RIDGEWAY – The final scheduled food distribution will be this Friday beginning at about 8:30 a.m. at the Ridgeway fire hall at 11392 Ridge Rd., Medina.

The entrance will be on Horan Road and the line will be facing north (facing Ridge Road). Exit will be on to Ridge Road. People are asked to not block driveways. The distribution won’t start before 8 a.m.

The Office for the Aging, Community Action of Orleans & Genesee and Calvary Tabernacle Church in Medina and the Cornell Cooperative Extension have worked together to coordinate the distributions since April 2020.

“ We want to thank Foodlink and all the hosting sites – Community Action of Genesee & Orleans, Calvary Cupboard of Medina, and Cornell Cooperative Extension – for holding these events,” said Melissa Blanar, director of the Office for the Aging. “We could not have these events without the wonderful volunteers over the last 14 months that assisted with the distribution of the food boxes. If people are in need of food after these distributions end please contact your local food pantry for assistance.”

More than 150 students are registered for ‘Camp Rising Hawk’

HOLLEY – For the first time in many years Holley Central School will be running its own summer school program.

There are 155 students registered for “Camp Rising Hawk,” a four-week program for students entering grades 1 to 9.

The district will be offering transportation, as well as breakfast and lunch for students in the program.

The camp runs for four weeks, and is four days each week, from Monday through Thursday. It starts July 19 and ends Aug. 12. The camp is from 9 a.m. to noon each day and students will work on English Language Arts, math and social and emotional learning. (Registration has closed.)

Holley has designed a program with many activities mixed in with learning, said Brendan Keiser, director of teaching and learning for the school district.

“It’s going to be fun,” he said. “I’m excited and thrilled.”

Camp Rising Hawk will be “low-tech” without laptops and other devices. Keiser acknowledged many students need the extra work with classes disrupted from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“There is a lot of unfinished learning,” he said.

The district will need to continue working on that transition back to full in-person learning when the new school year starts in September, in particular with the social and emotional growth of students, Keiser said.

The camp is open to all students, but the district made extra efforts to reach out to families of students who had fallen behind academically. Many students who have been remote only for the past 15 months also will be part of the camp to help them get used to be back in an in-person school setting.

Brian Bartalo, the district superintendent, praised Holley teachers and other staff for stepping up and agreeing to be part of the summer program. Other districts have struggled to get staff for the summer schools, Bartalo said.

Holley has about 15 teachers for the program and other staff for Camp Rising Hawk.

“I feel extremely fortunate with our Holley staff members,” Bartalo told the Board of Education on Monday. “In other districts it’s been hard to find staff.”

The classes for the program won’t have more than 15 students. Students won’t have to wear masks at all times because they can be socially distanced.

The program will be held at the elementary school and will be in classrooms with air-conditioning.

Provided photo: Four of the panelists during a June 17 session on racial justice included, from left: Rev. James Renfrew, Kim Remley, Kae Wilbert and Bob Golden. Not pictured is another panelist, Sister Dolores Ann O’Dowd.

Press Release, by Bob Golden, member of Social Justice Committee

ALBION – Last week the Rev. James Renfrew of Clarendon, 20-year pastor of Byron First Presbyterian, led two discussions on the book, “White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism” by Robin DiAngelo.

There were 16 at the noon session and 36 for the second discussion at 6:30 p.m. on June 17, in addition to the five panelists. The audience was filled with people who “cared” and had proven it through their civic and church activities.

Through a series of probing questions presented by Rev. Renfrew,  the panel and many in the audience expressed the shock that DiAngelo was right. We’d personally profited, whether we wanted or realized it, by white or male or other privilege that we didn’t necessarily merit and we’d simply taken for granted. Further, it was often at the expense of minorities, women, or people maybe not considered as attractive, but equally qualified.

Renfrew also asked, “How should we prioritize our approaches to racism – dig deep into the awful truth of past racism, or work together to build a better future for all?” All of the panelists and several audience members said both: we have to understand and acknowledge (and apologize for) our past and reach out to mend and rectify our continued injustices.

There were several significant members of the African-American community, including Deacon Billie Witherspoon, who gave incisive perspective.

The panel members for the June 17 discussions were Sister Dolores Ann O’Dowd, Kim Remley, Kae Wilbert and Bob Golden.

Co-sponsoring groups: Social Justice, People Embracing Diversity and Albion Betterment Committees, the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church and the Hoag Library.

Bob Golden, in framing the discussion, quoted from the great composer, Duke Ellington. Duke envisioned in 1943 “a future world …as a place…where there will be no war, no greed, no categorization, no non-believers, where love is unconditional and no pronoun is good enough for God.”

Many in the audience asked about future such programs. The Rev. Trellis Pore, diversity trainer for NYS Corrections; Rev. Aaron Kulczyk of Holy Family and Rev. Justin Steeg of Our Lady of Victory, past seminarian assigned to Holy Family; and Mike Magnuson of Hoag Library have agreed to consider leading discussions in the fall.

Among the books considered: Ijeama Oluo’s “So You Want to Talk About Race,” Brian Stevenson’s “Just Mercy,” Michele Alexander’s “The New Jim Crow,” Pope Francis’ “Fratelli Tutti,” Rev. Martin Luther King’s “Where Do We Go From Here, Community or Chaos,” and “The Overground Railroad.”

Sidonio with slight lead over Bower in Murray; McKenna and Waters apparent winners in Barre

The Republican primary for Murray town supervisor is too close to call after polls closed tonight. The results will determined on Monday when absentee ballots are counted.

In Murray – the only race for town supervisor in Orleans County – Joe Sidonio is leading by 13 votes over Randy Bower, 263-250. Sidonio is the current supervisor and Bower, the retired Orleans County sheriff, is currently a town councilman.

There are 44 absentees turned in so far in Murray and 64 were sent out. There may be more than 44 to count if they are received by next Tuesday and are postmarked by today. The Orleans County Board of Elections plans to count the absentees on Monday, and will include any received more if they arrive on Tuesday, as long as the ballots are postmarked by today.

• In Barre, two candidates – George McKenna and David Waters – have stated opposition to the wind turbine project. They are the apparent winners with 163 for Waters and 162 for McKenna, over incumbents Tom McCabe, 146, and Lynn Hill, 145. McCabe and Hill both voted to change the town ordinance to allow for turbines up to 700 feet in height.

Barre has 13 absentees turned in so far out of 20 that were requested.

• In Carlton, Karen Narburgh received 101 votes for town clerk, compared to 66 for Dori Goetze. Narburgh has been the town clerk the past seven years.

• In Gaines in the primary for town justice, Charles Prentice Jr. received 146 votes to Henry Smith Jr.’s 48. Bruce Schmidt, the incumbent, isn’t seeking re-election.

• In Ridgeway, in a three-candidate race for town clerk, Hannah Hill is the overwhelming winner with 228 votes, followed by Laurie Kilburn with 75 and E.J. Cox with 16. Karen Kaiser, the current town clerk, isn’t seeking re-election.

Also in Ridgeway, there were three candidates for two open seats on the Town Board. Jeff Toussaint leads with 255 votes, followed by 249 for Cliff Barber. David Stalker, an incumbent, received 72 votes.

• In Shelby, three candidates were seeking two positions. Edward Zelazny has likely defeated one of the incumbents, William Bacon. The vote totals include 172 for incumbent Stephen Seitz Sr., 166 for Zelazny and 143 for Bacon.

There are 13 out of 38 absentees turned in so far.

Press Release, GCASA

For the fourth consecutive year, Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse has been selected as one of the 2021 Best Companies to Work for in New York.

The annual listing of businesses honored through the Best Companies to Work for in New York program was created by the New York State Society for Human Resource Management and Best Companies Group.

This statewide survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in New York, benefiting the state’s economy, its workforce and businesses.

The 2021 Best Companies to Work for in New York list is made up of 72 companies, including the not-for-profit GCASA, which offers services in the areas of substance use prevention, treatment and recovery.

GCASA Executive Director John Bennett said he was proud to be honored for a fourth year, recognizing his staff “as amazing individuals who help people in our communities every day.”

“Our employees give back in so many ways and are deserving of having a great place to work,” he said. “We try to be family-oriented and give staff flexibility in creating their own schedule which is a highly-rated perk we offer. This year, we are improving our in-house training and education opportunities and addressing some salary inequities compared to other regional organizations in our category.”

To be considered for participation, companies had to fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

• Be a for-profit, not-for-profit business or government entity;
• Be a publicly or privately held business;
• Have a facility in the state of New York;
• Have at least 15 employees working in New York; and
• Must be in business a minimum of 1 year.

Companies from across the state entered the two-part survey process to determine the Best Companies to Work for in New York. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. This part was worth approximately 25 percent of the total evaluation.

The second part consisted of a survey to measure the employee experience. This part was worth approximately 75 percent of the total. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final rankings.

Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process in New York and also analyzed the data and used their expertise to determine the final rankings.

Kim Corcoran, GCASA’s director of Human Resources, said the agency’s staff is committed to providing the best possible services to its communities.

“GCASA is extremely honored to be recognized once again,” she said. “Along with an employer-completed survey, 125 staff were asked to respond to a survey to include areas regarding GCASA’s leadership, corporate culture and communication, work environment, pay and benefits, supervision, and overall engagement. This is quite a tribute to our staff and reflects the positive environment fostered by our leadership.”

All honorees will be celebrated at an online event at 5:30 p.m. July 28. For more information about the event, click here.

To learn more about attending the event or sponsoring contact rbjevents@bridgetowermedia.com.

For more information on the Best Companies to Work for in New York program, click here.

ALBION – The Orleans County Planning Board will be meeting Thursday to consider referrals from local towns including a proposal for a new campground in Murray.

The Planning Board will meet at 7 p.m. at the Legislative Chambers in County Administration Building on Route 31 in Albion and also virtually via Zoom.

The board makes a recommendation to the municipalities, which the towns and villages can override with a super-majority vote.

The referrals include review of the site plan, a special use permit request and area variance for Big Guys Campground. This would be at 3739 Monroe-Orleans County Line Rd., the Brockport Country Club.

• Also in Murray, planners will review a request for a special use permit for a storage and incidental repair for construction equipment at 16473 State Route 31.

• There are two referrals from Shelby. Planners will review the site plan for an outdoor recreational facility (ice cream stand, putt-putt course, corn maze, and other activities) at 11412 Maple Ridge Road. Planners will also consider a special use permit and review the site plan for an auto sales business at 5138 South Gravel Rd.

• In Ridgeway, planners will review the site plan for an 11,200-square-foot addition for product storage at 3161 Fruit Ave.

• In Albion, planners will review the town’s proposal to a law regulating the installation of battery energy storage systems.

Provided photos: Lions Club member John Becker presented the Citizen of the Year award to Bill Mayes.

Information courtesy of Helen Unterborn, a member of the Kendall Lions Club

KENDALL – At their last meeting of the 2020-2021 year, the Kendall Lions celebrated 46 years of service to the Kendall Community. Three new members were inducted into our club by Membership Chair Lion Mike Cusimano.

Lion Jeff Charland sponsored his son, Kurt Charland, as he became a member. Kurt also joins his mother, Lion Becky Charland. Lion Ed Haight proudly sponsored his brother and sister-in-law. We were pleased to welcome back Lion Phil Haight and induct his wife Lorraine as they join our club in service.

Lions Club members from left include Kurt Charland, Jeff Charland, Phil Haight, Lorraine Haight and Ed Haight. Kurt Charlene, Phil Haight and Lorraine Haight all joined the Kendall Lions.

The Kendall Lions also presented several awards recognizing community members and Lions Club members for their service to the community and the club.

We were proud to recognize Bill Mayes as our Citizen of the Year. Lion John Becker presented and shared how since the pandemic began, Bill has been traveling into the city two and sometimes three days a week to collect donated food. This has then been boxed and donated to many needy families in our Kendall Community.

Partyka Farms was recognized for its generous donations to many fundraisers and activities over the years. Lions Club member Eric Maxon presented the Robert J. Uplinger Award to the Partyka family.

Lion Eric Maxon highlighted their giving spirit and many of the ways they have supported our club through donations and sponsorship of our fundraisers and activities.

For the past several years, they have hosted our annual pumpkin patch for the elementary students. This year, to provide the pumpkins in a safe manner, they delivered the pumpkins and set them up for a drive-in event at the Fire Hall. During the pandemic when we were unable to host a breakfast for the 2020 Kendall Seniors, they donated coupons for a sweet treat to accompany our Lion pins as gifts for the seniors. The Kendall Lions extend a big thank you to the entire Partyka Family.

Mike Cusimano and his daughter, Julie Bunn, have made a great team for the Kendall Lions this year. Lion Mike Cusimano received the Ray Ernenwein Lion of the Year Award in recognition for his participation and leadership in the many events and service projects of our club.

Lion Julie Bunn is our newest Melvin Jones Fellow. She was recognized for her leadership and service. Lion Julie implemented aa Check In service for our Senior Citizens during the pandemic and organized many Lions and community members in picking up and delivering food boxes to over 50 families in our community. Lion Julie also is an active participant in our events and service projects and has taken on the leadership role of club treasurer.

Lions Club member Candy Minigiello (left) presented a Career Lion award to Gary Crawford, who is joined by his wife Linda Crawford.

Gary Crawford is the club’s incoming president. Lion Gary has been an active and loyal Lion for over 45 years. He is not only an asset to our club but the community as well, serving in the Fire Department and as an EMT for 50 years.

Photo by Tom Rivers: A fisherman walks along the western pier at the Oak Orchard Harbor at Point Breeze in this photo taken on March 20, 2021.

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27, is a Free Fishing Weekend in New York State, the second of six Free Fishing Days recognized across the state each year.

“As the school year closes out and the summer officially begins, the timing of New York’s upcoming Free Fishing Weekend couldn’t be better,” Governor Cuomo said. “Whether you’re returning to the angling as an expert, introducing a friend or family member, or casting a line for the very first time, Free Fishing Weekend is the perfect opportunity to experience firsthand all the benefits of fishing.”

During designated free fishing days, New York residents and non-residents are permitted to fish for free without a fishing license. Participating anglers are reminded that although the requirement for a fishing license is waived during free fishing days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect. Remaining 2021 Free Fishing Days include National Hunting and Fishing Day (Sept. 25) and Veterans Day (Nov. 11).

“New York is home to some of the most exceptional fishing opportunities in the nation and anglers from around the world visit our state’s waters every year in search of their next big catch,” said Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos. “I encourage all anglers, from first timers to experts, to take advantage of the upcoming free fishing weekend by casting a line in New York’s waters and experiencing the joy that comes with fishing.”

For beginning anglers interested in getting started, the I FISH NY Beginners’ Guide to Freshwater Fishing provides information on everything from rigging up a fishing rod to identifying catch and understanding fishing regulations.

DEC’s Places to Fish webpages are a reliable source of information for those ready to plan their next fishing trip. In addition, DEC recently launched an interactive Trout Stream Fishing Map on the DECinfo Locator to provide a one-stop shop for information on stocking, fishing access, season dates, and regulations.

‘You have reminded us of our purpose, which is to love and care for children. That is why we exist.’ – Brian Bartalo, Holley district superintendent

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – The school district on Monday evening honored six retiring teachers and staff who have a combined 182 years of service to students.

The top photo shows Sue Cory (left), junior-senior high school principal, with Kathy Monks, who is retiring after 30 years as a Spanish teacher. Monks also was the Spanish club advisor, a yearbook advisor and put on elaborate Day of the Dead celebrations. The latter is a Mexican holiday on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2.

Cory praised Monks for her dedication to students and an engaging teaching style.

“I loved the kids, and I loved my co-workers and the school district,” Monks said. “At Holley there is a sense of family.”

Sue Morreall retired after 25 years in the elementary school office. She was praised for her organizational skills, a welcoming personality and a deep institutional knowledge of the school.

“I loved it,” Morreall said about the job. “I loved seeing the students’ smiling faces in the morning.”

Roxanne Wagner is retiring after 33 years with Holley as an administrative assistant and a stint as athletic director. She showed an eagerness to help the district and connect with students, including chaperoning many school events.

“These are two great people and workers,” Brian Bartalo, the district superintendent, said about Morreall and Wagner.

He said the two employees and other administrative assistants are critical to the school operations.

“We all know who really runs the district,” he said about the staff.

Karri Schiavone, elementary school principal (left) congratulates Wanda Farrell on her retirement. Farrell has served as a school counselor at Holley, working in both the middle-senior high school and then in the elementary school.

She was compassionate with many Holley families, and helped connect the district with agencies that provided additional services.

“I just like the kids,” Farrell said about her career. “I had a great staff to work with.”

Sheri Viscardi, a fourth grade teacher, is congratulated by Karri Schiavone, the school principal. Viscardi was a very popular teacher who made her classroom fun while pushing students to excel, Schiavone said.

“Sheri loves her children clearly,” Schiavone said. “She puts everything she has into her class.”

Holley also recognized Brandi Zavitz, who is retiring as the middle and high school art teacher. She was unable to attend Monday’s Board of Education meeting.

Bartalo, the district superintendent, congratulated the retirees.

“You have reminded us of our purpose, which is to love and care for children,” Bartalo said. “That is why we exist.”

The six retirees worked 182 years combined for the district.

“I can’t even imagine how many students and lives have been positively impacted by these remarkable individuals,” Bartalo said.

The Board of Education also recognized two BOE members who are leaving after completing their terms. Robin Silvis, the BOE president, presents a gift to Mark Porter. He will continue in an official Holley capacity, representing the district on the board for the Monroe II-Orleans BOCES.

Melissa Ierlan also was commended by Silvis for her volunteer efforts on the BOE. Ierlan seemed to know nearly all of the families and was very student-focused, Silvis said.

“She reads everything and she knows everybody,” Silvis said. “She cares for every student.”

Nyla Gaylord previously led Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Former Ministry of Concern director Nyla Gaylord meets with Dean Bellack, director of United Way of Orleans County, after the announcement she has been hired as a fundraiser and event planner for United Way. 

After a very successful year in fundraising, United Way of Orleans County has announced the hiring of Nyla Gaylord as fundraiser and event planner.

Gaylord had formerly been with the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern for 5 ½  years, more than 4 of those years as director.

While she was in that position, she worked on a grant on her own time to secure $450,000 to hire a grant writer, who would be available free of charge to any non-profit in Orleans County, and eventually Genesee County. In addition, the grant, which was received in April, also pays the salary for Gaylord’s new position with United Way.

“I worked on the grant on my own time because I felt very strongly a grant writer was what the county needed,” Gaylord said. “It had become increasingly clear to me how stretched thin the administrators of organizations are, plus their staff doesn’t have a grant writer or anyone with the skills to write a grant.”

Gaylord praised United Way’s director Dean Bellack, whose vision resulted in searching for funds outside of the county and a never-before collaboration between county agencies and the big foundations.

“What Dean and United Way have done (and the pandemic contributed to it, as well) is start to collaborate with other agencies and look strategically at areas they serve,” Gaylord said. “Also, these big foundations realized they were underserving rural counties. The Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo came to us. As a result of the Western New York Covid-19 Response Fund, we were able to hire Mary Beth Debus, who worked on the Orleans Initiative Digital Divide study.”

Bellack said the knowledge Gaylord has is invaluable.

In her past jobs, Gaylord said she has worked for low pay at human service agencies. She has learned a lot about not-for-profits’ community needs and what is available to help people. She has knowledge of entitlement programs, SSI, immigration and the disability system.

“Diversity is our strength – people coming together to look at community needs,” she said.

Gaylord felt she had done all she could at Ministry of Concern and wanted to look at a bigger picture in the community.

“I’m not interested in public office, and I realize under Dean’s leadership United Way is evolving in a new direction which is much needed,” she said. “It’s role will be to support not-for-profit agencies, not just raise money. It will be ‘boots on the ground.’ Everybody is stretched too thin and trying to do a lot with a little. It’s now time for United Way to evolve as an agency of support. United Way in Orleans County is broadening its scope in terms of how we bring resources to not-for-profits and the entire community.”

With the $450,000 grant for a grant-writer, the soon-to-be-announced $349,000 for Orleans County’s Digital Divide Initiative and half a dozen other grants, United Way last year was responsible for bringing more than a million dollars into the county, much of it to help those affected by the pandemic.

In spite of these gifts, Bellack stressed how important local donations and workplace campaigns are to United Way’s mission.

“These local donations are absolutely necessary,” he said.

Gaylord started her new position with United Way on June 14. She will expand fundraising opportunities throughout the community, while the new grant writer will go after foundation money and other funding opportunities which didn’t exist before.

“We will be approaching fundraising on two different levels,” Bellack said.

Gaylord has already acquired Las Vegas entertainer Jimmy Mazz for a gala United Way event at Maison Albion in the fall. She is also visiting town clerks throughout the county, in an attempt to create more relationships. She is promoting the sale of tickets to United Way’s chicken barbecue July 10, which will be a drive-thru event from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds. Tickets are $12 and will be for sale Friday nights at Medina’s cruise-in at the Canal Basin or by logging on to United Way’s web site. A limited number will be sold the day of the event.

As a lifelong resident of Orleans County, Gaylord said she just wants to see things better.

“I see tremendous potential for Orleans County,” she said.

She can be contacted at development@orleansunitedway.org or at (585) 703-0564.

Bellack said United Way will now have four employees with four different skill sets. In addition to Gaylord and the new grant writer, there is administrative assistant Dawn Winkler, who Bellack says knows everything about financials, web site design and promotions. She is an organizer, he said.

HOLLEY – The school district today dedicated the library at the junior-senior high school in memory of John Heise, who served as principal of the building for many years.

He also was an elementary school principal and director of education and special programs. In his retirement, he was elected to the Board of Education and was the vice president when he passed away on Dec. 23, 2020. He was 73 and given 40 years to the Holley school district. He also served as a village trustee, Community Free Library trustee and was on the board for the Monroe II-Orleans BOCES. He was deeply involved in Rotary, and was a past Holley club president and served as district governor for an area that included about 70 Rotary clubs in Western New York and southern Ontario.

He was very involved in bringing foreign exchange students to Holley and delighted in taking them to visit sites all over the region.

Robin Silvis, the Board of Education president, speaks to the group gathered in the school for the dedication ceremony. The red chair in the photo will go in the elementary school. That chair was donated in memory of Heise by the other members on the Board of Education and Jeff Martin, the school attorney who also has been in the Holley Rotary Club for many years with Heise.

Silvis said the district wanted to pay tribute to “our friend and colleague.” Naming the library for Heise is a fitting tribute because he loved to read and was such a strong proponent of education, Silvis said. He was often seen on his front porch on North Main Street, reading a book.

Silvis said Heise is “sorely missed” by the Board of Education members and his many friends.

“No amount of words can offer gratitude that this district, community, your friends and family have for all that you gave of yourself for the good of others,” Silvis said.

Heise’s family is pictured by the entrance of the library. Pictured from left are Heise’s son Kevin and his wife Iris, John’s wife sandy, grandson Alexander Zelent, and daughter Samantha and her husband John Zelent.

Kevin Heise said his father loved to read and learn about many different subjects. He kept a reading log and challenged his son to keep reading and learning.

Kevin said naming the library for his dad “is a wonderful tribute for a wonderful man.”

“He’ll be able to continue to share his love for reading,” said Kevin, who lives in Richmond, Va.

Sandy Heise reacts after cutting the ribbon for the library. Her grandson Alexander joined her in cutting the ribbon.

Sandy said her husband found just about any book interesting, whether nonfiction about a historical topic or a mystery thriller.

“He loved books,” she said. “He loved to read.”

Her husband’s death was unexpected and she continues to feel the grief of his loss.

“Some days it’s one step forward and one step back,” she said. “Some days it’s one step forward and three steps back.”

The plaque on the chair notes a nearly 40-year commitment to Holley from John Heise.

After the ceremony punch and cookies were served in the school cafeteria. The cookies were decorated with a book design.

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Joe Cecchini steals third base as Dustin Hendrix defends for Southwestern. The action took place during the Mustangs sectional win over the Trojans this afternoon at Vets Park.

Ignited by a big first inning scoring burst top seeded Medina went on to defeat No. 8 Southwestern 10-0 this afternoon in a Section VI Class B2 quarterfinal round playoff game at Vets Park.

The Mustangs took charge at the outset erupting for six runs in the first inning on an RBI  bunt single by AJ Seefeldt, a run producing fielders choice play off the bat of Alex Doval, an RBI single by Aidan Paul, a two-run triple by Corey Saj and a wild pitch. Brian Fry led off the frame with a walk and stole second to spark the uprising.

Zach Fike hurled a one hit shutout for the Mustangs.

Medina later put a lock on the five inning run rule contest by scoring four times in the bottom of the fourth on a two-run single by winning pitcher Zach Fike, an RBI single by Paul and a wild pitch for a 10-0 lead. A single by Xander Payne followed by two walks loaded the bases to set up the threat.

Fike, who allowed only one hit and struck out 10, then closed out the win by registering three strikeouts in the top of the fifth.

Improving to 14-1 overall, Medina will now host a B2 semifinal contest at 5 p.m. Wednesday against the winner of Tuesday’s No. 5 Akron at No. 4 Eden quarterfinal.

Southwestern finishes the season at 6-7.

Medina’s Xander Payne steals second base ahead of a throw to Southwestern shortstop Aidan Kennedy.

Provided photos: The second floor of the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia will be renamed the Marian Ransom Medical Unit.

Press Release, United Memorial Medical Center

Marian Ransom

BATAVIA – United Memorial Medical Center has been gifted the largest donation in its history of more than 100 years. Marian Ransom, who lived in LeRoy, left her entire estate of more than $1.2 million to the hospital upon passing away last year.

In honor of Marian Ransom and her generous contribution, the second floor medical wing at UMMC has been renamed the “Marian Ransom Medical Unit”.

“It’s contributions like Marian’s that make such a profound impact on the community,” said Dan Ireland, President of United Memorial Medical Center. “We are beyond grateful for Marian’s contributions and what it will mean for the hospital, our patients and the community. With the support of her donation, we’ll be renovating the intensive care unit, which will also have a significant impact on the newly named Marian Ransom Medical Unit.”

The ICU project is still in the early stages of development, but when complete will improve patient, visitor access and flow to both the ICU and the Marian Ransom Medical Unit. The ICU will get a new waiting area and greeting area and also, clinical support spaces for both units.

“Marian desired to make a difference at the end of her life and so bequeathed her entire estate of more than $1.2 million to United Memorial Medical Center,” said Michael T. Welsh, Marian’s attorney. “This humble and philosophical woman has left a legacy which will benefit so many of our citizens for years to come.”

United Memorial Medical Center is a 133-bed acute care hospital that serves the residents of Genesee County and surrounding communities. The medical staff of more than 250 primary care physicians and specialists offers primary medical care and a broad range of specialties. The hospital is also the largest private employer in Genesee County with more than 800 employees.