart, Albion at Newfane, Akron at Wilson, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday Football – Holley at Finney, 4 p.m. Boys Soccer – Roy-Hart at Medina, 9:30 a.m.; Newfane at Albion, 12 p.m.; Holley at Kendall, 3 p.m.; Rochester Prep at Lyndonville, 7 p.m. Girls Soccer – Medina at Roy-Hart, 12 p.m.; Attica at Lyndonville/Barker, 5 p.m. Field Hockey – Medina at Newfane, 10 a.m. Volleyball – Medina at Lyndonville 10:30 a.m.; Attica at Kendall, 11:30 a.m.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 September 2022 at 6:59 pm
ALBION – The Gotta Dance Studio by Miss Amy in Albion has become a busier place. There is a new preschool and owner of a shop that sells dance supplies.
The building at 28 West Bank St. for about 20 years has been used for dance classes, and in recent years has hosted cabaret shows and other live performances.
Last week a preschool started at Gotta Dance. The Beehive serves eight children ages 3-4. Jordan Thomas runs the preschool from 9 to 11 a.m., Monday through Thursday.
Thomas, 24, also is a dance instructor at Gotta Dance working with preschoolers. She started dancing at the studio in 2012.
Amy Sidari, owner of Gotta Dance, sees first-hand how Thomas connects with younger children and keeps them happy and motivated. Sidari welcomed the chance to have one of the three dance studios be used for preschoolers in the morning.
“It makes sense to maximize the hours in the buildings,” Sidari said. “We want this building to maximized for the community at all hours for all ages.”
The Beehive helps prepare the preschoolers for kindergarten. Thomas runs a program that teaches social skills and respect others, often incorporating singing and dancing. The kids learn how to express their feelings and emotions in a safe environment. There are plenty of crafts, and activities where they learn colors, counting, days of the week, the weather and reading.
“We stress kindness, respect and listening skills,” Thomas said.
She said the Beehive helps fill a preschool gap in the community. She used to work at the former Rainbow Preschool in Albion as a one-on-one aide. That school closed in August 2020.
“There are so many kids and not enough places for them to go,” Thomas said about local preschools.
Mandee Heinsler owns the Barre Boutqiue at Gotta Dance. She has taken over the part of the business where Gotta Dance students and other sin the community can buy ballet, tap and jazz shoes. Heinsler will also do fitting for point shoes and sew ribbons on those. She learned the art of fitting point shoes from Sidari.
Heinsler’s daughters – Evee, 15, and Thalia, 10 – are both dancers at Gotta Dance.
Heinsler also sells dance leotards, from sizes toddler to adult, and tights, including ones that are convertible. The Barre Boutique also has graphic tees and other trendy clothing, including gifts.
Heinsler named it “Barre Boutique” not for the town in Orleans County. In ballet and dance, the barre is the horizontal handrail that is fixed to the walls of a studio.
The boutique will be open from 4 to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday with some Saturday hours expected in the future. Heinsler also will be available for appointments. Contact her through the Barre Boutique Facebook page for more information.
Sidari has made another big change at Gotta Dance. Crystal Hallenbeck, a dance instructor there since 2001, will serve as manager of operations. She also works as a budget director at Brockport State College. She has a doctorate degree in executive leadership.
Sidari said the changes will allow her to step back from some of the day-to-day demands of running the studio and business. She recently became a grandmother with a second grandchild due soon.
She was considering selling the building and closing Gotta Dance in June, but a new team came together that Sidari expects will take the place to new heights.
“This year will be rocking,” she said. “It’s everybody that works here. I know I can walk away a little bit but I’m still here.”
Sidari said the cabaret already has five shows with bus tours lined up. She and Hollenbeck also will work on monthly events, including a kids night out in October and dance-a-thon.
Sidari said other activities are in the works, and she also rents out the cabaret room as an events/conference venue with the professional technology equipment available.
“Here we have a genuine love for everyone,” Sidari said. “Come as you are and we will help you meet your goals. This has always been my home and my place to help others’ dreams come true.”
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 September 2022 at 4:29 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Holley’s Gavin Baney hauls in a long pass completion during the host Hawks loss to Bolivar-Richburg this afternoon.
Scoring in every quarter, Bolivar-Richburg posted a 34-0 victory over host Holley this afternoon in a key early season 8 Man Division football game.
Ethan Coleman scored all 5 touchdowns for Bolivar-Richburg which stays undefeated at 3-0 as Holley slips to 2-1.
A 6 yard touchdown run by Coleman and a two-point conversion carry by quarterback Caden Allen gave Bolivar-Richburg an 8-0 lead in the first quarter.
Holley did answer back with a long drive highlighted by pass completions by quarterback Destin Kuyal of 22 yards to Zach Milner and 12 yards to Vince Golisano. However, the drive stalled out on downs at the Bolivar-Richburg 13 and the Hawks did not cross the Wolverines 35 yard line again until late in the fourth quarter.
The play of the game though came on Bolivar-Richurg’s next series. The Wolverines had the ball at the Hawks 31 yard line but a high snap from center sent the ball flying backwards to midfield. Coleman alertly picked up the ball and sprinted 50 yards for a touchdown and a 14-0 Wolverines lead.
The Wolverines upped the lead to 20-0 late in the third quarter on a 44 yard touchdown run by Coleman.
Coleman then tacked on touchown runs of 31 and 8 yards in the final quarter.
Holley did drive to the Wolverines 11 late in the game after a 48 yard pass completion from Kuyal to Gavin Baney but the drive stalled out on downs at the 11.
Holley defender Hunter Kennedy holds on to stop Bolivar-Richburg quarterback Caden Allen.
Lackawanna 38, Roy-Hart/Barker/Lyndonville 12
Lackawanna likewise scored in every quarter in a 38-12 interdivisional win over visiting Roy-Hart/Barker/Lyndonville.
The visiting Silverbacks touchdowns came on a 65 yard pass from quarterback Trenton Muck to Braxton Crosby and on a 1 yard run by Lucas Drees.
Muck threw for a total of 111 yards as Payton Grabowski had 2 receptions for 46 yards.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 17 September 2022 at 11:03 am
David Bogden delivers the meals after morning chores at his farm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: David Bogden of Medina loads his car with containers of hot and cold food for delivery to Meals on Wheels recipients.
MEDINA – David Bogden was still farming full time when he saw an ad in the paper for drivers for Meals on Wheels.
That was 34 years ago.
Bogden was working on the family’s 700-acre farm at the time, milking 72 cows and also hauling fertilizer. But the cows were milked early in the morning and late in the afternoon and he figured he could spare a couple of hours around lunch time to help out. And he could always use the extra money.
So he called Nutrifair in Albion and the woman who answered said she needed him quick. He went right down, and that started what would become a 34-year routine, that continues today.
His route takes him to 12 homes in Shelby, West Shelby, part of Ridge Road and the muck. It covers about 48 miles and takes about two hours, Bogden said.
He still farms 100 acres and raises 30 head of beef cattle on his farm north of Medina, but he looks forward to his job at Nutrifair.
David Bogden of Medina gets his containers of meals at Nutrifair in Albion, ready to begin his 48-mile route. He has been a driver for Meals on Wheels for 34 years.
Meals on Wheels in both Orleans and Genesee counties is praised as being not only beneficial for providing nutritional meals to seniors and/or shut-ins, but as sometimes being a vital contact with the outside world for seniors who are alone or have no relatives in the area.
Bogden’s experiences are proof of that. He has found three clients deceased. Another woman was confused and couldn’t talk, so 911 was called to send an ambulance, and another time he found a man who got stuck under his bed and pulled him out.
Vicki Havholm, nutrition program coordinator at Nutrifair, said Bogden is their longest running driver in the history of the Meals on Wheels program. Nutrifair is run by the Arc GLOW.
Meals on Wheels delivers to about 128 homes, five days a week. They provide a hot and cold meal for a suggested donation of $3.50 a day, and they always need drivers, Havholm said.
The program operates with six paid drivers and only one volunteer driver. They also get help daily from the Arc.
Havholm said they used to have a very successful meal program at the Nutrifair site in the old Albion Academy, but people haven’t been coming on site for their meals. She said the meal site in Kendall is thriving and there is always great response to the Spring Jubilee and the Nutrifair lunch annually at the fairgrounds.
Borrowers reminded to use trusted government websites and not respond to unsolicited offers of student loan relief
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Governor Kathy Hochul issued a warning to consumers about scammers taking advantage of the recent student debt relief plan to steal borrowers’ money and personal information.
Scammers are creating a sense of urgency by impersonating government agencies and promising immediate student loan relief. Borrowers are reminded that it’s important to stay vigilant, well-informed and prepared for any fraud related to this new relief plan.
Hochul has signed legislation to expand and simplify access to the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program statewide. This new legislation establishes what qualifies as full-time employment for the purposes of accessing PSLF, and allows public service employers to certify employment on behalf of workers, eliminating substantial barriers to applying for and accessing the program.
“New Yorkers work hard for every dollar they earn and the student loan forgiveness plan will be critical to helping reduce the pressures of mounting debt,” Governor Hochul said. “Unfortunately, unscrupulous individuals and scammers are using this as an opportunity to take advantage of others. We’re putting scammers on notice: we will not let you take advantage of hard-working New Yorkers. I urge everyone to remain vigilant and stay informed to stop these bad actors in their tracks.”
What You Need to Know About the Federal Student Relief Plan:
On August 24, 2022, the Biden Administration announced a three-part plan to help working and middle-class federal student loan borrowers. The plan includes:
A final extension of the student loan repayment pause through December 31, 2022, and loan forgiveness of up to $20,000 for qualified individuals
Improving the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and creating a new income-driven repayment plan to reduce future monthly payments for lower- and middle-income borrowers.
Reducing the cost of college to protect future students.
The U.S. Department of Education is working quickly to implement the improvements to student loans, but many details will be forthcoming. The Department of Education recommends logging in to your StudentAid.gov account to ensure your contact information is up to date and to sign up for alerts for when new information becomes available.
How to Avoid a Student Loan Forgiveness Scams:
Seek trusted information and sources. Only go to “.gov” websites when seeking assistance. The U.S. Department of Education recently launched a webpage to provide borrowers with a one-stop location for accurate and up to date information about the program. Upon accessing the site, borrowers will find not only general information but also a detailed Frequently Asked Questions section that provides facts about the student debt relief plan.
Don’t trust any person or program who promises you early or special access, or guaranteed eligibility. You might be contacted by a company saying they will help you get loan discharge, forgiveness, cancellation, or debt relief for a fee. They may also offer to help you apply early. The loan forgiveness application will launch in early October and early access is not possible, and you never have to pay for help with your federal student aid. If you receive any of these offers, it’s a scam.
Don’t give your personal information, Federal Student Aid ID or social security number to anyone who contacts you. Nobody from the Department of Education will be calling you or texting you about this initiative. Make sure you work only with the U.S. Department of Education, and never reveal your personal information or account password to anyone. Genuine emails to borrowers will only come from noreply@studentaid.gov.
If you encounter a scam, report it. Contact the official Federal Student Aid website to file a complaint, or contact the Federal Trade Commission. The U.S. Department of Education offers additional tips and resources here.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 16 September 2022 at 10:18 pm
MEDINA – It has been little more than year since Roger and Heather Hungerford opened the doors on Bent’s Opera House, a historic restoration project more than three years in the making.
The building now boasts an upscale restaurant with a world-class chef on the first floor, themed and professionally designed hotel rooms on the second floor and the majestic opera house on the third floor.
The Hungerfords are focused now on promoting the opera house as an event/entertainment venue, hoping to encourage the community to think of the opera house when they are looking for a place for private parties or public events. They have just started having swing dance lessons and swing dancing there the third Thursday of each month.
File photo: Bent’s Opera House now houses Harvest Restaurant, themed hotel rooms and the restored opera house.
Heather said it is their goal to have two major events a month. People can register for swing dance lessons online or just show up at the door. The 45-minute lessons will start at 6:30 p.m., followed by open dancing at 7:15 p.m.
The most recent big event was an evening of music by the Easy Street Big Band on Sept. 9. Harvest also will be expanding its hours to include Sunday brunch and dinner. They are open Wednesday through Sunday. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday.
The Hungerfords are also excited about a new dining experience in Harvest Restaurant. Wine Pairing Dinners have been extremely popular and feature a seven-course dinner, with each course paired with a wine chosen by that evening’s featured sommelier. The next dinner Sept. 25 will feature the head sommelier from Disney Cruise Lines. Reservations can be made by calling (585) 318-2110.
Plans are already in the works for a New Year’s Eve Ball at Bent’s Opera House and information on making a reservation will be available soon. It will be a Great Gatsby theme and attendees are encouraged to dress in that time period. Three levels of tickets will be available – gold which includes a night in the hotel and dinner; silver, which is dinner and the dance; and black for those who just want to attend the dance.
Roger purchased the historic Bent’s building from the Orleans Renaissance Group, which had been given the building when Bank of America moved out of town. The design phase began back in 2016. Shortly after purchasing it, an architect’s inspection discovered the building was in danger of collapsing due to deterioration of a main beam holding it up. Roger said in a previous interview he might have thought twice if had realized what he was getting into, but how could he let a historic building in the center of his home town fall to ruin. The restoration would cost millions and take three and one-half years, counting shut-downs during Covid.
During this time, Roger, who had formed Talis Historic Restoration to focus with his historic properties, had purchased the former Medina High School and the Luther mansion on West Center Street. Plans were announced for the high school, which he renamed Mustang City, to convert it into high-end loft apartments. Travis Farnsworth was hired and employees brought on board to be trained for historic restoration work, especially windows.
It was decided to go ahead with work to make the high school environmentally sound and ascetically attractive from the exterior. The old windows in the high school were restored, rather than replaced.
“We became highly expert at window restoration,” Hungerford said. “We had three jobs of our own that involved woodworking, doors, windows and floors – in Bent’s, Mustang City and Stonehurst (the Luther Mansion).”
Windows are the most difficult because they involve glass, glazing and weatherproofing, Roger said.
In the meantime, work has been delayed on Mustang City and Stonehurst because Farnsworth and his company are in such demand for historic restoration work throughout Western New York.
Hungerford bought the former high school more than four years ago, with the intention of turning it into high end loft apartments, which would appeal to business people, teachers, engineers and medical professionals, who are being attracted to Medina by growing businesses.
“We’re losing in terms of where these people live,” Hungerford said. “They work here, but they live elsewhere. We want to entice people who work here to live here.”
Meanwhile, Roger and his team of medical professionals continue to work on projects in the field of medical technology. He said he has sold his interest in Talis Clinical at the Cleveland Clinic, where he was a major partner.
Readers will recall Roger’s involvement with the medical industry goes back to his father Van Hungerford, who worked at and later owned Sigmamotor. His father is credited with inventing the world’s first heart pump, and Roger’s contributions to the industry include inventing an intravenous delivery pump, a cardiopulmonary bypass pump and development of an advanced clinical guidance software tool, which electronically connects and integrates all manner of patient data. This is used especially for patients who are on multiple units, such as seizure pumps, patient monitors, infusion pumps and cardiopulmonary pumps.
His current project is a medical technology company that foresees will operate for future generations out of the Pickle Factory.
His days aren’t all work, though. He finds time for his favorite hobby, riding bike. He began riding while in college, where he raced bikes. During a recent week he shared he observed the 1,000th day of consecutively riding his bike, either inside or outside. He has logged 17,000 miles. Outside he typically rides 17 miles, and sometimes as far as 60 miles.
“That’s not my most important accomplishment, but it’s the most bizarre,” he said.
Kevin Weigel, site pastor for OneChurch, said they transitioned the former Catholic church site to a Free Methodist Church, and their congregation grew to 130 attendees before Covid hit.
