Photo by Tom Rivers: These students try a stethoscope on a baby mannequin “Luna” at a station for the nursing program at Genesee Community College on March 22, 2024. The students could listen to the heart beat, the sound of the lungs and the abdomen. GCC has about 100 students complete an associate’s degree in nursing each year.

BATAVIA – Genesee Community College on Friday will host 650 students for the fourth annual GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare.

The students come from 29 school districts from the GLOW region will learn about and interact with businesses and organizations from the healthcare industry.

 The students will see opportunities in the healthcare workforce, education and training. The event brings healthcare organizations and providers, healthcare businesses, first responders, colleges and companies across the GLOW region.

In addition to hands-on demonstrations and face-to-face interactions with healthcare organizations, students will each participate in two self-selected healthcare career workshops in fields including EMS, nursing, surgery, research science, pharmacy and others.

The event is made possible by GLOW region workforce development leaders, educators, and community organizations and sponsors, led by Triple Platinum Sponsor ESL Federal Credit Union, and Platinum Sponsors Wyoming County Community Health System, Rochester Regional Health United Memorial Medical Center, and Genesee Community College.

Mayoral, trustee races are not huge drivers to get people to the polls

Photos by Tom Rivers: A sign in the parking of the Senior Center on West Avenue highlights the site as Medina’s polling place for Wednesday’s village elections. Nearly 900 people voted over nine hours.

ALBION/MEDINA – Albion and Medina both held their village elections on Wednesday and the they both had contested races for mayor and trustees.

In terms of turnout, Medina doubled the percentage of voters who cast ballots.

Medina had 894 people vote out of 3,655 eligible voters for a turnout of 24.5 percent.

In Albion, 411 people voted out of 3,313 eligible for a turnout of 12.4 percent.

Local elections for town and county positions also tend to have lower turn-outs in off election years in November, when there isn’t a gubernatorial or presidential race.

This year at the village level, the election was held on a Wednesday and not the usual third Tuesday due to St. Patrick’s Day.

The election in Medina featured well-known candidates for mayor – Debbie Padoleski (retired village clerk/treasurer) and incumbent Marguerite Sherman (retired Median teacher) – as well as long-established residents for trustee in Jeff Wagner (former Apple Grove owner), Mark Prawel (retired police officer and auto repair shop owner), Dean Bellack (long-time community volunteer) and Courtney Henderson (who had the endorsement of the firefighters’ union).

The turnout for this election was more than two years ago in another contested race for mayor and village trustees. And that election, 488 people voted with Sherman defeating Mike Maak for mayor, 330 to 158.

Medina’s biggest local turnout remains a referendum on dissolution. That vote on Jan. 20, 2015 brought out nearly 1,500 people. The proposal to discontinue Medina’s government and services was rejected, 949 to 527.

The Village Office on East Bank Street in Albion had just over 400 people stop by on Wednesday to cast votes for mayor and village trustee candidates.

Albion elected Tim McMurray mayor on Wednesday, 209-202, over Joyce Riley. Three candidates ran for two trustee positions with Jami Allport, 275 votes, and Kevin Sheehan, 215, edging Issac Robinson who had 202.

The turnout was down from four years ago, the last village election with a race for mayor.

On March 15, 2022, the village had 710 voters in a three-way race for mayor. Angel Javier Jr. was elected with 378 votes to 195 for Vickie Elsenheimer and 137 for Kevin Graham.

Both Albion and Medina have discussed moving the village election to the third Tuesday in June when there would be better weather, making it easier to campaign and get petitions signed. There would also be more people in the community with many currently spending the winters in warmer weather. (Both villages do allow absentee ballots for residents.)

Medina decided not to put the issue out as a public referendum this election. Jess Marciano, the deputy mayor, sees many benefits of moving it back three months, including giving new board members more time to get acclimated to the position instead of having to complete the village’s budget their first month in office.

Albion candidates discussed the issue during a forum on March 5 with four out of the five supporting a June election due to the cold weather in January, February and March when they try to get petitions signed and build supporter their campaigns. Jami Allport didn’t say one way or the other. She is open to what the community wants to do with a change in the election.

In Orleans County, Holley moved its village election from March to June about a decade ago.

Wagner, Prawel picked for village trustees

Photos by Tom Rivers: Medina voters elected the team of Debbie Padoleski as mayor, and Jeff Wagner, center, and Mark Prawel for village trustees. The trio campaigned together and were on the same party line: the “People’s Party.”

MEDINA – Five years ago Debbie Padoleski retired as Medina’s village clerk-treasurer. She worked in the village clerk’s office for 41 years, starting when she was 19.

On Wednesday, village residents elected her mayor.

Padoleski won 489 to 405 for incumbent Marguerite Sherman.

After waiting about 2 ½ hours for the votes to be counted, the outcome was announced by Judy Szulis, the election chairwoman for the village.

Padoleski and Sherman hugged each other when the results were announced. They had waited patiently in the Senior Center until just after 11:30 p.m.

“I’m in shock,” Padoleski said walking in the parking lot. “It was a very close race.”

She was congratulated by several people, with one saying, “It’s time to take back the village.”

Padoleski starts the new two-year term as mayor on April 1 and right away will need to lead the Village Board in working through the new village budget for 2026-27. That spending plan needs to be adopted by April 30.

“I’m ready to get to work,” she said.

Padoleski never expected to be a politician with her name on signs. She was elected village trustee two years ago and has been outspoken about a high tax burden in the village. She led the way in getting the village’s new ladder truck declared surplus. The $1.7 million ladder truck’s fate is uncertain. Padoleski would like to sell it and hold off on an addition to the fire hall.

She worries the high village taxes could drive out residents and businesses. It’s a message that seemed to resonant with many in the community.

“The support I’ve gotten is fabulous,” she said.

Sherman wishes the new board well as it faces many issues, and not just the ladder truck and a possible fire hall addition. Medina should work on developing long-term plan for infrastructure, sidewalks and affordability, she said.

“No matter what the outcome, the board has to come together because there is a lot going on in this village,” Sherman said after the results were announced.

Medina voters also elected village trustees – Jeff Wagner, 491 votes, and Mark Prawel with 487. They ran together with Padoleski on the “People’s Party” line.

Dean Bellack received 319 votes and Courtney Henderson was named on 212 write-in votes for trustee.

Jami Allport, Kevin Sheehan elected village trustees

Photo by Tom Rivers: Tim McMurray, shown during a candidate forum on March 5, was elected Albion mayor today.

ALBION – In a very close race for Albion mayor, Tim McMurray emerged the victor this evening, defeating Joyce Riley by 7 votes – 209 to 202.

Both have been village trustees and are finishing four-year terms. McMurray will succeed Angel Javier Jr. who didn’t seek re-election.

McMurray, 43, is a Marine Corps veteran who has been heavily involved in the community through the Albion youth football program, Strawberry Festival and other events.

He wants to lead a community of Albion stakeholders, from volunteers, business owners, families and others committed to seeing the village prosper.

He ran on the Republican line while Riley was backed by the Democratic Party and the independent “Vote for Albion.” She nearly became the first African-American to be elected Albion’s mayor.

Village residents also elected two trustees to four-year terms. Jami Allport was the top vote-getter with 275, followed by Kevin Sheehan with 215. Issac Robinson was a close third at 202. Robinson ran under the independent “Vote for Albion” line while Allport and Sheehan were backed by the Republicans.

The new terms start on April 1. Allport and Sheehan will take the trustee positions currently filled by McMurray and Riley.

McMurray posted this statement on his Facebook page:

“Thank you to everyone who came out to vote today, no matter how you voted. I appreciate the trust you’ve placed in me as well as the new Trustees and it is truly an honor to be elected as your next Mayor.”

Riley issued this statement congratulating McMurray on his victory:

“Tonight, Tim McMurray won this election, and I want to congratulate him sincerely. Albion deserves a mayor who will give everything to this village, and I trust that Tim will serve with that same commitment.

“I have lived in Albion since 1960. This village is not just where I live — it is who I am. That will never change, win or lose. Over the past four years as your trustee, I fought hard for this community — securing grants, pursuing accountability for PFAS contamination, strengthening our partnerships with neighboring towns, and watching over every dollar in our budget. I am proud of that work. And that work doesn’t disappear tonight.

“To everyone who voted for me on the Democratic line and on the Vote for Albion line — thank you for believing that experience and dedication matter. They do. And I will continue to show up for this village in whatever way I can.

“Albion is bigger than any one election. I wish Mayor-elect McMurray every success — because his success is Albion’s success.

“Thank you, and God bless our village.”

Photos courtesy of Ashley Bringenberg Photography: These dogs have been featured in a previous Pooch Playoffs.

BATAVIA – Ashley Bringenberg, a photographer from Barre with a  studio in Batavia, is again offering to take portraits of dogs in a fundraiser to get a service dog for a veteran.

Ashley Bringenberg Photography is hosting its fourth annual Pooch Playoffs fundraiser to benefit WNY Heroes’ Pawsitive for Heroes program.

Ashley Bringenberg, right, presents a ceremonial check for $7,500 to Shawnee Gaudino of WNY Heroes’ Pawsitive for Heroes last October. The money went towards training a service dog for a veteran.

“We have donated over $14,000 to this program over the past 3 years and we aim to donate an additional $7,500 this year,” Bringenberg said.

She is offering to take portraits of dogs for $125. Those dogs will then be entered in the Poock Playoffs where 32 dogs are entered in a bracket-style photo contest.

She needs a some more dogs to have a full bracket of 32. Portrait sessions are happening from now until the end of March and the competition kicks off in mid April, featuring 32 dogs vying for the title of “WNY’s Ulti-Mutt Cutie!”

Each round, participating pups will be paired up for head-to-head online voting, with winners advancing until one dog is crowned champion. The Final Four earn special prizes, and the top dog will claim the grand prize, along with ultimate bragging rights!

“Every year I’m reminded how much this community loves both their dogs and their veterans,” Bringenberg said. “Pooch Playoffs brings those two things together in a way that’s joyful, adorable, and genuinely impactful.”

For a $125 donation to WNY Heroes’ Pawsitive for Heroes, participants receive a custom dog portrait session, a personalized photo keychain, and a swag bag full of goodies.

Spots filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested pet parents should visit ashleybringenberg.com/pooch to enter their pup.

Local businesses are also invited to sponsor the event.

Judge orders restitution to be paid after theft

ALBION – For the first six months last year, a Batavia man stole nearly $50,000 in lottery tickets from Van’s Pit Stop, a gas station and convenience store in Clarendon.

Zachary C. Johnson, 35, of Batavia worked at Van’s for about two years. Van’s owner Jeremy Van Ameron noticed the scratch-off tickets were going fast, but yet the revenue wasn’t there to match the tickets that were out of the machine. He put in a security camera and saw an employee was taking the tickets.

Johnson on June 30, 2025 was charged with third-degree grand larceny by the State Police. He was sentenced today in Orleans County Court by Judge Sanford Church. Johnson needs to pay back $49,000 in restitution for the stolen lottery tickets. He will spend four months doing weekends in the county jail and also will be on probation for five years.

He needs to pay at least $400 a week in restitution to Van’s Pit Stop.

Jeremy Van Ameron, owner of the business the past six years, said the theft hurt the finances of the locally owned business and has shaken his trust in people.

Johnson, speaking at his sentencing, apologized to the Van Ameron family.

He pleaded guilty to fourth-degree grand larceny in a previous court appearance.

With weekends in jail, he will be able to work full-time and pay towards the restitution. The judge gave him until April 1, 2030 to make full restitution. There is a 5 percent surcharge on each payment, which goes to probation and then will be directed to Van’s. If Johnson pays the $400 each week, he should have the restitution paid off in less than three years.

In another case in county court today, Michael White, 22, of Albion pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree.

White was charged on Sept. 16 after he allegedly had a 20-round magazine in his backpack and pulled his hands away when law enforcement attempted to handcuff him. He also allegedly tried to strike an officer with his elbows.

White admitted in court today to having the large-capacity device that could hold more than 20 rounds.

He faces a split sentence of jail and probation when he is sentenced on May 20.

Provided photos: The East High student body dances together in the finale of High School Musical, which will be performed by Medina students on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – The Medina Junior Senior High School Musical Theater Program invites the community to their highly anticipated spring musical, Disney’s High School Musical, running for three performances from March 20-22 in the JSHS Auditorium.

Following the massive success of their previous productions, Medina students have been working tirelessly since early January to bring the iconic characters of Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, and Ryan to the local stage. Featuring energetic choreography, a lively pit band, and unforgettable musical numbers, this production promises to be a nostalgic, high-energy event that the whole family will enjoy.

Medina senior Ava Blount plays the role of “Gabriella Montez” while the captain of the East High basketball team, “Troy Bolton,” is played by Jackson McGrath. Jackson embodies this character as he is a leader in multiple music ensembles at Medina JSHS and is an active member of the Medina Varsity football, wrestling and lacrosse teams.

“This show is about a group of students trying to find where they belong within the school community, and ultimately how their differences help them discover who they truly are. It’s a story about acceptance, inclusivity, and friendship which is incredibly important to us as directors,” says Medina JSHS directors Rachel Trillizio and Anna Ferlito. “We have kids in the show ranging in age from 13 to 18, and the lessons woven throughout the story are personal to each kid in different ways. We have students who are uniquely gifted at academics, singing, dancing, acting, building, athletics, organizing, and leading, and they have worked together for the past 3 months to create one amazing show.”

Medina senior Saniyyaha Wilson stars as “Zeke” and is shown with the rest of the East High Wildcat basketball team.

Performance Details:

Where: Medina JSHS Auditorium-2 Mustang Dr. Medina, NY 14103

When: March 20 at 7 p.m., March 21 at 7 p.m., March 22 at 2 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each show.

Tickets: $12- Available at medinamusic.booktix.com or at the door.

About the Production:

Disney’s High School Musical tells the story of two high schoolers—Troy, the basketball captain, and Gabriella, a shy transfer student—who break the “rules” of high school cliques to audition for the school musical. The show addresses themes of unity, diversity, and being true to oneself, offering a fun, empowering experience for both the performers and audience members.

Arik Papaj is “Ryan Evans” and Arabella White plays his sister, “Sharpay Evans.”

Ava Blount is “Gabriella,” while Madelyn Elliott plays the captain of the science decathlon team “Taylor McKessie.” Mackenzie Poynter, center in back, is the “Martha Cox,” a girl with a secret passion for hip hop.

Vocalists of all experience levels welcome to be part of event

Press Release, Medina Triennial

Provided photo by Yvonne Venegas: Tania Candiani welcomes hundreds of participants for a collective vocal work from 10 a/m. to 2 p.m. at the old Medina High School at 324 Catherine St.

MEDINA – As part of the inaugural Medina Triennial opening this June, internationally renowned artist Tania Candiani, in collaboration with composer Rogelio Sosa, will lead a large-scale filmed performance bringing together hundreds of community participants for a four-hour collective vocal work.

Participants of all ages and experience levels will generate a dynamic soundscape using guided breaths, hums, whispers, and tones, inspired by the meeting of waters at Medina’s Erie Canal aqueduct.

Filmed inside the historic former Medina High School auditorium, the performance will transform individual voices into a unified sonic experience, reactivating the space through sound and movement. The resulting work will be presented as part of Candiani’s installation in the Triennial, on view June 6 through September 7.

Casting is open to the public, and individuals of all experience levels are encouraged to participate. Registration is available at https://medinatriennial.org/programs/casting-call.

The Medina Triennial is an upcoming free, village-wide contemporary art exhibition featuring more than 100 artworks by 35 artists and collectives across indoor and outdoor venues throughout Medina. Opening June 6 and running through September 7, the Triennial marks the first recurring exhibition of this scale to take place in a U.S. community of this size, positioning small-town geographies as vital sites of cultural and critical imagination.

Press Release, Lyndonville Central School

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Central School District is accepting applications for its 2026-27 pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) and kindergarten programs.

If you are a resident of the Lyndonville Central School District and your child will be age 3, 4 or 5 by December 1, 2026, they are eligible to enroll. If your child is already enrolled in our Pre-K program this year, they will automatically be enrolled for the following year. Pre-K space is limited, but openings are currently available for all age groups.

Our developmentally-appropriate Pre-K and kindergarten programs, which include breakfast and lunch at no cost to families, follow this schedule five days a week:

• 3-year-old Pre-K: 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• 4-year-old Pre-K: 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
• Kindergarten: 7:40 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

If more students are pre-registered for Pre-K for the 2026-27 school year than available seats, a lottery will be held on May 1, 2026. If Pre-K seats remain, they will be filled per UPK and district guidelines.

To register or obtain additional information, please contact the school at (585) 765-3122 or esmith@lcsdk12.org. You will need to provide your name, address, and child’s name and date of birth. More information and a pre-registration form can be found at Pre-K & Kindergarten Registration.

Press Release, Arc GLOW

ALBION – Arc GLOW is partnering with the Albion Subway to raise awareness for Developmental Disability Awareness Month.

On March 19, community members can support Arc GLOW by visiting the Albion Subway at 162 S. Main St. in Albion. If ordering in person, Arc GLOW must be mentioned. If ordering online, mention Arc GLOW in the comments.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will help promote understanding, inclusion, and support for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Arc GLOW is a public, non-profit organization founded by parents and friends of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, serving Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties. For more information on Arc GLOW and its services, visit ArcGLOW.org.

ALBION – Village residents today will elect a mayor and two village trustees. Voting is from noon to 9 p.m. at Village Office at 35-37 East Bank St. The terms of the positions are for four years.

Two current trustees want to be mayor. Joyce Riley is running under the Democratic Party and independent “Vote for Albion” lines, while Tim McMurray has the backing of the Republican Party.

Jami Allport, Issac Robinson and Kevin Sheehan are running for trustee. There are two positions open. Robinson is running under the independent “Vote for Albion” while Allport and Sheehan both are backed by the Republican Party.

Click here to see coverage from a candidate forum on March 5.

Candidates share their perspectives on issues facing the village

Photos by Tom Rivers: Marguerite Sherman, left, is being challenged in her re-election bid for Medina mayor by current village trustee, Debbie Padoleski, who is retired from the village as clerk-treasurer.

MEDINA – It’s election day in the Village of Medina with voters to pick a mayor and two trustees. Polls are open from noon to 9 p.m. at the Senior Center at 615 West Ave.

Two candidates are on the ballot for mayor: Marguerite Sherman, the mayor the past two years, is challenged by Debbie Padoleski, a current village trustee who is retired as the village’s clerk-treasurer. Sherman will be on the “Village Party” line while Padoleski runs under the “People’s Party.”

Three candidates are on the ballot for trustee. Mark Prawel, a current trustee, retired Medina police officer and car mechanic; and Jeffrey Wagner, the owner of the former Apple Grove restaurant in Medina and a retired general manager for Cracker Barrel, are both on the “People’s Party” with Padoleski.

Dean Bellack, an active community member as a volunteer for the YMCA, United Way and Lions Club, also is running as a trustee under the “Connect Orleans Party.” Bellack is retired as owner of a manufacturer’s rep company and has been vocal about the village’s high taxes and need to expand housing options in the community.

Courtney Henderson also is mounting a write-in challenge for village trustee.

Mayoral candidates

Marguerite Sherman has led the village the past two years as mayor. She sees a village on an upswing with many projects and initiatives in the works, including implementation of the $4.5 million NY Forward grant in the downtown and Canal Basin. She acknowledges the headlines and conversation are often dominated by a new ladder truck and its permanent home.

Medina voted to purchase the ladder truck three years ago for $1.7 million. The truck doesn’t fit in the existing fire hall. Sherman wants to pursue grants for a one-bay addition to the fire hall. In the meantime, she said the truck could stay in the DPW garage.

Padoleski said the Village Board poorly thought out getting a ladder truck that didn’t fit in the existing fire hall, or having a solid plan for an addition to house the truck. “Their eyes got bigger than their pocketbooks,” she said.

She wants to sell the ladder truck, scrap plans for an addition on the fire hall and start the process over, with funding lined up before proceeding.

“This village in the last two years has spiraled into such a state of chaos I think they need me,” Padoleski said about running for mayor.

She retired in 2021 after working in the village office for 41 years. She said she has expertise in the village’s finances to set the community on a better path.

“We need to be able to self sustain and take care of ourselves,” she said. “We can’t sit around and wait for grants. That shouldn’t be the only way to survive, by relying on help from the outside.”

Padoleski said village taxpayers are bearing too much expense for services, especially for a fire department that often goes outside the village lines.

The fire department represents $2.9 million in spending, and brings in about $1.2 million in fees through its ambulance service. Padoleski said the $1.7 million difference is too much for village taxpayers, and accounts for more than the budgets for police and the Department of Public Works.

The Medina Fire Department is expected to do too much for communities outside the village, she said. She said a ladder truck typically sees little action in the village, but would be expected to respond frequently outside Medina.

The three towns of Shelby, Ridgeway and Yates currently pay $35,000 annually to the village towards the cost of replacing an ambulance. Medina is the primary ambulance provider for those towns and all of western Orleans. Padoleski said those three need to pay significantly more towards the service.

The village tax levy has gone from $3,197,059 in 2020-21 to $3,910,344 in 2025-26, a $713,285 or 22.3 percent increase. In Sherman’s two budgets as mayor (and Padoleski’s and Prawel’s two budgets as trustee), the tax levy went up $123,380 or 3.3 percent over two years, a significantly lower tax increase.

About a year ago, the Village Board ended the school resource officer from the Medina PD and the K9 program, and also cut four full-time firefighters and didn’t fill a vacancy in the DPW.

Padoleski worries if the village took on the new ladder truck and a fire hall addition. The ladder truck would represent $130,000 payment annually over the next 20 years, with the addition if financed at $1.3 million over 20 years another $110,000 payment. Those two together would raise the village tax rate by 88 cents per $1,000 of assessed property, she said.

She said taxpayers have encouraged her tough stance against taking on more big expenses for the village.

“I’m on the right side of it,” she said. “I have the support of the community.”

Sherman said she is committed to giving village employees the tools and equipment they need to safely provide services to the community.

“These employees put their heart and soul into the village every day,” she said.

She is very optimistic funding can be secured for the fire hall expansion as well as some improvements to the current fire station from the 1930s.

Last week, she led the effort to submit a $1 million grant request through Congresswoman Claudia Tenney’s office. The money would go towards the one-bay fire hall addition and also $475,000 in renovations to the current fire hall.

Sherman said the ladder truck and building issues have highlighted the challenge of villages to provide services at today’s escalating costs.

“It’s brought attention to Medina’s needs and the plea for all municipalities to work together for the benefit of the whole community,” she said.

Sherman, 63, is a retired special education teacher at Medina. She was on the Village Planning Board before joining the Village Board as a trustee a decade ago.

If elected to a new term, she will push for long-term strategic plans for infrastructure and sidewalk replacement. Last week she announced private donations for $200,000 towards new sidewalks.

She sees momentum on many fronts for Medina. She is seeking another term to continue that progress and see through the $4.5 million Forward NY grant, the development of the long-term plans for infrastructure, completion of Canal Corporation’s plan to repair the north wall in the Canal Basin and upgrade the canal trail.

She said the village deserves and needs more of the local sales tax (a share to towns and villages that hasn’t been increased by the County Legislature in 25 years). She wants to explore having Medina become a city, a change that would bring in a significant hike in state municipal aid and could also give Medina more leverage in the local sales tax pie.

“There’s no question our tax burden is too high,” Sherman said about the village.

She said she values her relationships with other local municipal leaders, including Shelby Town Supervisor Jim Heminway, Ridgeway Town Supervisor Brian Napoli and Yates Town Supervisor Jim Simon. All are serious about long-term strategies to make the local government more sustainable for residents, Sherman said.

“You can preach affordability, but you have to have a plan,” she said.

She praised the many residents and committees that give Medina a high quality of life. Volunteers run concert series and many other community events, developed the skate park and dog park, and worked to upgrade Boxwood Cemetery and village parks.

“We’re putting ourselves on the map through the efforts of a lot of people,” she said. “In Medina, we support each other. Everyone is important. Every idea is important. That’s what makes Medina great. We’re here to support each other.”

Village trustee candidates

The trustee candidates on the ballot include, from left: Jeff Wagner, Mark Prawel and Dean Bellack. Courtney Henderson also is mounting a write-in campaign.

Jeff Wagner, 72, is making his first run for public office. The former owner of the Apple Grove Inn, he also started the Miss Apple Grove that was a tourism juggernaut locally, with mules pulling a packet boat in Medina. It was featured in National Geographic.

Wagner would go on to serve as general manager of the Cracker Barrel in Lancaster, and corporate had him go to other stores as a training manager. He won GM of the year several times through Cracker Barrel.

Wagner wants to bring his business acumen to the Village Board.

“I would like to make a difference in how this runs,” he said.

He serves on Medina’s Tree Board and frequently brings his dog to the Medina Dog Park on North Gravel Road.

He wants to help develop plans for addressing the village’s aging infrastructure, sidewalks and fire hydrants.

Mark Prawel, 55, has been a trustee the past two years. He retired as a Medina police officer on April 16, 2023. He worked for the village for 16 ½ years. That gave him insight into the village operations. He also runs Prawel Auto Service on Ryan Street in Medina, where customers have been telling him the village taxes and too high, especially for the senior citizens.

Prawel said the fire department is consuming too much of the village budget, when other departments feel a very tight financial pinch. The DPW, for example, was reduced by a full-time employee a year ago and now only has a staff of nine full-time workers.

Prawel said Medina gives so much to the overall community, but village taxpayers get the bill.

“Everybody enjoys the Village of Medina,” he said. “We have all the parks, the ball fields.”

The village needs to bring in more outside revenue to help pay for the services offered to the community, he said.

He is proud of Medina’s downtown, but he said the bustling district can give the impression all is well in the village. Just a few blocks away, Prawel said neighborhoods are in decline and in need of help. He wants to bring more attention to those neighborhoods.

“We have a lot of issues in Medina, but a limited amount of money,” he said.

With the ladder truck and fire hall addition, “the facts are we just can’t afford it,” Prawel said.

He voted to declare the new ladder truck surplus, and expects the village will break even or make some money off a sale. He believes a smaller used ladder truck can be found that would fit in the existing fire hall.

“I’m not against equipment, I just want it to be a smart decision,” he said.

Dean Bellack, 68, says Medina needs to “change the curve” and form stronger alliances with other towns and villages in the county. Together they can share services and costs, and pursue much larger grants to help all the municipalities.

“We need to talk about true partnerships across towns and villages,” he said. “With bigger, larger grants you can get more political weight behind them.”

Bellack sees a village government in need of a new model. The current system puts too much cost burden on the municipality with about 6,000 residents. Bellack said more revenues are needed to help offset the load on the village. That could come through grants, or additional local sales tax, and state aid.

Bellack favored the efforts to dissolve the village back in 2014 and create “One Medina” with the towns of Ridgeway, Shelby and the village of Medina combined into one entity.

“If we went through with that I believe our economic situation would be much better,” he said. “You can’t just be focused on the short-term. I tend to think very large and very long-term.”

Bellack has helped revived struggling entities before. He noted the former Lake Plains YMCA was on the verge of closing before forming a successful partnership with the GLOW YMCA. Bellack is now chairman of the organization’s board, and he said the experience gives him a close look at communities in Genesee, Wyoming and Livingston, as well as Orleans. The local Y went from being broke to a remodel of the former Armory site in Medina that now has an endowment directing $70,000 a year to building maintenance and projects.

He also led the change in structure for the local United Way, which has been renamed “Orleans Community Connects.” Bellack said the agency has switched its focus from being a fundraiser for local non-profits to bringing in significant grants to address difficult issues in the community, from housing assistance, food access, caregiving support and technology help.

Bellack also owned and managed 43 apartments units in Medina. He said all of his experiences have him ready to serve as a village trustee, and look for long-term solutions for the village government.

“I have the time, the energy and I care,” he said.

He chose “Connect Orleans Party” as his party line. It speaks to a focus to bring communities in the county together on addressing issues.

“In Orleans County we can’t continue to be disconnected to each other,” he said.

Courtney Henderson

Courtney Henderson, a write-in candidate, said she wants to be a voice for village residents on the board. She has been endorsed by the union for the firefighters, Medina Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2161. That union also backs Sherman for mayor.

“We support these candidates because they are committed to listening to all village residents, encouraging open public engagement and making decisions based on what is best for the entire community,” the union stated on its Facebook page. “Medina deserves leaders who welcome conversation, value transparency and put residents first, not personal agendas.”

Henderson said the firefighters, who also serve as EMTs on the ambulance, are short-staffed and that has resulted in $300,000 of overtime this budget year. The Village Board about a year ago eliminated four of the 21 full-time firefighter positions.

“A Village Trustee’s job isn’t just to vote,” she said on her campaign page on Facebook. “It’s to listen to residents, ask questions, review how tax dollars are spent, and make decisions that reflect what the community actually wants and needs. Small government works best when communication goes both ways, when residents feel comfortable speaking up, and when leadership takes the time to truly hear them.”

Spring Soiree Gala raises nearly $25K for OCH Foundation

Provided photo: Dr. Arthur Mruczek shared his life’s joys at practicing ophthalmology while living in Medina for 41 years. He was honored on Saturday at the Spring Soiree Gala at Bent’s Opera House

MEDINA – Two long-time Medina citizens were honored by Orleans Community Health at their Spring Soiree Gala on Saturday night at Bent’s Opera House.

Barbara Waters and Dr. Arthur Mruczek were presented with Bowen Awards for their dedication and lifelong support of Medina Memorial Hospital. The Bowen Award, the most prestigious honor given by the hospital, is named for the hospital’s founder, George Bowen.

Provided photo: Barbara Waters was honored for her many years as a key supporter and leader of Medina Memorial Hospital. In 1971, she became the first woman to serve as board chair for the hospital.

The evening began with a welcome from Marc Shurtz, CEO of Orleans Community Health, who said it was always an honor to not only relay positive news and updates from Orleans Community Health, but to recognize two incredible individuals.

He called the gala a meaningful show of support for healthcare close to home, and thanked Baxter Healthcare for agreeing to be bar sponsor.

 “We are coming off a very exciting, yet challenging year,” Shurtz continued. “While we celebrate our successes, they do not come easily. It is well documented that rural hospitals and healthcare systems are struggling. While more patients continue to choose us for care, the cost of providing that care is on the rise. This is a challenge we are facing head on.

“Last summer primary care services launched the recently-opened Medina Healthcare Center. While renovations and construction are on the horizon, we are going to be able to jump-start those renovations thanks to a $1.9 million grant. But we are going to need more to get over the finish line.”

At the end of last year, the hospital announced acquisition of Great Lakes Surgical Associates with Dr. Schratz and Dr. Hodge in Lockport.

“Not only does this move expand our geographical footprint, it also nearly doubles the monthly surgeries taking place at Medina Memorial Hospital,” Shurtz said. “We have not seen an increase like this in years.”

Shurtz added that many other services are on a strong trajectory, showing the true need for the hospital in the community and reinforcing that more families are choosing Orleans Community Health for their care.

“But growing and progress like this require partnership,” Shurtz said. “Philanthropy plays a critical role in ensuring we can continue to advance services, invest in infrastructure and respond to emerging needs, especially during challenging financial times for rural healthcare.”

He shared that just last year Orleans Community Health Foundation supported more than $100,000 in projects at OCH, including a new fuel tank to protect operations and critical surgical scopes needed for their expanding surgical services.

“These investments directly impact patient care and operational stability,” he said. “Your generosity truly makes a difference.”

Shurtz added his excitement at the opportunity to recognize Waters and Mruczek, whom he called “incredible individuals.”

“They both had remarkable careers and carried on the original desire of George Bowen to bring quality care into our community,” he said. “Barbara Waters and Dr. Arthur Mruczek invested much of their individual lives in the community. We have the privilege of knowing some of those contributions directly influenced the hospital.”

Dr. Mruczek is not only a well-respected ophthalmologist, he was medical director of Medina Memorial Hospital, Shurtz said.

“His leadership within the hospital and medical community has contributed meaningfully to advancing quality care close to home,” Shurtz said. “Generations of families in the region have benefited from his commitment to excellence and his steady, thoughtful guidance.”

Waters was recognized for her visionary leadership and enduring advocacy for seniors and community healthcare. As founder of The Willows Adult Home and Orchard Manor, she expanded essential senior living services in Medina, ensuring that older adults could remain in their community with dignity and support.

“A longstanding member of the Medina Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, Mrs. Waters’ impact on the aging community may simply be unmatched,” Shurtz added.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Orleans Community Health CEO Marc Shurtz, left, listens as Jeanne Crane, a retired nurse, reads a tribute to Barbara Waters, one of two hospital supporters honored at the hospital’s Spring Soiree Gala Saturday at Bent’s Opera House. (Right) Kassie Smith accepts the award for her mother, Barbara Waters, who was unable to attend Orleans Community Health’s Spring Soiree Gala Saturday night. Waters and Dr. Arthur Murczek each were recipients of the Bowen Award, named for the hospital’s founder George Bowen.

Jeanne Crane, a retired nurse, presented the Bowen Award to Kassie Smith on behalf of her mother Barbara Waters.

“Tonight we have the profound privilege of honoring a woman whose leadership helped shape not only this hospital, but the very fabric of healthcare in our community,” Crane said. “The Bowen Award recognizes those who see beyond the moment – who build for the future, and who ensure that quality healthcare remains accessible close to home. Barbara Waters was one of those rare visionaries.

“At a time when few women held leadership roles in business, let alone in healthcare governance, Barbara stepped forward with confidence and conviction,” Crane said.

Her leadership in the community did not end there.

“As comptroller of her father’s company, Frank J. Balcerzak & Son Construction, she helped shape the physical landscape of Western New York – building schools, churches, homes and commercial spaces that still stand today,” Crane said. “Her work helped build communities, quite literally from the ground up.”

In 1971, she became the first woman to serve as president of the hospital board – a historic milestone in itself, Crane said.

“But what defines her legacy is not simply that she held the title,” Crane continued. “It is what she did with it. She led during periods of financial instability and physician shortages. She understood that a hospital is only as strong as its medical staff, and she helped spearhead the recruitment of physicians who not only practiced here, but made Medina their home and raised their families here.”

One of Crane’s favorite memories of Barbara is the time when the hospital administrator was sick and Barbara took over as acting administrator.

“The nurses petitioned her to allow them to wear pant suits, and she agreed,” Crane said.

“While the challenges look different today, the foundation Barbara helped build – one of resilience, local stewardship, recruitment, innovation and unwavering community commitment – continues to sustain us,” she said. “Because of leaders like Barbara Waters, we are still here.”

Kassie Smith stepped to the podium to read her mother’s letter of acceptance and regret for not being able to attend.

“You know I always enjoyed a good party, and at 95 years of age, I still do,” Waters wrote. “Preparing these remarks gave me the opportunity to dig out my scrapbooks and remember the good, the frustrating and the rewarding times in my healthcare career – something I never really envisioned. You see, I had already committed to a career in construction with my dad, where I spent 25 years.

“I was involved with the hospital as a member of Tupelo Twig, and like other Twigs, we raised money for the hospital and volunteered our services,” Waters shared in her letter. “One example I will always remember is making diaper pads out of the Medina Daily Journal for babies in our nursery unit.”

Waters also told about her years on the hospital board, serving as acting administrator and making the decision to let nurses wear pant suits. She left the board after 17 years, having built Orchard Manor Nursing Home, which opened in 1972. She served as administrator until selling it to Medina Memorial Hospital in 1988 to build The Willows. In selling the nursing home she said it was important ownership stay in Medina.

In 1992, she returned to the hospital board and again became president.

“At that time, the hospital was facing financial challenges and our community lacked doctors – especially specialists,” Waters wrote. “Bringing in doctors became a top priority for the board. Our vice president Van Hungerford and I met with the Rochester Regional Council to obtain approval to establish a five-physician group practice. We were successful in recruiting several physicians.”

These included Dr. Rho, an OB-GYN; Dr. Ghaly, an anesthesiologist; Dr. Abbasey, a surgeon; Dr. Bath, an internist; and Dr. Madejski, a geriatric internist.

“All of these physicians made Medina their home and raised their families here,” Waters shared.

Board members even helped in the search for homes in Medina for the new doctors, and personally showed them around when they arrived, Waters said.

“Our board was active and committed – and raised $1.2 million for the hospital’s first addition,” Waters said. “These memories are a reminder of some of the struggles we faced – much like the challenges you face today in keeping Medina Memorial and Orleans Community Health viable, accessible and financially sound. Looking back, I’m glad I was involved – when I was, where I was, and for all that we accomplished in the community. Thank you so much for this honor.”

In introducing Dr. Arthur Mruczek, Kim Gray said that as a surgical nurse she had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Mruczek in the operating room for nearly 10 years before he retired.

“I can tell you, standing beside a surgeon day after day gives you a perspective that few people get to see,” Gray said. “Dr. Mruczek didn’t just practice medicine here – he chose Medina. After his training, he could have gone anywhere – to large cities and major medical centers, but instead, he came to a small rural community and built something extraordinary. He brought world-class ophthalmologic care to a place where people might otherwise had had to travel hours for it.

“In the operating room, we all knew something special was happening when Dr. Mruczek stepped up to the table. His hands were unbelievably steady, his focus unmatched and his memory incredible. But what stood out even more than his surgical skill was how much he cared about every patient who came through the door. As nurses, we saw the gratitude in patients’ eyes when their bandages came off and they realized they could see clearly again. We saw the relief, the smiles and sometimes even the tears.”

Two guests dressed in their finest ’50s outfits at the Spring Soiree Gala are Brandi Pasnik of Medina and Jeanne Crane, a retired nurse and presenter of one of the Bowen Awards.

Gray said anyone who worked with Dr. Mruczek knew that his impact wasn’t just clinical. He brought joy to the hospital.

“He had a laugh that carried down the hallway, a sense of humor that could lighten the busiest day in surgery and a warmth that made staff and patients feel comfortable the moment he walked into the room,” Gray said.

Gray added that Dr. Mruczek’s career has been filled with accomplishments – teaching in Poland, leadership in medical societies, awards, recognitions from colleagues and even presidents and meeting with two Popes.

“But I think the thing that matters most isn’t written on a plaque or certificate,” Gray said. “It’s the thousands of people in this community who see better today because of him. It’s the nurses, staff and colleagues who were lucky enough to learn from him. And it’s the lasting mark he left on this small rural hospital and this town that he chose to call ‘home.’”

In presenting Dr. Mruczek with the Bowen Award, Gray said, “Doctor, your surgical skill restored sight to thousands. Your kindness earned the trust of generations. And your presence helped shape the culture of this hospital. On behalf of our entire hospital family, thank you for choosing Medina, for caring for our community and for leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire all of us.”

In accepting his award, Dr. Mruczek said he was truly overwhelmed and deeply honored for the recognition.

“It means the world to me,” he said. “George Bowen was also known as ‘Doc,’ and I am humbled to follow in his footsteps.”

Dr. Mruczek acknowledged the unwavering support of his wife of 56 years, Donna, and introduced his son Arthur Jr. and wife Michelle and daughter Patty and her husband George Schlegel. He thanked the staff at Lake Plains Eye Care Center, which he founded. Three dedicated staff members were in attendance – Carol Bellack, his surgery nurse; Jackie Jurinich and Kathy McHugh.

He paid tribute to those who paved the way – Dr. Joseph Misiti, Van Hungerford, Dr. Ekran John Boulos and Roland Howell.

After completing medical school, Dr. Mruczek said the pressure was put on him to stay in Buffalo.

“The Buffalo Medical Group assured me I would be inactive in a small town like Medina,” Mrucek said. “They even pressured my wife Donna.”

Dr. Richard Cooper, whose parents were doctors in Albion said, “Don’t let him waste his talent in the boonies.”

Kim Gray, head of surgery at Medina Memorial Hospital, gives Dr. Arthur Mruczek a hug before introducing him at the hospital gala Saturday night.

But “Doc” and Donna toured Orleans County in 1975 and John Kennedy, who was mayor of Medina at the time, spent an entire day showing them the area.

“He highlighted Medina’s potential, the hospital and a bustling Main Street that felt vibrant and welcoming,” Dr. Mruczek said. “Honestly, I think he could have sold anything to anyone. Imagine a farm boy from Corfu, about to embark on a new chapter. We bought an Italianate villa on West Center Street, which reminded me of my home in Corfu. It became our home for 41 years, a place where our family grew and our roots deepened.”

 He founded Lake Plains Eye Center adjacent to his home and built an office to serve the community’s vision needs.

“Medina truly became a wonderful place to live and raise a family,” he said. “Founding Lake Plains Eye Center was a milestone, but what truly shaped my experience here was the warmth of the people. This town welcomed us, celebrated our joys and supported us through challenges. That spirit has always made Medina feel like home.”

In concluding, Dr. Mruczek said Medina Memorial Hospital stands as a testament to those who supported its growth.

“Today we have medicines, advanced instruments and new protocols which save lives and improve quality of life,” he said. “In 1975, cataract surgery meant six days in the hospital with sandbags; now most patients achieve 20/20 vision by the next day.”

“While rural hospitals face new challenges, Medina continues to thrive, thanks to the resilience and heart of its people,” Dr. Mruczek said. “I’m happy Medina was our family home. It’s been a privilege to practice medicine in such a welcoming community. To all who are here tonight and everyone who has been part of Medina’s story, thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives. Serving this community has been the greatest honor of my career, and I look forward with hope that together we will continue to build a legacy of care, compassion and progress.”

The evening also included a buffet, 1950s music and silent auction. A special prize from an anonymous donor of a three-night stay at a home in Celebration, Fla. and four one-day passes to Disney Park was valued at $3,500 and auctioned off for $6,000.

“We are incredibly grateful to our donors, sponsors and community members who made this year’s gala such a success,” said Megan Johnson, director of the Orleans Community Health Foundation. “Raising nearly $25,000 in one evening is a powerful reminder of how deeply this community believes in local healthcare. It was especially meaningful to honor our Bowen Award recipients, Dr. Arthur Mruczek and Mrs. Barbara Waters, whose leadership and dedication have helped shape healthcare in our community for generations. Their legacy of service truly reflects the spirit of the evening.”