Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Ryan Czaja of Middleport wears a Santa suit while running a 5K this morning in Medina. He was one of 75 participants in the 9^th annual Home for the Holidays 5K. Czaja also is the Middleport fire chief. He has worn the Santa suit for the race at least three times.

“It makes the kids smile,” he said.

Debbie Tompkins, co-director of the race with Teresa Wilkins, welcomes the runners for the 5K race. Tompkins and Wilkins have organized the event the past four years. Last year’s was capped at 50 due to Covid restrictions. This year there wasn’t a cutoff.

The runners, including Santa, get lined up in the Canal Basin for the start of the race. The proceeds from the event, estimated at $1,000, will be given to the Hands for Hope ministry.

The runners take off at the Canal Basin this morning when temperatures were about 30 degrees.

Aurora Owczarczak has an elf costume on for the race. She is close to the finish on the Prospect Avenue lift bridge.

Alden Cayea of Medina won the race in a time of 18:33. Kimberly Mills of Oakfield was the first woman to cross the finish line in a time of 21:09.

Loren Jones and Katy Owczarczak head to the finish line amidst a brief blast of snow.

Photo by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Takeform employees Dave Kozubal, Tosha Boyle and Shannon Dent are at a booth this morning that was created by the company as part of Medina’s Olde Tyme Christmas celebration.

Takeform will be on Main Street by the Presbyterian Church today until 10 p.m. to accept messages about gratitude.

The company will use those words and messages to create a display at Rotary Park from mid-December until mid-January.

Takeform has been a big part of Medina’s Parade of Lights and holiday celebration in recent years. It twice was the champion in the Parade of Lights, and donated typography decorations for Rotary Park to celebrate the Christmas season.

This year, Takeform decided it wanted to emphasize a feeling of gratitude, especially during a time of suffering and disruption from Covid-19.

Takeform employees want to hear from the community what they are thankful for. Takeform will also be giving away cutout ornaments in celebration of the 2021 Parade of Lights.

MEDINA – Medina’s Parade of Lights on Saturday includes 38 entries, with four marching bands and nine first-time parade participants.

The parade typically has 35 to 40 parade entries. Last year, there were about 20 when Medina shifted to a “reverse parade” where the entries were stationary and people drove by from their vehicles.

Jim Hancock, the parade chairman, said organizers and participants are happy to be back for a “normal” parade with the procession starting at the Olde Pickle Factory on Park Avenue and then working its way downtown on Main Street. This year’s parade marshal will be Steve Morse, who has portrayed Santa Claus for many years.

The four marching bands in the parade include Mark Time Marchers, Prime Time Brass, Pembroke High School Marching Band and the Medina Mustang Band, which is coming off its 15^th state championship. The band will be joined by alumni from graduating years of 1975 to 2021.

Prime Time Brass will perform at the four corners of Main and Center streets beginning at 5 p.m. The community Christmas tree will be lit at 5:30 p.m. at Rotary Park.  There will be a special performance by Stacey Steverson at 5:40. Fireworks will go off at 5:55 and the Parade will start promptly at 6 p.m., Hancock said.

There are activities throughout the day, including a noon parade down Main Street with Santa and Mrs. Claus coming to town. Click here for a full schedule of events.

Fireworks burst in the sky in downtown Medina just before the 11th annual Parade of Lights on Nov. 30, 2019. Fireworks are scheduled for 5:55 p.m. on Saturday.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The driver of a Ford Focus fled the scene after hitting a tree on West State Street, resulting in the car flipping upside down in the middle of the street.

Law enforcement officers were called to the scene at 1:54 p.m. and are looking for the driver. Waters Autobody is removing the car from West State, between West Street and King Street.

The car hit the tree at right, taking off a chunk of bark.

ALBION – John Hedlund is upping his investment in the Albion by opening a new hardware store next to the Save-A-Lot he has been running at the plaza on Route 31 the past 3 ½ years.

Hedlund and Leo Anger are partners in the new Albion Pro Hardware. The store opened on Nov. 3 and will celebrate its grand opening Dec. 1-4 with in-store bargains and other promotions.

Hedlund owns five Save-A-Lot stores with locations in Albion, Le Roy, Batavia, Niagara Falls and Salamanca.

The Albion Pro Hardware is his first hardware store. He sees the 7,000-square-foot site as complimentary the Save-A-Lot next door and giving the community another option for hardware supplies, paint, plumbing, lawncare, auto fluids and seasonal products.

“With these stores side by side, it creates a one-stop shop,” Hedlund said. “The opportunity became available and we wanted to breathe more life into the plaza.”

Customers have given Hedlund and Anger good feedback so far. They see many do-it-yourselfers tackling home projects.

“There are excited there is another place to shop in town,” Anger said. “We have a knowledgeable staff.”

Many of the hardware stores are struggling to maintain a supply of products doe to a shortage of materials nation-wide, Anger said. If one hardware store doesn’t have a product in stock, it’s good to have another option in the community, Anger said.

Anger has worked in retail for 20 years with parts of his career at Save-A-Lot and Walmart. Albion Pro Hardware will make customer-service a focus. If the store doesn’t have a product in stock, it can often order it and have it in the store soon.

“We are looking forward to serving the community,” Anger said. “We have pretty much anything a department store would have.”

Albion Pro Hardware will celebrate its grand opening on Dec. 1-4. The store will have a new sign on the building in mid-December.

HOLLEY – The school district is proposing $650,000 in technology improvements to be paid for from the Smart Schools Bond Act.

Holley was approved for $1,311,463 through the Bond Act and spent $497,104 in 2019 for 33 flat panels or interactive whiteboards, 200 laptops for students, 20 laptops for teachers, five carts and new security software and cameras.

That left Holley with $814,359 remaining in funds through the Bond Act. Holley will have a public hearing at 6 p.m. on Dec. 20 in the Holley Elementary School Café to discuss the next phase of its technology improvements.

Holley plans to submit three applications to the state to access its Bond Act funding. Those applications include:

• $400,000 to replace ethernet cables that are 10 to 12 years old; ensuring all classrooms have at least 5 drops for flat panels, teacher computers, action tech devices, voice over IP and wireless access points. In addition, the offices, auditorium and computer labs will be replaced.
• $120,000 to purchase 33 flat panels and interactive whiteboards
• $130,000 to purchase 33 flat panels or interactive whiteboards $164,359 remaining in its Bond Act funds.

For more information on the district’s proposal, click here.

Lakeshore Road and Lakeside Park Road fortified for future high water from Lake Ontario

Provided photos: Pictured above, erosion of original Lakeside Park Road West access road, in the town of Carlton. The road was degraded due to repeated flooding events.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

CARLTON – Governor Kathy Hochul announced the completion of a $1.7 million resiliency project on Lakeshore Road in the Town of Carlton, Orleans County, as part of the State’s Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative (REDI).

Past ice pressure and severe storm damage has eroded the bluff adjacent to Lakeshore Road, which not only created hazardous situations on the road, but also posed risks to public utilities and nearby private property. To remedy this, the project addressed erosion issue and strengthened shoreline protection, through the installation of an onshore riprap revetment system with regraded slope.

In addition, the area between the revetment and the slope was vegetated to minimize potential erosion loss and protect the toe of the bluff. Improved stormwater collection and landscaping along the roadway will also help to reduce flooding during extreme precipitation events.

Pictured above, the completed Lakeside Road West flood resiliency project, which included the construction of a new access road and the installation of rip rap stone to stabilize the shoreline and protect the public water line, is seen.

“Many shoreline communities along Lake Ontario bore the brunt of climate change’s effects through more severe storms and historic flooding events, and through New York’s REDI program, we are making strategic investments in these communities to make the region safer for its residents and visitors,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “As we look to the future, protecting the people who live in these communities is my top priority, and shoreline resiliency projects like this one will help mitigate flooding, enhance safety, and create sustainable infrastructure.”

Additionally, Governor Hochul announced the completion of a $261,000 resiliency project awarded to the town of Carlton, also through the REDI program. Flood resiliency measures undertaken in this project include the construction of a new access road and installation of riprap stone along the shoreline to protect the public water line during future high-water events.

Pictured above, the bluff along Lakeshore Road, in the town of Carlton, eroded due to wave, ice, and severe storm events.

The shoreline along Lakeside Park Road, which runs along a peninsula between Lake Ontario and Johnson Creek, has experienced degradation due to repeated flooding events. The shoreline erosion caused the access road to become unusable, resulting in the loss of land protecting homes, and approximately 300 linear feet of public water line at risk of being exposed and compromised.

The completed project mitigates future flooding risk and reduces the erosion of the Lakeside Park Road, while ensuring safe access for residents and emergency responders, and protecting critical infrastructure.

Pictured above, the completed Lakeshore Road flood resiliency project, which included the installation of an onshore riprap revetment system with regraded slope. In addition, the area between the revetment and the slope was vegetated to minimize potential erosion loss and protect the toe of the bluff.

Orleans County Legislative Chair Lynne Johnson said, “As we get set to bring the Lakeshore Road REDI project to substantial completion, we send our thanks to the Governor and the REDI Commission for making this project a reality. With their assistance, Orleans County was able to transform a critical piece of our infrastructure into a more resilient asset. We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in this process. The entire team did an amazing job. We would also like to thank the residents along Lakeshore Road for their patience, as we disrupted their normal routines. This project would not have been feasible without their cooperation.”

Town of Carlton Supervisor Gayle Ashbery said, “The town of Carlton is pleased that through our partnership with New York State and with Governor Hochul’s continued commitment to the shoreline communities, the Lakeshore Park Road flood resiliency project has completed. When the Lake Ontario waters rise, and we are faced with flooding in the future, we can be confident that our shoreline is secure, and critical waterline infrastructure is safe.”

Senator Robert Ortt said, “Rapidly eroding shoreline and threats to critical infrastructure along Lakeshore Road has required quick and decisive action by New York State and the REDI Commission to protect public safety. By intervening in this situation, addressing the ongoing erosion, and making the proper corrective improvements to existing shoreline protection, our state will be resolving both current safety concerns and protecting against issues that may have arisen in the future.”

Assemblyman Stephen Hawley said, “The preservation of our shoreline and protection of our roads is always of the utmost importance, so seeing this project approach its conclusion is very welcome news for all who travel through the area. As I saw firsthand when on a tour with the Army Corps of Engineers in July, the erosion taking place along the road would have become a real threat to the safety of travelers if left unaddressed. Additionally, the loss of the road would increase commute times for workers and travel time for emergency vehicles and could have cost our region thousands of dollars in lost economic activity.”

In response to the extended pattern of flooding along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, New York State established REDI to increase the resilience of shoreline communities and bolster economic development in the region. Five REDI Regional Planning Committees, comprised of representatives from eight counties (Niagara and Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Cayuga and Oswego, and Jefferson and St. Lawrence) were established to identify local priorities, at-risk infrastructure and other assets, and public safety concerns. Through REDI, the State has committed up to $300 million, to benefit communities and improve resiliency in flood prone regions along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

Since the creation of the State’s REDI program in the Spring of 2019, 134 REDI funded local and regional projects are underway, including 82 projects in the design phase, 19 projects in the construction phase, and 33 projects completed.

ALBION – The school district has set Dec. 14 for a public vote on a $26.69 million capital project that includes all three schools, as well as the bus garage, the football stadium and a new campus notification system.

Eligible voters 18 and older will cast ballots from noon to 8:30 p.m. at the District Office Conference Room A.

There will be a public information meeting about the project at 6 p.m. on Dec. 2 at the Middle School Auditorium.

District officials say there won’t be an additional tax impact from the project because the local share of $7,195,000 is already in a capital reserve. State funding at $19,495,000 will cover the rest.

“Due to careful project planning, financial implementation and consideration for our taxpayers, this project will have NO TAX IMPACT for district residents and businesses,” the district states on its website.

The scope of the project includes:

Elementary School – $6,300,000

• Security enhancements to include security films, access controls, exterior/interior door replacements/hardware, communication/notification systems
• Refinish main gym floor and replace folding partitions with divider curtains
• Reconfigure entry vestibule and finish renovations to the district office
• Replace plumbing fixtures and domestic hot/cold water, sanitary and storm piping in 1955 building
• Mechanical upgrades, including original building wing unit ventilators
• Integrate carbon monoxide monitoring and upgrade building system controls, panel board and switchgear
• Sidewalk replacements
• East side drop-off loop improvements

Middle School – $9,945,000

• Security enhancements to include security films, access controls, exterior/interior door replacements/hardware, communication/notification systems
• Gymnasium renovations, including gym floor refinishing, lift replacement, new wall pads, ceiling and lighting
• Renovate pool lockers shower areas, including plumbing and lighting
• Replace auditorium air-conditioning
• Provide parallel pool pump and replace hot water heaters and storage tank
• Mechanical upgrades for electrical room/transformer vault
• Integrate carbon monoxide monitoring and upgrade building system controls, panel board and switchgear
• Reconfigure parent drop-off loop
• Renovate playground
• New multi-purpose field surface at soccer/softball complex

High School – $9,795,000

• Security enhancements to include safety films, access controls, exterior/interior door replacements/hardware, communication/notification systems
• Gymnasium renovations, including gym floor replacement, re-surfaced folding partitions, bleacher replacement, ceiling/lighting, ventilation system and new wall-mounted scoreboards
• Renovate locker rooms
• Replace corridor lockers
• Replace hot water heaters, add additional boiler and replace heating line
• Integrate carbon monoxide monitoring and upgrade building system controls, panel board and switchgear
• Improve sidewalks for accessibility
• Tennis court reconstruction
• New multi-purpose field surface at football stadium complex

Bus Garage – $650,000

• Security enhancements to include security films, access controls, exterior/interior door replacements/hardware
• Replace large overhead doors in 1997 maintenance bay addition • Replace roof in 1997 maintenance bay addition
• Integrate carbon monoxide monitoring and upgrade panel board • Extend paving at bus parking and dumpster pad

Campus Notification System

In addition to the renovations being proposed in the capital project referendum, Albion Central School District is planning to install a new public address and visual notification system for the elementary, middle and high schools. This work may be separate from the capital project and would be paid for using $1,995,000 in funding available to our district through the Smart Schools Bond Act of 2014.

A timeline for the project includes:

• Dec. 2: Public Information meeting, 6 p.m. Middle School Auditorium
• Dec. 14: Project vote, noon to 8:30 p.m., District Office Conference Room A
• January 2022 to August 2022: Design Phase
• September 2022 to December 2022: SED Review
• 2023 to 2024: Construction

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Downtown Medina is decked out in decorations for the holiday season. This photo of Main Street was taken on Wednesday evening.

Medina will celebrate its annual Olde Tyme Christmas on Saturday with numerous events throughout the day, including the Parade of Lights at 6 p.m. Click here to see the full schedule.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church is in the background of this photo showing some of the decorations on Main Street.

Today on Thanksgiving the forecast calls for a high of 46 with showers expected after 11 a.m. Tonight, rain and snow showers are likely.

The highs the next few days include cloudy and high near 34 on Friday, partly sunny and 34 on Saturday and some snow likely on Sunday with a high near 36.

Medina also decorated East and West Center Street for the holidays. The First Baptist Church is in the background.

“This is truly ‘A Place of Help’ in the GLOW Region”

Provided photo: GCASA will open a 20-bed detox center on Jan. 10. The site is attached to the rear of the Atwater Community Residence on East Main Street in Batavia.

Press Release, GCASA

BATAVIA – Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse announced today that its new 20-bed detoxification center is scheduled to open for business on Jan. 10, 2022.

An “open house” for the public to view the two-story, 20-bed facility, which is attached to the rear of the Atwater Community Residence at 424 East Main St., will take place on Jan. 6, said John Bennett, GCASA executive director.

“This is truly ‘A Place of Help’ in the GLOW Region – providing a continuum of care under one roof that enables local residents in need to stay close to home for their treatment,” Bennett said.

The 8,600-square foot detox center will be fully staffed by medical and substance use counseling professionals, specially trained and certified to assist those who require short-term services.

Javen Construction of Penfield was the general contractor for the project, which broke ground last January. The design of the center complements the look of the historic Atwater Community Residence.

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Orleans County Legislator Don Allport, rights, presents a proclamation to leaders of Supportive Care of Orleans in recognition of the organization’s 30^thanniversary and also for National Hospice and Palliative Care Month.

Dave Schubel, back right, is chairman of the board of directors for Supportive Care. He is joined by, from left: Elisa Chambery, chief executive officer; Pat Eick, secretary of the board; and Maura Pierce, a member of the board of directors.

Supportive Care of Orleans provides care for all those living with life-limiting illness in Orleans County, as well as support for their caregivers and loved ones. The organization provides patients and their families with personalized medical treatment, counseling, spiritual support and bereavement coordination.

Village of Albion proposes regulations for solar energy

ALBION – The Orleans County Planning Board voted in support of several projects, including a bakery in Gaines, an auto repair shop in Ridgeway and farmworker housing in Gaines.

• Planners last Thursday recommended the Town of Gaines approve the site plan and issue a permit for Brian Ettinger to operate a bakery from his home at 3009 Brown Rd. There won’t be on-site consumption or serving. Sales will be through pickup or delivery.

• In Ridgeway, planners recommended approval for a permit for Kyle Morgan to operate a motor vehicle repair shop at 3925 Salt Works Rd. The 2,760-square-foot building includes a 3-bay garage. It has been used as an auto repair shop for more than 50 years. Morgan plans to run the business, KJM Kustoms, on a part-time basis.

• In Gaines, Haylett Farm Enterprises is proposing to build a 30-person labor house at 3147 Kenyonville Rd. for seasonal farmworkers. County planners recommended the Town of Gaines approve the site plan and issue a permit for the project.

• The Planning Board also backed the Village of Albion’s proposed regulations for solar projects in the village. The village will allow roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar projects.

For large-scale projects (bigger than 25 kW), the village establishes regulations for setbacks and lot sizes, as well as a decommissioning plan. Applications for solar projects also will require blueprints, proposed changes to landscape, description of the solar farm facility and an operation and maintenance plan.

The large-scale projects that are ground-mounted shall not exceed 12 feet in height, and need to maintain a front setback of at least 75 feet in a retail business/airport/commercial and/or recreational area with rear and side setbacks at least 25 feet in those areas.

The front setback should be at least 100 feet for residential and light industrial areas, and rear and side setbacks at least 200 feet when abutting residential property and 100 feet when abutting business and commercial zones.

The large-scale projects need to be on a minimum lot size of 10 acres, with the ground-mounted solar energy system not exceeding more than 80 percent of the lot size. The systems also will need to be enclosed by fencing.