Location moved from DPW to County EMO on West County House Road
Photo by Tom Rivers: Employees from Environmental Enterprises, Inc. of Cincinnati work at a household hazardous waste collection in Albion on Aug. 16, 2025. EEI employees are at the solvent station where oil, anti-freeze and solvents are collected. More than 500 Orleans County residents were able to get rid of leftover chemicals, batteries, tires, oil and solvents during the household hazardous waste collection day.
Press Release, Orleans County government
ALBION – The Orleans County Planning Office today announced that registration is now open for the county’s annual household hazardous waste (HHW) collection event, which will be held on Saturday, August 8. The event is open to all Orleans County residents but you must register in advance.
Please note the event location has changed to the Orleans County Office of Emergency Management Complex located at 14064 West County House Road West in Albion. The county will collect all acceptable items from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. slot is reserved for tire collection only.
Mandatory registration can be done by calling the county Planning Office at 585-589-3198 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
“This is Orleans County’s annual collection event that I know a lot of residents like to plan for to get rid of those leftover chemicals, batteries, tires and other items that are lying around in the garage, basement or shed,” said Corey Winters, director of the Planning Office. “And more than just getting rid of this clutter, people can be assured these items are being disposed of in a safe and environmentally-responsible way.”
Winters said acceptable items include pesticides, motor oiler & filters, adhesives, antifreeze, solvents, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, aerosols, old-based paints, empty propane tanks, and new for 2026 tires consisting of Passenger, Commercial, Heavy Duty, Agriculture, and Tracks) (limit 10 passenger and 10 of the other types.)
Items that cannot be accepted include explosives, pressurized tanks, ammunition, PCBs, radioactive waste, medical waste, and electronics. If you have questions regarding a specific item, please call the Planning Office.
“We have opened up registration early so we can properly plan and be ready to accommodate as many residents as possible who want to take part,” said Winters. “When you call to register, please be prepared to generally describe the type of chemicals and/or the number of tires you will be disposing.”
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
Provided photos: Orly the Ox, the Orleans County mascot, went kayaking last year on the Oak Orchard Creek by the Medina waterfalls. Cyclists are shown riding on the Oatka Trail in Genesee County.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health), in partnership with Orleans County Tourism and Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, are excited to announce the start of the Genesee and Orleans Counties (GO) Adventure Challenge. This new program encourages people to be more active while exploring places across both counties.
The GO Adventure Challenge invites people of all ages to stay active by completing activities and visiting locations in Genesee and Orleans Counties. The goal is to support healthier lifestyles, build stronger community connections, and highlight the many great places in our area.
“This challenge is a fun way for residents to focus on their health while discovering everything our communities have to offer,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “We are excited to see participants enjoy local parks, trails, businesses, and public spaces in new ways.”
Participants can join at their own pace and track their progress using an activity log. The challenge includes different levels:
Level 1: Complete 135 hours of physical activity
Level 2: Complete 135 hours of physical activity and visit at least five locations in each county
At the end of the challenge, participants will submit an attestation form to confirm they completed their chosen level. They will also choose whether they would like a patch or sticker to recognize their accomplishment.
“Collaborating with our neighboring counties allows us to better showcase the outdoor experiences available to both visitors and residents,” said Dawn Borchert, Orleans County tourism director. “We’re excited for participants to explore, stay active and find new places to enjoy through the GO Adventure Challenge.”
“We are proud to partner on the GO Adventure Challenge to encourage people to get out and experience the great destinations, scenic views, and local spots throughout Genesee and Orleans Counties,” said Kelly Rapone, Genesee County tourism director.
The GO Adventure Challenge supports ongoing efforts to improve health, prevent illness, and build community connections in Genesee and Orleans Counties. It is also planned to be an annual program.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is criticizing the state’s enacted budget after updated financial documents revealed total spending is nearly $9 billion higher than the amount originally cited when the budget was approved. The increase pushes total state spending to $277 billion.
“Taxpayers shouldn’t accept this continued overspending of their hard-earned tax dollars,” said Hawley. “New York’s budget has nearly doubled in just 12 years and now exceeds the budgets of Texas and Florida, even though each of those states has a larger population than New York. The budget has also grown nearly $9 billion beyond what was originally presented to taxpayers, even after it was already passed as the largest in state history. Albany has to stop adding costs after the budget is set and start respecting what taxpayers can actually afford.”
Hawley believes these billion-dollar additions are just an example of how the budget process in New York needs serious repairs, especially at a time when residents are trying to save every dollar.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2026 at 9:05 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Author’s Note, a bookstore on Main Street in Medina, hosted a book talk from two graphic novel authors and illustrators on Tuesday evening.
Graphic novels are the fastest growing segment in market share and popularity among youth literature, said Julie Berry, owner of the bookstore.
Niki Smith is the creator of the book, “Midsummer Sisters.” She flew in from Munich, Germany to attend the book discussion. Smith also said she was visiting friends in Rochester.
Smith presents a stunning story set during a summer of change. Filled with gorgeous and expressive illustrations, Midsummer Sisters is a celebration of the beauty of wild horses, as powerful as the unbreakable bond between sisters, Berry said.
Smith also is the author and artist of The Deep & Dark Blue and The Golden Hour.
Katie Risor of Syracuse is author and illustrator of “Welcome to the Forest: The Lake Trip.” The book is the sequel to Welcome to the Forest: The Harvest Party.
Risor, a Texas native, said her illustrations are inspired from her growing up years in Texas and also her more recent experiences in Syracuse and Upstate New York, especially the lakes, trees and state parks.
The Welcome to the Forest series includes endearing forest friends. Risor’s stories are a heartfelt invitation to slow down and savor the small wonders of the world.
Julie Berry, owner of Author’s Note, welcomes the two authors and illustrators to the bookstore at 519 Main St. in Medina.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 June 2026 at 11:05 pm
HOLLEY – Village of Holley residents elected Brenden Bedard and Rochelle Moroz to four-year terms as village trustees today.
Bedard received the most votes at 137, followed by Moroz at 102. Ron Vendetti was a close third at 93 votes.
Bedard works as assistant director for the Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments. His father, Kevin Bedard, has previously served as a Holley village trustee.
Moroz was re-elected to another term. She has been on the board for nearly a decade.
She was the only candidate who waited outside the village office for the votes to be tallied. The results were announced at about 10 p.m., an hour after the polls closed.
“I like to represent the village,” Moroz said.
She takes frequent walks around the community, and enjoys hearing from residents.
She was pleased to see a good turnout today.
Rainey Losee, the Holley village clerk, also said it was a good showing from the village voters.
“I’m proud of our village residents coming out and having their voices be heard,” she said after the results were announced.
Bedard will replace Jim DeFilipps on the board. DeFillipps didn’t seek re-election after 10 years on the board.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 June 2026 at 10:54 pm
Voters rejected spending plan 327 to 292; District needs to make $266,495 in reductions
Photo by Tom Rivers: yard signs were out around Lyndonville urging voters to reject the proposed budget, which was the same as the one defeated on May 19.
LYNDONVILLE – In a narrow vote today, Lyndonville school district residents again rejected the proposed budget for 2026-27.
Voters defeated the $19,194,000 budget by 327 no to 292 yes. Lyndonville will now have to adopt a contingency budget that doesn’t increase taxes and needs to reduce spending by $266,495.
The voter turnout was more than double from May 19, when the budget was first rejected with 172 opposed and 129 in favor.
Dr. Heather Lyon, the district superintendent, said she doesn’t anticipate any staff will be laid off as part of the contingency. The district has about 120 total employees serving a student population of 620 in grades prekindergarten to 12.
How the Board of Education and the district leadership will make cuts is to be determined.
Lyon said the district will be limited to spending on only essential items. Lyndonville may have to reduce extracurricular activities and clubs, athletics purchases, student travel, use of school facilities by outside groups, equipment purchases and field trips, she said.
“District leaders will work thoughtfully through this process to minimize the impact on students and provide the best possible educational experience within the constraints of a contingency budget,” she wrote tonight in a message to the community. “Additional information about the contingency budget and any resulting changes will be shared with families, staff and community members as it becomes available.”
Lyon said the district’s administrators and Board of Education worked hard to present a budget with a 2.5 percent tax increase, which was below the district’s allowable tax cap of 4.0 percent.
But some in the community wanted the district to lower the taxes even further. Bill Jurinich, a former board member, told the board during a meeting last week the district should have made some cuts and not presented the same budget as the one that was defeated on May 19.
Photos courtesy of Medina Central School: A group photo of students and staff are shown on the steps of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
Press Release, Medina Central School
MEDINA – From June 3-5, a group of Medina 8th grade students explored Washington, D.C. and its rich history. The trip marks the culmination of a two-year study of United States history, government, and the individuals and events that have shaped our nation.
Throughout the trip, students were able to make meaningful connections to their classroom learning in history, literature, and science while experiencing these topics firsthand. As Kaisen McEwen Miller shared after seeing the Washington Monument,
“Photographs don’t do it justice,” a sentiment echoed by many during the trip.
On Wednesday evening, students embarked on a guided night tour of the monuments and memorials, narrated by 8th grade social studies teacher Joe Byrne. Students also contributed to the experience by sharing research they had completed in their English classes with Mrs. Rosenbeck, adding depth and perspective to each stop. Evalyn Ryan was especially impressed by the Lincoln Memorial, noting, “Seeing it in person is better than pictures and videos.”
Thursday morning began with a powerful visit to the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. Students observed a moment of silence at 9:37 a.m., the exact time of the plane’s impact, as the flowing water beneath each of the 184 memorial benches temporarily stopped. This moving tribute left a lasting impression on the group.
Students listen to the story of Holocaust survivor Rose-Helene Spreiregen.
Later that morning, students visited the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, where they had the rare opportunity to hear from Holocaust survivor Rose-Helene Spreiregen. Students were able to listen to her story and ask questions, making for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Avery Twitchell reflected, “It’s an experience I think everyone should go see and learn about—it’s a big part of history,” adding that her classmates “took their time to take it all in.”
Keegan Farnham noted that his favorite part was the exhibit on Daniel’s Story, which connected directly to a play the class had read earlier in the year.
In the afternoon, students explored several Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of American History, and the National Museum of Natural History. Despite the 92-degree heat, spirits remained high as students enjoyed some downtime with souvenir shopping, ice cream, and snow cones while taking in the atmosphere of the nation’s capital.
Lily Hungerford shared, “I really liked walking around D.C. and getting to see the city
and people.”
Thursday evening provided a chance for students to relax and celebrate their experiences with a DJ dinner cruise along the Potomac River. Lauren Allis said she “had a lot of fun dancing with friends” and capturing photos on the deck at sunset, calling it “a great way to end the day after going to four museums.”
The trip continued Friday with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where students witnessed the solemn and awe-inspiring Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In addition, from a distance, they observed a traditional military burial complete with a caisson and riderless horse, offering a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces.
Before departing for home, students visited the National Zoo, where they were able to see the giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao. Tyler Draper especially enjoyed this stop, noting that “it was great to see all the cool animals that you may not see in zoos near home.”
Overall, the trip provided an invaluable educational experience while creating lasting memories for students and staff alike. The opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences made this journey both meaningful and memorable for all involved.
The trip was made possible through the continued support of Medina parents, teachers, school board, and administrators in conjunction with First Choice Educational Tours in Batavia.
A group photo of students has fun at the Albert Einstein Memorial, a bronze statue in Washington D.C.
$350 to $600 for most homeowners with income below $500,000; $700 to $1,500 for most seniors with income below $110,750
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that nearly three million New Yorkers across the state will receive over $2 billion in tax relief this summer and fall through New York’s School Tax Relief (STAR) program.
STAR provides property tax relief to eligible homeowners and seniors statewide. While some STAR recipients will receive their benefit in the form of a tax exemption this year, many other recipients will receive a tax credit and will be sent a check in the mail this summer and fall.
“The start of summer is also the start of STAR tax relief season for millions of New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “From tax credits and energy rebates to our expanded child tax credit and middle class tax cuts, we’re continuing to put more money back in New Yorkers’ pockets.”
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “At a time when actions in Washington are increasing costs and reducing support for working families, seniors, and homeowners, New York is continuing to put affordability first. The Senate Majority was proud to work with Governor Hochul to include continued funding for the STAR program in this year’s State Budget, delivering meaningful property tax relief to homeowners across our state.”
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said, “This $2 billion in tax relief is vital to our families and our seniors. As New Yorkers see the high cost of gas and rising prices, the STAR program will put money back into their pockets. We will continue to work with our partners in government to put New York families first and make our state a more affordable place.”
Most homeowners eligible for a STAR credit will receive a check between $350 and $600. Most seniors eligible for an Enhanced STAR credit will receive a check between $700 and $1,500.
Check deliveries have begun and will continue statewide throughout the summer and fall. STAR recipients can visit ny.gov/STAR to track their check delivery or enroll in direct deposit.
Homeowners who are eligible and registered for the STAR credit program will receive their STAR check before the deadline for their school taxes. Some parts of the state — including New York City, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse — have school tax due dates in late June and July and will receive their STAR benefits soon. Benefits across other parts of the state will continue to roll out throughout the summer and fall.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 June 2026 at 9:15 am
HOLLEY – It’s election day for the Village of Holley with three candidates on the ballot with two to be elected trustees to four-year terms.
The polls are open from noon to 9 p.m. at the Holley Village Office, the former high school at 1 Wright St. The new terms start on July 1.
The candidates include:
Brenden Bedard of East Albion Street
Rochelle Moroz of Orchard Street
Ron Vendetti of Ray Street
Current Trustee Jim DeFilipps isn’t seeking another term after 10 years on the board.
Vendetti previously served as a village trustee and also was Holley’s coordinator and DPW superintendent. He said the village taxes and water rates continue to climb putting a strain on property owners. The current village government spends too much time on festivals and parks, and not enough focus on infrastructure and reducing costs.
Mayor Mark Bower, in a letter on the village website on Monday, backed Moroz, a current trustee, and Bedard, who is the assistant director of the Genesee & Orleans Public Health Departments.
Bower praised Moroz for “paying attention to the little things that need work, as well as keeping her eye on the bigger picture.” She works to help the village “in countless ways for which she wants no credit.”
Bedard has deep roots in Holley with his mother a long-time elementary school teacher and his father a former village trustee.
“He has reached out to us on many occasions with opportunities for us to apply for grants,” Bower said about Brenden Bedard. “He will bring a fresh perspective to our board.”
The mayor cited the following accomplishments by the Village Board:
Completed the High Street waterline project coming in under budget.
Used state CHIPS money, along with local funds, and completely redid all of White Street, including curbing and new lights.
Sold the old Village Office on Public Square and used that money with additional local dollars to re-roof the Police Station building.
Replaced the Canal Park Playground with help from the Town of Murray and a grant through the Genesee and Orleans Public Health Departments.
Updated comprehensive plan, which was last done 14 years ago.
Begun the removal of all dead ash trees throughout the village park, waterfalls and trails in a project funded from a grant from Orleans County Soil and Water Department.
The Friends of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge invites the public to pick among three name options for an eaglet that hatched on April 3.
Photo and announcement from Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
BASOM – Cayuga and Seneca’s beautiful eaglet is growing strong, and is almost ready to take flight! We’re excited to be launching a small naming fundraiser. Every vote supports the continued protection, monitoring, and storytelling of this remarkable eagle family.
Name choices are Inspired by the Land and Its legacy:
Oneida — Honoring one of the original Haudenosaunee nations, symbolizing unity, endurance, and deep cultural roots.
Casey — A tribute to Casey Road, where the headquarters stands watch over the refuge, grounding the eaglet’s story in the very place that protects it.
Skanon — A Seneca Nation word meaning peace and wellness, reflecting the calm strength and timeless cycle of life carried forward in this nest.
To cast your vote visit our website donation page (click here) make a suggested $5 donation and write your choice for the name into the “specific cause” box.
Together, we honor the land, the culture, and the future, taking wing right before our eyes!
A link to the bald eagle nest camera can be found at the Friends website, FINWR.org.
Early appeal of site: ‘No beer or liquors may be sold on any part of this property’
In 2004, the Oak Orchard Harbor Light Committee reprinted the marketing booklet originally produced by the Oak Orchard-on-the-Lake Committee.
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 6, No. 17
CARLTON – “Here we escape the Summer’s heat
And gain new life and strength”
Around the turn of the last century, the lucrative potential of Orleans County’s assets attracted a variety of speculators. In 1911, a group of New York city investors who had incorporated as the Western New York Farm Company, acquired a large swath of swamp land in the southern end of the county and developed it for agricultural purposes.
Prior to that, in 1891, a group of Buffalo area businessmen incorporated as the Oak Orchard-on -the-Lake Company and purchased four hundred acres of land located on the west bank of Oak Orchard Harbor and along the south shore of Lake Ontario.
With a General Office at 39 Chapin Block in Buffalo, the Officers and Directors of the company were: Edwards D. Emerson, President; George T. Wardwell, Vice-President; Frank E. Sickels, Secretary and Charles H. Robinson, Treasurer. Emerson was a Standard Oil manager in Buffalo, Wardwell and Sickels were Buffalo attorneys, while Robinson was chairman of the J.L. Hudson Company, Buffalo clothiers.
As they described it “the land gently slopes toward the lake and for nearly a mile is bounded by a beautiful unbroken sandy beach that allows unobstructed access to the water of the lake.” The property also included water frontage of three quarters of a mile on Oak Orchard Creek “one of the most picturesque streams in Western New York.”
“The lake and creek fronts of this property will be offered for summer homes, while the remaining land will be so worked as to be a never-failing source from which cottagers can draw those necessities which are required for the refreshing of ‘the inner man.’”
The promotional booklet’s flowery prose extols the joys of cottage life, “the unexcelled advantages which it offers for sports, boating and bathing; of the pure air and cool breezes which it furnishes its cottagers; of its healthfulness, freedom from dangers for children; of the social life, refined and yet jolly, which characterizes the place…”
The company had a local office at 2 Swan’s Block in Albion. Dwight C. Beckwith, a wholesale apple shipper and lumber merchant was the local General Manger.
The lake and creek frontage was subdivided into building lots, each with a minimum of fifty feet of frontage. Lot prices ranged from $100 upwards. Generous terms were offered: “We shall be content with a small cash payment and the balance in small weekly or monthly installments.”
Recognizing the desirability of a water view, the company produced a layout which set the streets at right angles from the shoreline. This, combined with a gradual rise from the water’s edge, assured each cottage an unobstructed view.
A promotional article in the Times-Union, May 23, 1892, claimed that “the special feature which will render this a most desirable summer resort is that no beer or liquors may be sold on any part of this property.” In the summer of 1897, the Buffalo News reported that the cottages at Oak Orchard-on-the-Lake are filled to overflowing.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 June 2026 at 10:25 pm
AAA reported today that the national average for regular unleaded gasoline was at $4.07, which is down from 9 cents a week ago. AAA says the average price has now declined three straight weeks. A year ago the average price was $3.14.
In New York State, the average price is at $4.36, which is down 9 cents from a week ago but up by $1.25 from a year ago, AAA reported.
“Drivers are seeing some relief at the pump as the national average for regular gasoline continues its three week slide, dropping to $4.07,” AAA said in a news release. “The downward trend, driven in part by crude oil prices staying below $100 per barrel, now coincides with a breakthrough agreement between the U.S. and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
“Crude prices briefly dipped to $80 per barrel when the deal was announced, but with the situation still evolving and the Strait not expected to reopen until at least Friday, uncertainty around global oil flows continues to make this summer’s price outlook less predictable than usual.”
Here are the average prices in counties in Western New York:
Orleans, $4.503
Genesee, $4.341
Monroe, $4.418
Niagara, $4.446
Erie, $4.447
Wyoming, $4.522
Livingston, $4.449
Chautauqua, $4.480
Cattaraugus, $4.369
Allegany, $4.580
Manhattan is highest at $4.630, according to AAA, while the lowest price of $4.139 is in Nassau County.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 June 2026 at 9:54 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Mary Moffet, cheese maker, and Ella Sosik, sales and marketing, were promoting Oakfield Artisanal Cheese on June 6 as new vendors at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.
MEDINA – The corner of West Center Street and West Avenue is again a beehive of activity with the move of the Canal Village Farmers’ Market back to its summer home. The market is on a mission to grow its vendor base and dedicated customer base, said market manager Gail Miller.
“The vendors won’t stay with the market if they do not have good sales, and attracting customers is not easy if there is not enough variety,” she said. “The market this week had a great selection, with several new vendors, and we will be adding more new vendors this season.”
This will include another vegetable farm, flowers, crafts and more. Baker Farms, in addition to their own raised beef and pork, garlic, eggs and scapes, will be selling Heartland Organics mushrooms.
“We are looking for a soap vendors, wineries and other unique items,” Miller said. ”Watch the farmers’ market Facebook and Instagram pages to see all the wonderful products available each week.”
One new vendor is Oakfield Artisanal Cheese, a farm which started making cheese three and one-half years ago. They will return to the market one day a month.
Peggy Schreck helps a young child choose a book at Kids Activity Tent at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market on June 6.
Another new vendor with a new craft is Aimee Cummings of Lyndonville. She paints watercolor greeting cards. She has also gone to the Akron Farmers’ Market. She said Gail was happy to have her at this market.
“I love doing the cards,” she said. “I’m not an artist, but rather think of myself as a crafter.”
Other crafts will include crocheted and handsewn items.
At another table, volunteer Rosann Russo sold plants which had been donated to the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.
Starting soon, Kimbrel Farm will be a regular, selling lettuce, spinach, peas, carrots, beets, basil and dill, and Rosario Farm will be here with fruits and vegetables.
They join regulars, Bower Family Farm and Greenhouse (microgreens, maple syrup and jam); Hazel and Honey Bakes (scones, cookies, sourdough); LockRidge Apiary (honey, bees wax); a variety of crafts; and Flower Fields Forever.
Melinda Cervantes arranges flowers in Human Farms and Greenhouse’s booth at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market. They also have Stone Hollow Farms bread.
The market will be participating in Medina Area Partnership’s upcoming Faery Festival this Saturday, and in July, the third annual Zucchini 500 will return.
Chef Caitlin from Shelridge Country made her first appearance last week, making a dish from local seasonal vegetables and fruit. She will return once a month throughout the summer. Miller said they are looking for additional chefs to do demonstrations.
On Aug. 15, the market will sponsor a Dog Days of Summer photo competition.
As Miller pointed out, running and participating in a farmers’ market does not come without its challenges.
“The most difficult situations for everyone to hand are when it is very windy,” Miller said about a recent Saturday. “All of us started out with tents up and a good amount of weight holding each one down. Strong winds came up and three of the market tents’ frames were bent or just totally collapsed on themselves.”
When a strong gust comes through, tents will either collapse or fly into the air. And often vendors lose some of their products, Miller said. Finally, all tents were taken down before the market closed.
The Royalton-Hartland Community Library took the opportunity to promote their summer activities at a booth at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market. At left is librarian Angelina Dimascio with Liz Winters, chair of Friends of the Library.
A state grant announced last year will result in enhanced facilities and the end of weather-related problems for the market.
“The reinvented building will allow the market to operate in the same space year round,” Miller said. “Our customers will no longer need to hunt for us during the winter, and they will be able to enjoy green space to sit and enjoy music and conversation. Artists would be more willing to attend, as their art would be protected from the elements. The farmers will have an upgraded area to sell from – warm in winter and shelter from the wind and rain in the summer. It also opens opportunities for farmers to perhaps offer their products for sale at additional times during the week.”
Unfortunately, there is no timeline when construction of that new facility will begin, as more fundraising has to take place.
The Canal Village Farners’ Market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
Rep from Veterans’ Affairs will be at market on Saturday
A representative from the NYS Division of Veterans’ Affairs will be at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market this Saturday with farmers’ market coupons available for veterans and eligible family members.
They are part of the FreshConnect Check Program used to buy produce and food goods at local farmers’ markets and farm stands.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 June 2026 at 9:07 pm
Residents can get half of new sidewalks covered by grant
Photo by Ginny Kropf: A worker smooths out the cement on a new section of sidewalk on West Center Street. An anonymous donor has offered to pay half the cost for eligible homeowners to replace their sidewalks.
MEDINA – Thanks to an anonymous benefactor in Medina, residents of West Center Street will be able to have much needed repairs made to their sidewalks this year.
“This program was privately created to help homeowners to improve their sidewalks,” said Robert Sanderson, who is administering the program on behalf of Orleans Renaissance Group and the Medina Sidewalk Review Committee.
The Sidewalk Grant Program was created primarily to increase the safety of sidewalks, but it will also increase the beauty and value of homes.
Eligible homeowners on West Center Street are the first focus of this program, and work has already begun.
A total of $200,000 has been made available for the 2026 year. This grant award will be for a maximum of 50% of the project cost.
The village of Medina will take away the old, removed sidewalk at no charge to the homeowner.
If applications from West Center Street residents do not exceed funding available, the offer will be extended to residents of West Avenue.
All applications and funding are on a first-come, first-served basis, with approval of the Medina Sidewalk Review Committee. The committee reserves the right to reject any application for any reason.
Applications are available at the village clerk’s office on Park Avenue.
Completed applications should be returned to Robert Sanderson Jr., 10780D Telegraph Rd., Medina, 14103. Residents are reminded this program will end Dec. 31.
CARLTON – “Here we escape the Summer’s heat
