By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 August 2025 at 1:10 pm
Albion isn’t alone in waiting for its Main Street lift bridge to open.
Brockport was expecting its bridge to reopen in early August but that has been pushed back to November, Mayor Ben Reed told the community this week.
“Don’t shoot the messenger, but we have some unfortunate news regarding the Main Street Bridge,” he said in a message posted on Brockport village website. “The planned reopening has been pushed back again, and we’re now looking at a new projected opening date in November. Barring no other unforeseen circumstances.”
The mayor said the delay is due bridge clearance issues, positioning sensor replacement (with the sensor due to be delivered in October), and a shortage of iron workers.
“DOT is actively working to see if they can bring in a crew from the New York City area to help speed things along,” Reed said. “We know this is frustrating for everyone! We will provide more updates as we have them.”
Brockport’s bridge has been closed since May 2023. It was bid out for a major rehabilitation with the Albion bridge. The DOT accepted a $28.3 million construction bid for both the Albion and Brockport lift bridges with Crane-Hogan Structural Systems in Spencerport the low bidder.
The Albion bridge was close to reopening a few months ago but a “catastrophic event” on May 7 pushed that back at least another 15 weeks.
Albion’s bridge was initially closed on Nov. 14, 2022 for what was expected to be about 18 months for a major rehabilitation. That project stretched to more than two years when the bridge was reopened just after Christmas on Dec. 27, 2024.
But the bridge wasn’t completely ready. It was left in the down position while the canal was closed for the boating season.
The control system to operate the lift bridge was being tested on May 7 when a failure occurred within the main drive system cabinet located in the control tower. A vendor, with a specialization in control systems and experienced in movable bridge projects, was starting the motor function tests.
“When the system was energized, one of the electric drive controllers arced, producing a fire in the drive cabinet,” Paul Attoma, engineer-in-charge for Region 4 Construction for the DOT, advised Albion Village Board members. “The arcing drive assembly was severely damaged, and the heat from the fire damaged the second controller. Both drive controllers are beyond salvage and other components in the cabinet were damaged.”
Significant lead time is needed to procure and test replacement control drive units, he said then.
Crews have been working on the Albion bridge recently, often at night. No official date has been released on when it will reopen.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 30 August 2025 at 9:27 am
Provided photos: (Left) These silver candlesticks are a sampling of the items silversmith Deborah Loke of Lyndonville will make for the Cobblestone Society’s annual Open House Sept. 6. (Right) Another of her items is this chatelaine, indicative of those worn by ladies in the 1800s.
CHILDS – The Cobblestone Museum has been busy planning its annual Open House, scheduled Sept. 6 at the Cobblestone Campus at Ridge Road and Route 98.
All 10 buildings in the Cobblestone Museum complex will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with free admission for all. Included will be two self-guiding exhibit locations.
Jaclyn Renee Warren and Lauralynne Davis, both flutists and pianists, play the piano as they prepare to entertain at the Cobblestone Society’s annual Open House on Sept. 6.
The Brick House Upper Gallery houses the Victorian Mourning Art and Sundries exhibit, displaying more than 200 related artifacts. The second location will be the Thompson-Kast Visitors Center, which will house 19th century coverlets, paintings and Rogers Groups statues.
Guides will be stationed in buildings to share the museum’s history. Visitors can watch printers and blacksmiths at work inside the trades buildings and meet saddle maker Judith Bromley of Trufit Saddle in East Aurora working in the Harness Shop. Or they may try butter making at Farmers Hall.
Ory, the Orleans County Bicentennial Ox, will visit at 1:30 p.m. and pose for pictures/selfies.
Skilled artisans who will be demonstrating their crafts include a basket weaver, lace makers and tatters from Genesee Country Lace Guild in Rochester. Plein air painter and local artist Tom Zangerle, quilters, a rug braider, a silversmith, spinners Theresa Jewell and friends from the Mill at Stoney Meadows in Holley and a weaver with a loom.
Deborah Loke of Lyndonville plans to create pieces inspired by the era, including chatelaines, historically worn by women of the 1800s, and earlier by seamstresses, nurses and caretakers. She will also craft retro-themed items, such as candlestick-style vases made from silver-plated flatware, vintage-inspired bracelets and other pieces which complement the theme.
“The gold chatelaine was one I re-imagined in 2018 when I began my journey into the world of restoration, repair, reimaging vintage costume jewelry,” Loke said.
File photo by Tom Rivers: Theresa Jewell of Clarendon is shown weaving with a loom during an event at the Cobblestone Museum in 2017.
At 3 p.m., after the buildings close, Duo Scambio of Rochester will entertain until 4 p.m. in the 1834 cobblestone church, sponsored by Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes. They perform a variety of music from the Civil War Era through World War II. The program will include popular music, a little movie music, patriotic songs and pieces written for flute and piano.
Duo Scambio is a Rochester-based chamber ensemble dedicated to the performance of new music with a twist. Members Jaclyn Renee Warren and Lauralynne Davis are both flutists and pianists, which allows them to do flute/piano music, flute duets and four-hand piano works.
Free-will offerings will gladly be accepted to benefit the Cobblestone Society, according to director Doug Farley.
The Orleans County Bicentennial Quilt will be on display inside the church for all to see.
A food tent will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., serving hot dog and barbequed chicken plates or items can be purchased a la carte. Corn-on-the-cob will be available to purchase, courtesy of Partyka Farms in Kendall.
Map from DEC: The state Department of Environmental Conservation has put the counties in yellow under a drought watch while the counties in green are considered “normal.”
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
Governor Kathy Hochul, with the New York State Department of Conservation, on Friday announced a drought watch has been issued for 20 New York counties.
The action was taken after consulting with the State Drought Management Task Force and federal partner agencies. New York State is encouraging residents in affected counties, particularly those dependent on private groundwater wells, to conserve water whenever possible during the coming weeks.
“Even with some recent rain, it wasn’t enough to reduce the dry conditions we’ve seen most of the summer this year,” Governor Hochul said. “In order to prevent a more severe shortage should conditions worsen, we could see local water restrictions in the Long Island, Adirondack, and Great Lakes regions of the state.”
A watch is the first of four levels of State drought advisories, which are watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. No mandatory restrictions are in place under a drought watch.
The counties under drought watch are Chautauqua, Clinton, Erie, Essex, Franklin, Genesee, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Monroe, Nassau, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence, Suffolk, Warren, Wayne and the northern portion of Cayuga County.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “While it’s not mandatory, we’re encouraging everyone who lives in the drought watch areas to do what they can to conserve water during this dry weather. DEC will continue to monitor the conditions and work with our agency partners to address these short-term issues as well as the longer-term impacts of climate change.”
While few public water-supply challenges have been reported due to dry conditions, below-normal precipitation during the last three months, low streamflows, and low groundwater levels prompted the need for action to ensure adequate notice to public water supplies. Local public water suppliers are urged to assess the current situation, promote voluntary conservation, and take appropriate actions to manage risk.
The drought watch is triggered by the State Drought Index, which reflects precipitation levels, reservoir/lake levels, and stream flow and groundwater levels in the nine drought regions of the state.
DEC and U.S. Geological Survey are partners in evaluating hydrologic conditions across New York State. Observed precipitation over the past 90 days has been less than normal across the affected counties. Stream flows and groundwater levels are below normal throughout much of the affected regions. Groundwater levels have declined in certain areas and may not recover in the immediate future due to the existing precipitation deficit.
By voluntarily reducing water usage, and being extra careful with fire and outdoor flames, New Yorkers can help conserve our natural resources during these dry days of summer.
To protect water resources, homeowners are encouraged to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use and follow these tips:
Water lawns only when necessary, choose watering methods that avoid waste, and water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and maximize soil hydration;
Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners to water plants;
Raise lawn mower cutting heights. Longer grass is healthier with stronger roots and needs less water;
Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks;
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 30 August 2025 at 8:31 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Ron Human of Human Farms waits on frequent visitor to the market, Peg Pearce of Medina. Pearce tries to come every week, where she always gets eggs and likes the fresh produce.
MEDINA – With a focus on family farms, the Canal Village Farmers’ Market each week welcomes third-generation farmer Ron Human of Human Farms in Newfane to the market on the corner of West Center Street and West Avenue.
Human took over the farm from his father, and currently raises pigs, beef cattle, sheep, garlic and eggs.
Human’s father raised animals in the town of Ridgeway, taking over farming from his father, who raised animals and grew fruits and vegetables in Ridgeway. His grandfather came from England, where he raised animals.
His grandfather used horses in his farming, doing hay and plowing. He also used horse teams to plow snow for the town of Ridgeway.
“I saw my grandfather pull out several apple trees with horses,” Human said. “Apple trees of old were huge. Types of apples were Starks, Baldwins and Snow Apples.”
The market will continue to spotlight family farms for the next few weeks. Market manager Gail Miller urges everyone to come and check out the homegrown fruits and vegetables grown there, along with specialty items.
The market welcomes community organizations and individuals to rent a space on Saturday morning.
(Left) A feature of the Canal Village Farmers’ Market last weekend was blacksmith Jacob Rowland, who devised this portable forge. A builder by trade, blacksmithing is his hobby. (Right) Jacob Rowland shapes a piece of hot iron into a hook at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market, where he occasionally demonstrates the art of blacksmithing.
Last week’s special vendor was Jacob Rowland of Ridgeway with his sister Hannah Rowland and Seraphim Brown of Middleport. Hannah was selling medicated creams for dogs, while Brown had small homemade pillows.
Jacob learned blacksmithing a year ago and said he has always liked building and making things, especially working with metal.
Entertainment and children’s activities are also weekly features.
“My hope is people coming to the market will see that many farms and farmers have been working their farms for a few generations,” Miller said. “Also, that they will note all of the farms are very local in Orleans and Niagara counties. Hopefully families will find the displays interested and educational – showing how labor intensive farming was and continues to be. And, that there is a rich history of farming in our two counties.”
There is also a kids’ game to identify some historical items on display at the market, brought from Miller’s family farm.
The market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Gail Miller, manager of the Canal Village Farmers’ Market, holds an antique pitchfork which belonged to her family. The market is focusing on local farmers who support the market.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 29 August 2025 at 6:49 pm
Julie Berry will celebrate her new novel with event at Author’s Note on Sept. 8
Provided photo: New York Times bestselling-author Julie Berry stands by a display in her bookstore Author’s Note, ready for the launch of her latest book, If Looks Could Kill. The launch is scheduled Sept. 8.
MEDINA – Local native Julie Berry, owner of Author’s Note and a New York Times’ best-selling author, will begin a nationwide tour for her new novel If Looks Could Kill with a launch celebration Sept. 8 at Author’s Note.
The launch will feature Jack the Ripper scholar and author Michael Hawley, an expert on Rochester-based Ripper suspect Francis J. Tumblety. Both authors will discuss their research and how it informed their works in three ticketed sessions, beginning at 6 p.m. and then at 7 and 8 p.m.
This local launch celebration commences a 29-stop nationwide tour at 11 states to launch If Looks Could Kill, a mashup of true crime and Greek mythology that pits Jack the Ripper against Medusa.
Berry’s next stop will be Act 4 Books in Perry on Sept. 9, followed by events in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Pittsburgh, Nashville, New England, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Ohio, San Francisco and St. Louis.
Although this book does not officially release until Sept. 16, attendees can purchase and leave with signed hardcovers prior to the release date by special arrangement with the publisher.
If Looks Could Kill, a young adult and adult crossover historical fantasy novel published by Simon & Schuster as its “Top Shelf” title for its fall list, and described as dark, gritty and suspenseful, follows 18-year-old Tabitha Woodward. She is a recent recruit to the Bowery chapter of the Salvation Army, and her prim, pious roommate, Pearl Davenport, as they seek to rescue a teenage girl trafficked into a brothel.
Meanwhile, Jack the Ripper having fled London, lurks in New York City, dodging Scotland Yard detectives. His fate and those of Tabitha, Pearl and their friends Mike and Freyda, will be swept up into a manhunt by a sisterhood of modern Medusas who yearn for vengeance against this most notorious of woman killers.
With its rich historical setting, strong female friendships, mythic resonance and a spellbinding romance, If Looks Could Kill takes aim at violence against women and girls in all its forms with stone-cold fury.
The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books calls If Looks Could Kill “a gut punch, a page-turning, well-balanced story in a richly drawn setting and its Medusa “the embodiment of female vengeance. Kirkus Reviews declares it to be “a powerful exploration of human connection during nightmarish times.”
In a starred review, the Horn Book says “Berry’s call to awareness of misogyny in its many guises is strong and clear. And, as is her way (e.g. The Passion of Dolssa), she treats historical detail with a light but sure hand and religious conviction with sympathetic clarity.”
Berry is the New York Times bestselling author of the 2020 NCTE Walden Award and SCBWI Golden Kite Award winner Lovely War, the 2017 Printz Honor and LA Times Book Prize shortlisted The Passion of Dolssa, the Carnegie and Edgar shortlisted All the Truth That’s in Me, the Odyssey Honor, the Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place and the Wishes and Wellingtons trilogy.
Her picture books include The Night Frolic, Happy Right Now and Cranky Right Now. Berry has a bachelor’s degree from Rensselaer in communication and a master of fine arts from Vermon College. She also owns Author’s Note, an independent bookstore in Medina.
Michael Hawley actively researches the 1888 unsolved Jack the Ripper murders mystery with particular emphasis upon prim suspect Dr. Francis Tumblety, who is buried in Rochester. Hawley is the author of Dr. Francis Tumblety the Railway Ripper (2023), Jack the Ripper Suspect Dr. Francis Tumblety (2018) and The Ripper Haunts (2016).
He has authored well over 20 research articles in crime journals and appeared as an expert on the History Channel in the Jack the Ripper episode of their History’s Greatest Mysteries series. He also appeared on the History Channel in the Jack the Ripper episode of their History’s Greatest Mysteries and as an expert on a prime video documentary titled The Trial of Jack the Ripper. He is currently a cohost on NBC radio’s House of Mystery with Allen R. Warren.
The Sept. 8 event at Author’s Note is free and open to the public. Tickets, however, are required to ensure adequate seating and can be reserved a www.authorsnote.com/events. For those unable to attend, signed copies of Berry’s book can be ordered at authorsnote.com or by phone at (585) 798-3642 and will be available at the store beginning on Sept. 8. Full details of the national IF Looks Could Kill tour are available by clicking here.
Provided photo: Aliannah Snitzel and Camden Price blow bubbles at Camp Rainbow.
LYNDONVILLE —Camp Rainbow wrapped up a five-week summer season on Aug. 8, capping off a fun-filled experience for nearly 70 children from Genesee and Orleans counties.
With the hot weather, campers stayed cool in the pool and enjoyed new activities. IGNITE, an Arc GLOW college experience program in partnership with Genesee County Community College, joined camp every Friday to offer special activities. Another new addition this year was the installation of outdoor musical equipment, made possible by The Children’s Guild Foundation.
Transportation was also an important support for families in both Genesee and Orleans counties, 53 children utilizing the service to attend camp. The New Car Dealers of WNY Charitable Foundation generously funded transportation for Orleans County riders, while an anonymous donor sponsored travel for children from Genesee County.
Arc GLOW is incredibly grateful to the sponsors and grantors whose generosity made this year’s camp possible for so many children and families. A heartfelt thank you to:
Orleans County United Way
Orleans County Youth Bureau and New York State Office of Children and Family Services
The Curtis Foundation
New Car Dealers of WNY Charitable Foundation
The Children’s Guild Foundation
Medina Lions Club
Lyndonville Lions Club
Barre Center Presbyterian Church
Orleans Chapter of the New York State Retired Teachers’ Association
Medina Area Association of Churches
Junior Wilson Sportsmen’s Club
Gardner CITGO Station
First Presbyterian Church Presbyterian Women
Mitchell Family Cremations & Funerals
Amgis Foundation
Orleans County residents who support Camp Rainbow yearly
Because of their support, campers enjoyed a summer filled with learning, friendship and unforgettable memories!
To learn more about Camp Rainbow, visit ArcGLOW.org. Registration for the 2026 season opens in late winter/early spring.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 29 August 2025 at 1:32 pm
Mike Hodgins had his first heart transplant was almost 35 years ago. Friends and family are planning a benefit Oct. 11 at Shelby Fire Hall to help with medical expenses.
SHELBY – Mike Hodgins was hailed as a miracle when he survived a heart transplant nearly 35 years ago, followed by Covid in 2020.
Now he is hoping for one more miracle as he faces a second heart transplant at the Cleveland Clinic.
“Mike has inspired so many with his strength, resilience and fighting spirit,” said Stephanie Kozma, a niece who is organizing the benefit.
This time Mike’s journey is even more demanding, according to Kozma.
He and his wife Kathy will have to travel to the Cleveland Clinic for testing, evaluation, surgery and recovery. This will require frequent and extended trips, time away from work and significant out-of-pocket expenses for lodging, food and transportation.
Through it all, Mike and Kathy continue to face each day with strength, love and unwavering hope. But they cannot do it alone.
The need the public’s support to help relieve the financial strain so they can focus fully on what matters most – Mike’s health and recovery, Kozma said.
Mike’s daughter Alicia said her father continues to work in his position at Medina Memorial Hospital.
“We urge the community to come together to support him and his family during this next chapter,” Kozma added.
The fundraiser is scheduled from 4 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 11 at Shelby Fire Hall. Admission is $25 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. Food, desserts and soda are included.
Mike’s favorite band, Dark Horse Run, will provide entertainment. There will also be a basket raffle 50/50 drawing and cash bar- but most of all, a whole lot of love for Miracle Mike.
Those who can’t make it but would like to donate may do so by logging on a GoFundMe (click here). Anyone who would like to donate a basket is asked to contact Stephanie at (716) 946-5591.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 August 2025 at 1:09 pm
KNOWLESVILLE – The Genesee-Orleans Regional Art announced that the Steampunk Festival planned for today and Saturday has been cancelled.
GO Art! was attempting to bring back the festival. The organization has contacted vendors, entertainment and ticket holders with the news.
UPDATE: GO Art! posted this statement on its social media this afternoon:
“After much consideration, we are heartbroken to share that the Steampunk Festival has been cancelled.
To our incredible ticket holders: please check your email for important updates regarding your tickets.
As a nonprofit organization, we want to be transparent: events like this are only possible because of the income they generate. Every vendor fee, ticket sale, and sponsorship goes directly toward covering expenses such as entertainment, insurance, rentals, staffing, and so much more. When plans change, it creates significant challenges—and we deeply appreciate your understanding, patience, and empathy for the nonprofit world.
We cannot thank you enough for the support, excitement, and energy you’ve already poured into this event. While we’re devastated to make this announcement, we’re committed to continuing our mission of bringing arts and culture to our community in meaningful ways.
Thank you for standing with us through both the celebrations and the challenges.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 August 2025 at 8:58 am
Medina Memorial putting in new parking lot, Farmers’ Market upgrading building and Hart House enclosing outdoor courtyard
This map shows where Medina Memorial Hospital plans to put a new parking lot with 56 spaces at 525 Eagle St. The hospital will demolish a house for the new lot.
MEDINA – The Orleans County Planning Board on Thursday gave its approval to three projects in the Village of Medina.
The board is recommending the village approve the following three projects:
Medina Memorial Hospital is proposing to demolish a house and put in a new parking lot with 56 spaces at 525 Eagle St., which is across from the main entrance of the hospital on Ohio Street.
The house/parking is located in the R1/Medical Overlay District. The project would also include sidewalk improvements to the hospital’s main entrance.
The new lot would be on a parcel that is .81 acre. The new lot will ease parking pressure in the main lot next to the hospital that planners said it often congested.
Rendering by Alderman Architect: Hart House in Medina is proposing an addition and roof on the courtyard.
Andrew Meier, owner of the Hart House at 113 West Center St., is planning to enclose the outdoor courtyard at the Hart House and add a roof to that site.
The project also includes new cementitious siding with battens, new windows, doors and masonry to complement existing brick.
The Hart House project would cover about 1,500 square feet and 1.5 stories. It will be able to accommodate about 100 people for parties and events.
The courtyard at Hart House is one of eight projects in Medina approved for funding as part of the $4.5 million NY Forward grant in Medina. The state approved the projects last year and the Hart House was awarded $500,000 from the $4.5 million total.
Rendering by Alderman Architect: The Canal Village Farmers’ Market would get a new metal roof and canopies, and other exterior work.
The Orleans Renaissance Group is proposing upgrade to the Canal Village Farmers’ Market at 127 West Center St. This project was approved for $675,000 from the NY Forward grant.
The farmers’ market previously was used by a bank and also a gas station. The building will be expanded and remodeled to allow for year-round use.
The improvements include a new standing seam metal roof, new painted steel structure, glazed overhead doors, cementitious siding, concrete base, windows, aluminum storefront entry doors, metal canopies, complementary brick masonry and new rooftop signs.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 August 2025 at 9:57 pm
Business wants to have 35 parking spaces instead of required 53 under village code
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Broadway Group wants to demolish this building at 327 East Ave. in Albion and build a new 10,640-square-foot Dollar General with 35 parking spaces. This site is across the street from Charles D’ Amico High School.
ALBION – The Orleans County Planning Board this evening voted to recommend the Village of Albion approve a variance for a new Dollar General store at 327 East Ave.
The Broadway Group, which is seeking to build the new store, is requesting the site have 35 parking spaces instead of the 53 required under the village code.
The store is proposed at 10,640 square feet. The village code requires a parking space for every 200 square feet of gross floor area.
The Broadway Group from Huntsville, Ala. has built many of the Dollar General stores around the country. Broadway said similar-size Dollar General stores need 32 parking spaces.
Allowing the variance for the 35 parking spaces would allow the site to keep more green space which would help with stormwater runoff and with a buffer to residential areas abutting the property.
“The proposed retail store is not necessarily a destination location for most people,” Brian Gross, staff engineer at Fagan Engineers & Land Surveyors, said in the application to the County Planning Board. “Therefore, customers will only be at the location for 20 minutes or less, meaning there will be a higher turnover rate in parking.”
The Village of Albion Planning Board will have a public hearing about the variance at 4 p.m. on Sept. 9 at the Village Office.
If the variance is approved, Broadway will then work on a site plan to be submitted the village and county.
County Planning Board members said they have some concerns about the tight parking lot and how will accommodate larger delivery trucks. Planners want adequate turnaround on the site so the truck doesn’t back out onto Route 31.
One possibility could be getting an easement from Cone Zone next door where trucks could enter Dollar General and exit from Cone Zone. Both properties are owned by Chris Kinter, the village’s code officer. He is recusing himself from the Dollar General project. Dan Strong, the code officer for the Town of Albion, and handling the code enforcement duties with the Dollar General variance and if there is a site plan and building permit.
Treasurer collects taxes for Albion, Lyndonville and Medina
Press Release, Orleans County Treasurer’s Office
ALBION – Orleans County Treasurer Kim DeFrank today said that school tax collection for the Albion, Lyndonville and Medina school districts will begin on Tuesday, September 2. The Treasurer’s Office will collect and accept US-postmarked payments until Sept. 30 interest-free.
For those paying in person, DeFrank reminded residents that her office relocated last year to 156 South Main St. in Albion.
“Last year was our first tax collection at the new office and people really appreciated how much better parking and building access compared to our old location,” said DeFrank. “And even better, many people took advantage of the drive-thru window to pay their bills without leaving their cars.”
The Treasurer’s Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Anyone with questions regarding payment can contact the Treasurer’s Office at 585-589-5353. The office can accept cash, check and VISA, MasterCard and Discover cards, although credit card payments have an additional fee.
New this year, the office can accept online credit card payments, with an additional fee. To pay online, go to the county’s website at www.orleanscountyny.gov and click on Treasurer under the departments tab.
Photo courtesy of Todd Bensley: The stone wall on the hill of Boxwood Cemetery, facing North Gravel Road, has crumbled.
Press Release, Preservation League of NYS
MEDINA – The Village of Medina is one of this year’s Technical Assistance Grant awardees. The grant of $7,500 will fund a Limited Condition Assessment of the Old Cemetery Section Retaining Walls at the Boxwood Cemetery.
The Preservation League of NYS and their program partners at the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) are thrilled to help fund this important work. At its 2025 meeting, an independent panel selected 31 applicants in 20 counties to receive support totaling $347,500. Grants represent both of the League’s signature NYSCA regrants – Preserve New York (PNY) and Technical Assistance Grants (TAG).
Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman said, “The Village is honored and thrilled that the Preservation League and its partners recognize the significance of Boxwood Cemetery, a site that has added to our community’s charm for over 175 years and attracts visitors from around the world today. We will engage our citizens and professionals in this cultural heritage project, thanks to this grant.”
Village Historian Todd Bensley added, “This vital grant will fund analysis by experts at Clinton Brown Company Architecture, pc., for a plan of restoration of Boxwood Cemetery’s character-defining Medina sandstone retaining walls at its hilly, ‘Old Cemetery’ section. This will help secure its future for generations to come.”
Historic Boxwood Cemetery, established in 1849, is an exemplary Victorian burial ground. Its terraces feature several walls of cut Medina Sandstone. The resting place of many early settlers and notable historic people, the cemetery includes approximately 5,000 marked burials, spanning from 1849 until the present day.
Boxwood’s evolution demonstrates changing cemetery design theories, including Rural and Park-Lawn cemetery models. The 1903 chapel was designed in the Gothic Revival style with Medina Sandstone. This grant-funded assessment will provide information to help guide the Village’s efforts to preserve Boxwood Cemetery for years to come.
“This year, the League has brought our two longstanding NYSCA partnership grants together into one cycle, allowing us to see a clear picture of the remarkable preservation work getting started across the state,” said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League of NYS. “The targeted studies funded by TAG and the expansive reports made possible by PNY will lay the groundwork for many vital projects over the years to come.”
This local launch celebration commences a 29-stop nationwide tour at 11 states to launch If Looks Could Kill, a mashup of true crime and Greek mythology that pits Jack the Ripper against Medusa.
