Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Orleans County Legislator John Fitzak, right, reads a proclamation in honor of Eddie Moss, left, for his 17 years of service as a county employee.

Moss started as a computer specialist with the Department of Social Services, and was promoted to the county’s director of computer services in 2014. That job title changed to information technology director. He is retiring on Friday.

Moss, a Medina graduate, served nine years in the U.S. Air Force. He lived several places around the globe before returning to Medina.

He and staff of seven others work with the county employees and keep the technology working, from the 400 computers at work stations and offices, to all the printers, switches, servers, cameras and a digital phone system – “anything that has technology in it,” Moss said.

The IT department also manages the mobility technology for more than 30 patrol cars for the Sheriff’s Office, as well as vehicles for the Emergency Management Office.

‘It’s a big job,” Moss said. “It’s very complex.”

The IT staff moved from Central Hall on East Park Street to the new addition on the County Office Building in June 2019.

Moss was praised for his work for the county on Tuesday by the County Legislature, which held a reception for him after the county meeting.

“As a true public servant,  you have shown a dedication to the task of keeping the technology in Orleans County up to date, in an ever-changing environment,” legislators said in a proclamation.

Patrick McGurn, the deputy director of the IT department, said Moss has been a great leader for the IT staff.

“He is very understanding of our team,” McGurn said. “He has been great to work for.”

McGurn said the IT works behind the scenes and is critical to a county workforce of about 460 employees.

“We put out the fires,” McGurn said.

Eddie Moss accepts a proclamation from County Legislator John Fitzak.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Renee Hungerford, executive director of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, accepted a proclamation from County Legislator Don Allport on Tuesday evening. The Legislature proclaimed May as “Community Action Month” and also commended the agency for its 60th anniversary. Other agency officials in photo include Bonnie Malakie, Director of Children & Youth Services; Barb Shine, chairwoman of the board of directors; Tina Schleede, chief financial officer; Katrina Chaffee, Director of Community Services and Reporting; and Bruce Schmidt, vice chairman of the board.

ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature on Tuesday presented a proclamation in honor of Community Action’s 60^th anniversary and also May as Community Action month.

“We are grateful to Orleans County for this proclamation, and we are proud of the work we do for our community,” said Community Action’s director Renee Hungerford.

Hungerford explained Community Action agencies connect millions of individuals and families for greater opportunity, transforming their lives and making communities – and the nation – stronger. In 2020, the year impacted by Covid-19, Community Action nationwide served more than 9.5 million people (or 26 % of the 37.2 million Americans living in poverty).

Last year, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee assisted over 4,000 individuals to help them overcome the impacts of poverty and to work toward achieving self-sufficiency.

Highlights from 2023 include: 4,021 individuals assisted; 1,541 benefited from food pantries; 5,405 meals served at the Holley center; 288 children and families supported by Head Start programs; 96 homes weatherized; 311 individuals assisted to avoid eviction; 421 adolescents received education on making good life choices through ACT; and 2,739 received transportation trips.

Helping people in need has been the focus of Community Action agencies throughout the country since President Lyndon Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act in 1964.

His speech in January of that year paved the way for fighting the “war on poverty,” and led to his signing the Economic Opportunity Act, which became the initial funding source for what are now Community Action agencies.

“We are proud of the work we do to continue to fight President Johnson’s War on Poverty,” Hungerford said. “I am grateful to Orleans County legislature for their support of our agency and the important work we do to raise up the communities that we assist. Also, many thanks to the donors and volunteers who help make our positive outcomes possible.”

This year is the 60th anniversary of Community Action agencies nationwide. It is the 59th anniversary of the establishment of Community Action in Orleans County.

It was 1965 when chairman of the Orleans County Board of Supervisors, Raymond Pahura, appointed a committee to study ways in which Orleans County might benefit from the Economic Opportunity Act (War on Poverty).

Arden McAllister, a Medina history teacher who represented the Migrant Ministry, was named temporary chairperson of that committee. An action committee was also formed which included Clayton Scharping, sanitary inspector; Arthur Nenni, Welfare Commissioner; and Zelma Duckett of the Migrant Ministry. This committee was formed to study local needs for housing, migrant labor and youth training, as well as problems facing older Americans.

In June of that year, the Rev. Jack Smith of Christ Episcopal Church in Albion was appointed the first chairman of the newly formed Orleans Community Action Committee, with programs funded with 90 percent Federal funds and Orleans County contributing 10 percent. Vice chair was the Rev. Johnnie Johnson from Shiloh Baptist Church, secretary was Zelma Duckett and treasurer was Paul Bower, a bank official in Albion.

In July, 1965, Jerim Klapper was selected as the first executive director, and under the anti-poverty programs the following were begun: Head Start, Family Planning, Legal Aid, Neighborhood Youth Corps and People’s Opportunity. The agency was incorporated on Sept. 13, 1965.

Head Start and later Children’s Health Assurance Program were formed to teach children and help with good health practices. Next came the Eastern Orleans Community Center – Community Action’s satellite office in Holley, to assist with senior citizens and pre-schoolers.

This was followed by Community Action Transportation System (CATS) to transport senior citizens, and Community Action Resource and Educational Service (CARES), which was a mobile van traveling the county to inform residents of the programs available under the newly formed Orleans Community Action Committee.

Since 1965, many programs have spun off and many new programs were developed. After Klapper resigned in in 1968, Davide Bower became executive director until 1970, followed by Emma Ford until 1972, at which time Charles Pulley took over the helm until 1992.

Upon his retirement, deputy director James Scharping became executive director. He retired in Sept. 30, 2005 and Edward Fancher, who was then operations director, became executive director. Sadly, in May 2020, Fancher died after a courageous battle with cancer. Renee Hungerford joined the agency as executive director in October 2020.

“Now, more than 50 years later, we have grown to be an agency with an operating budget of more than $7 million and employ more than 130 people,” Hungerford said.

The agency serves both Orleans and Genesee counties with sites in Albion, Holley, Medina, Kendall and Batavia. The agency began providing services in Genesee County in the 19070s, and was officially designated as the Community Action agency in Genesee County in 1988. In 2008, the legal name was changed to Community Action of Orleans and Genesee to better reflect the service area.

Programs they operate are CATS, Emergency Services, food pantry, weatherization, child care resource and referral, ACT, job skills and budgeting workshops, tax assistance, a thrift store and employment skills training site, and have expanded Head Start to include Early Head Start. They collaborate with other local agencies, such as United Way, Ministry of Concern, Department of Social Services in Genesee and Orleans counties, Office for the Aging, Red Cross and many more.

“As we continue to grow, we are increasing our efforts on becoming a data driven, results oriented organization,” Hungerford said. “This enables us to measure our impact and ensure resources are directed toward the greatest needs of our communities and the mission of helping people become self-sufficient.”

One admits to trying to bring contraband into prison, while an inmate admits to throwing urine at CO

ALBION – Two people today pleaded guilty in Orleans County Court to committing crimes at Orleans Correctional Facility, a medium-security prison.

Adeosun Hughes, 24, of Rochester admitted he tried to bring a ceramic razor blade into Orleans Correctional on April 15, 2023. He was there visiting.

He pleaded guilty to attempted promoting prison contraband and faces 1 to 3 years in state prison when he is sentenced on July 3.

Hughes is currently at Wyoming Correctional Facility for a 2-year sentence for attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.

Isaiah Yarborough, 26, from New York City admitted he threw urine at a corrections officer while Yarborough was incarcerated at Orleans Correctional on May 16, 2023.

Judge Sanford Church asked Yarborough if the urine was thrown at the CO with an intention to harass, annoy or alarm.

“Yes,” Yarborough responded.

He pleaded guilty to aggravated harassment of an employee by an inmate and faces a 1 ½ to 3-year maximum sentence on July 3.

Yarborough is now at the Wallkill Correctional Facility, serving an 8-year sentence for attempted robbery in the 1st, criminal possession of a weapon in the 2nd, and attempted robbery in the second degree.

Darrin Brown, 34, formerly of Orleans County and now of Lockport, was congratulated by the judge for completing a treatment program. Because Brown was successful in the program, a felony charge of fourth-degree grand larceny has been vacated. He instead faces a misdemeanor petit larceny charge and doesn’t have to go to jail.

“I want to formally congratulate you for completing the program,” Church told Brown. “Thank you for hanging on and actually doing it.”

Press Release, NYS Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association

ALBION – Two inmates attacked staff at the Orleans Correctional Facility, injuring four officers in two separate attacks this month.

Both of the incarcerated persons are eligible for release and parole in the next year.

On Wednesday, April 10, an inmate was being disruptive and yelling in one of the facility dorms. To de-escalate the situation, two officers escorted the inmate out of the dorm and ordered him to submit to a pat frisk for contraband.

Prior to the pat frisk, the inmate turned suddenly and attempted to punch one of the officers but missed. The two officers forced the inmate to wall with a body hold and then forced him to the ground.

The inmate was combative on the ground, and OC spray was administered with no effect. The officers forced the inmate’s arms behind his back and applied handcuffs. Once in handcuffs, the inmate became compliant.

The inmate was brought to his feet and escorted to a Special Housing Unit. When officers removed his handcuffs, he struck one officer in the left eye. Staff used body holds again and forced him to the ground.

On the ground, the inmate bit one of the officers in the calf and refused to release the bite. OC spray was utilized with no effect. Staff used force to successfully get the inmate to release his bite. Handcuffs were applied and the inmate became compliant.

Three officers were injured in the attack. One officer sustained a swollen eye and small laceration to the corner of his eye. The officer who was bit, sustained broken skin to his calf and medical staff deemed his exposure to be significant. The third officer sustained a hand injury subduing the inmate. The three officers were transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for treatment.

The inmate, 45, is serving a 25 years to life sentence after being convicted in Nassau County in 2002 for Murder 2nd, Robbery 1st and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd. He is eligible for a parole hearing in August of 2025.

The second attack occurred inside of a dorm on Saturday, April 20. An inmate approached the officer’s station in the dorm and struck the officer in the jaw. The officer immediately grabbed the inmate in a body hold and forced him to the floor.

On the floor, the inmate grabbed the dorm phone from the officer’s station and struck the officer in the head with the phone. The officer administered OC spray which had no effect. Another inmate in the dorm attempted to pull the inmate off the officer.

The inmate grabbed that inmate in a choke hold and bit his ear. The officer administered a second round of OC spray which this time was effective. The inmate released the choke hold and became compliant. He was placed in handcuffs and escorted to a Special Housing Unit.

The officer sustained abrasions and swelling to his head and a laceration to inside his cheek. He was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for treatment.

The inmate who attempted to help the officer sustained a laceration to his ear that needed seven sutures to close.

The inmate, 32, is serving his third stint in state prison. Currently, he is serving a seven year sentence after being convicted in Erie County in 2019 for Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd. Previously, he served prison stints in 2009 and 2013 for weapons possession.

He is eligible for conditional release on April 29.

“The fact that the two inmates, who should be on their best behavior with their freedom in sight, completely disregard that and this is another example of the disastrous impact the HALT Act has had on our prison system,” said Kenny Gold, NYSCOPBA Western Region Vice President. “Any normal person should be doing everything they can to gain their freedom, yet these two inmates know there isn’t an internal disciplinary system left.

“In both these attacks, our only hope is that the criminal charges in both attacks will somewhat hold the inmates accountable. It is the last line of defense we have to protect staff and other inmates from being attacked,” Gold said. “We already know that the supporters of HALT could care less about our members, but you would think that they would change their mindset when other inmates that are attempting to help officers become victims as well!”

Team at county named tops in Finger Lakes Region for connecting youth and families to services

Photo by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Danielle Figura (speaking at right), director of Mental Health and Community Services for Orleans County, accepts a recognition award on Tuesday from the Orleans County Legislature after the County Mental Health Department received the “Best Overall Quality Performance” of the Finger Lake Region for Children’s Health Homes of Upstate New York.

At left are Karen Krug and Alan Girangaya, both care managers for the County Mental Health Department. Melinda Rhim (not pictured) also is coordinator of Care Management Services for the department. (In back from left are County Legislature Vice Chairman Bill Eick; Lisa Stenshorn, clerk of the legislature; Kim DeFrank, county treasurer; and Legislator Skip Draper.)

The Mental Health Department serves youth and their families in Orleans County as part of the Children’s Health Homes of Upstate New York. Health Home Care Management programs under the state Department of Mental Health. The county serves youth and their families by connecting them to additional supports and resources in the community to improve their overall physical and emotional health, Figura said.

Organization marking 50^th anniversary in New York

Photos by Tom Rivers: Motorcyclists get ready on May 7, 2023 for a 50-mile ride around Orleans County. The event started with a rally outside the Orleans County Courthouse.

ALBION – Motorcyclists want the public to know they are back on the roadways. The motorcyclists urge drivers to “look twice” and use extra caution when making a left turn or pulling out onto the roadway.

“Many collisions are caused by drivers not seeing an oncoming motorcycle, or by misjudging the speed of the motorcycle,” said Chuck Persons, president the past 17 years of the Orleans County chapter of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE).

The organization will have a motorcycle safety and awareness rally at 2 p.m. on May 5 outside the Orleans County Courthouse. The motorcyclists will then go on a 50-mile in the county that ends at the V.F.W. Post 1463 on East Center Street in Medina. Participants can begin to assemble outside the courthouse on East State Street at 1 p.m. on May 5.

Orleans County Legislator Skip Draper, right, reads a proclamation on Tuesday declaring May as “Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month in Orleans County.” He presented the proclamation to Chuck Persons (left), president of ABATE in Orleans County; and Don Sloper, the group’s vice president.

The rally and ride is held every spring to alert the public that motorcycles are back on the highway and to promote safety and rider education among motorcyclists.

“With the warm weather, motorcycles are back on the roads,” Persons said.

This year’s event holds special significance as it marks the 50th anniversary of ABATE of New York. Founded in 1974, the organization actively promotes educating riders and motorists to safely share the road and to drive aware, Persons said.

ABATE is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving the rights, safety, and freedoms of all motorcyclists. ABATE’s position is to support all efforts and initiatives that will lead to accident prevention and rider safety.

The local chapter meets on the second Sunday of every month at noon at the V.F.W. in Medina.

Photos courtesy of Kelly Kiebala: Pictured from left include Albion Rotary Club secretary and sponsor Bonnie Malakie, new Club Member Taryn Moyle, Rotary District 7090 Governor Scott Marcin, Albion Club President & sponsor Doug Farley, and new club member Bill Lattin.

ALBION – The Albion Rotary Club welcomed two new members to the service organization last week, when the club was also addressed by District Governor Scott Marcin, a member of the Amherst South Rotary Club.

The new Albion members include Taryn Moyle and Bill Lattin. Moyle works as manager of the Child Care Resource & Referral program for Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Inc.

Lattin is retired as county historian and director of the Cobblestone Museum. He remains active at the museum and the Orleans County Historical Association.

The two were indicted at the Rotary meeting last Thursday at The Tavern on the Ridge, the former Village Inn on Ridge Road.

At left, Rotary Club of Albion President Doug Farley and at right, Rotary District 7090 Governor Scott Marcin.

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Peach blossoms pop out in the fruit orchards at Watt Farms on Route 98 in Gaines.

Watt’s has a mix of many apple trees with their white flowers and peach trees with their pink blossoms.

This is one of the most striking times to take a drive around Orleans County, with the orchards in bloom.

I like the looks of the orchard at Watt’s, where there are still many of the older-style fruit trees with the limbs in wild angles. It is quite a sight when the trees are blooming.

Many of the local orchards are now high-density plantings with the trees in perfect alignment and the branches trimmed nice and short. The fruit growers can pack in the trees and maximum the output with the high-density plantings. It’s easier too on the farmworkers who didn’t need to get as high on ladders.

Orleans County should promote the blossom season. This is one of the best times of the year.

These geese hang out and enjoy the spring day at Watt’s on Sunday evening.

It’s going to chilly on Wednesday and Thursday nights. It could drop to 27 on Wednesday night and 32 on Thursday. The colder temperatures could hurt the blossoms, diminishing the fruit crop. Chris Watt, the orchard owner, admitted he is a bit anxious about the chill.

He would like it to be warmer at night and to see the bees buzzing in the orchard, pollinating the flowers.

YMCA on Saturday hosted benefit for Ahmed Cherif

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Neven, an 8-year-old volunteer with Voice Gavel Club, left, walks 9-year-old Ahmed Cherif down the runway during a fashion show Saturday at the YMCA. The fashion show was one of many events which took place at the Y to benefit Ahmed’s medical treatments. (Right) Mariem Cherif, left, chats with French interpreter Marie Scott of Lyndonville during a benefit Saturday at the YMCA in Medina to benefit Cherif’s son Ahmed. Looking on is Scot’s daughter Anma, 3. Mariem and Ahmed came to Medina a year ago from Tunisia seeking medical help for Ahmed, who faces multiple health problems.

MEDINA – A crowd of people filled areas of the YMCA Saturday during a fundraiser to benefit 9-year-old Ahmed Cherif, who came from Tunisia a year ago with his mother Mariem seeking medical help.

Organized by volunteers from World Life Institute in Waterport and the Voice Gavel Club (junior Toastmasters), the afternoon featured numerous events for children and adults, including a bounce house, henna painting, bookmark making station, paint pouring workshop, bake sale, concession stands, arts and crafts table, face painting, basketball game and walk with Ahmed during a youth fashion show.

Highlight of the afternoon was auctioning off a painting by a young artist named Aricia, a grade 10 student at St. Robert Catholic High School. The painting was donated by the Voice Gavel Club of Toronto and sold for $300.

Ahmed’s mother mingled with the crowd and shared her joy for the support they have received. She told about selling her car, quitting her job as an accountant and leaving everything behind to bring Ahmed here.

“She was very brave, going to the unknown,” said Marie Scott of Lyndonville, an interpreter who speaks French with Mariem.

“It’s so hard leaving Ahmed’s dad back in Tunisia,” Mariem said. “But I am so happy with Ahmed’s progress. Since I met Project Life things started moving ahead.”

Mariem is also attending English as a Second Language classes twice a week at World Life Institute Education Center in Waterport, under sponsorship of Orleans-Niagara BOCES.

While Ahmed still isn’t able to speak, there was no mistaking his joy on Saturday as he danced around with the other boys and girls.

Noori Bibi, vice president of the YMCA board, said the event was a huge success in her eyes.

“It was wonderful to watch people enjoy the many activities and the atmosphere,” she said. “There were people from not only our community, but neighboring places like Buffalo and Rochester, as well as Canada, who came to show their support. I am so proud of all the young people and what they accomplished on the day. I am also very grateful to all the volunteers and the Medina local businesses and the YMCA for their generous support. I know Ahmed and Mariem felt the love and support from the wider community.

“And although Ahmed doesn’t have the voice or words to express himself, he certainly showed his joy by dancing throughout the event,” Bibi said. “This was a great start to our fundraising efforts for Ahmed. Thank you to everyone who supported this and participated, and please keep on supporting Ahmed by donating on our website.”

Click here to donate through World Life Institute.

YMCA hosted a benefit Saturday in support of Ahmed Cherif, a 9-year-old from Tunisia who came to Medina with his mother for treatment of multiple medical conditions.

MEDINA – The village will soon have a committee working on the planning and fundraising for a new all-inclusive playground at State Street Park.

The playground would serve children with and without disabilities. Mike Sidari, the village mayor for eight years, will be on the committee for the project. His term ended on march 31 and didn’t seek re-election.

He told the Village Board on Monday the committee would likely include representatives from the Medina Parks Committee or perhaps a new “Friends of State Street Park.”

There have been two proposals so far submitted for the playground, with another one expected.

Sidari said the committee will meet with the companies making proposals and try to determine the best fit for the village. Sidari said the proposals so far range from $360,000 to $500,000.

One proposal from GameTime included PowerScape playgrounds with large decks and uprights to provide strength and capacity. Other features include sensory wave seats, RoxAll See Saw, inclusive whirl, Bunny Spring Rider, four-bay swing frame, including two with a belt, two with enclosed tot, two with Zero G, one expression swing and one expression swing with a universal seat.

There would also be a freestanding sensory wave arch climber with sensors, four benches, geotextile rolls and wood fibers.

The Rochester Community Foundation told Sidari charitable foundations would likely contribute to the project. Sidari also said the Medina Rotary Club has agreed to be a pass-through for any donations locally towards the project. The Rotary Club would accept the funds and then direct them to the new playground, Sidari said.

Mayor Marguerite Sherman believes the playground will be a big draw in the community, drawing visitors too who don’t have an accessible playground in their town.

“I think it will bring in a lot of people, and will get a lot of use,” Sherman said. “People are looking for accessible areas. If you build it they will come and they will bring their families.”

Sherman attended a recent conference by the NYS Canal Corp. where state officials encouraged canal communities to make their recreational opportunities more accessible for people in wheelchairs and with other disabilities.

Sidari said there are many disabled veterans who would welcome an accessible playground so they could be with their children.

In other action at Monday’s Village Board meeting:

•  The board set 6 p.m. Thursday at the Senior Center for a final vote on the village’s budget for 2024-25. There will be a workshop on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. to further scrutinize the budget.

“We are putting a lot of time and thought into it,” Sherman said.

• The board voted to seek a $50,000 state engineering planning grant for the development of an engineering report to identify sources of inflow and infiltration. The village’s share is $10,000.

• Appointed Bill Chmylak as a Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator.

• Approved a permit for Leonard Oakes Estate Winery to sell alcohol at up to seven blues concerts this summer at State Street Park.

“I was skeptical about alcohol in the parks, but it is very well laid out,” Sherman said about the layout at the concerts, which drew up to 800 people. “It’s just wonderful for our community.”

May 11 event will include popcorn and music from movies

Provided photos: The Middleport Community Choir, under the leadership of Ric Jones of Medina, is shown in concert last year with the Festival Chorus from Buffalo. Their upcoming spring concert May 11 will be a movie-themed afternoon at the Middleport Firehall.

MIDDLEPORT – Music will fill the air, along with popcorn and movies, when the Middleport Community Choir presents its spring concert at 4 p.m. May 11 at Middleport Firehall.

“This is definitely a different take on our concerts,” said director Ric Jones of Medina. “I think it is refreshing for both the choir and the audience to offer something different.”

Herb Koenig, one of the founding members of the Middleport Community Choir, practices a solo for a previous concert. Koenig, who died this month after a battle with cancer, will be honored during their May 11 concert.

The program was made possible by a grant from the Statewide Community Regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts.

The concert, performed by the Middleport Community Choir and Middleport Bell Tones under director and choir accompanist Debby Clark, will be a mixed choral and small group compilation of classic movie theme songs.

Title of the concert is “Meet me at the Movies,” and all music will be taken from the movies. The selections are far-reaching, Jones said, from older movies to more recent ones. Featured will be soloists, small groups, the Middleport Belltones and the full Middleport Community Choir.

To set the atmosphere of the movies, they will be selling popcorn and drinks. Occasional movie clips will be played between choir selections.

A highlight of the concert will be a tribute to the late Herb Koenig.

“Herb was an original member and the major reason the choir exists in the first place,” Jones said. “This choir is his legacy. We sure miss him.”

Koenig sang tenor, and in the multiple special concerts performed over the years, he almost always sang a solo. His last solo was “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from “Carousel,” Jones said.

Admission to the concert is free, but a freewill offering will be received.

Jones said they like performing at the firehall because it offers a more relaxed, intimate environment and allows them to show movie clips and offer popcorn and drinks.

Local governments pushed for more AIM allotments, which hadn’t increased in 15 years

The new state budget gives towns, villages and cities more unrestricted aid, but it’s not much.

The state hadn’t increased the Aid and Incentives to Municipalities for about 15 years. The new budget keeps AIM at $715 million, but makes a 7 percent increase or another $50 million in “New Temporary Municipal Assistance.”

Many of the local governments around the state, including in Orleans County, passed formal resolutions in February and March asking for a boost in AIM.

The governments around the state were seeking significantly more – about $1.1 billion in total to keep up with the cost of inflation after more than a decade of no increases.

Little of the AIM funding comes to Orleans County because there isn’t a city in the county. About 90 percent of the total in AIM goes to cities. Of the $715 million total, cities get $647,093,629 or 90.5 percent, towns are allocated $47.9 million or 6.7 percent and villages get $19.7 million or 2.8 percent.

Here are the amounts approved for the local governments in Orleans County, with the AIM funding plus the new amounts in “Temporary Municipal Assistance.”

Towns

• Albion, $46,944 plus $3,284
• Barre, $12,486 plus $873
• Carlton, $13,680 plus $957
• Clarendon, $11,416 plus $799
• Gaines, $21,323 plus $1,492
• Kendall, $21,299 plus $1,490
• Murray, $44,677 plus $3,125
• Ridgeway, $46,273 plus $3,237
• Shelby, $45,007 plus $3,149
• Yates, $10,421 plus $729

Villages

• Albion 38,811 plus $2,715
• Holley 17,786 plus $1,244
• Lyndonville 6,251 plus $437
• Medina 45,523 plus $3,185

Barbara Van Epps, executive director of the New York State Conference of Mayors, said the organization appreciates a funding boost, and she thanked the many local governments for passing resolutions, meeting with state legislators and pushing for more money to help offset some of the inflationary increases faced by municipalities.

“NYCOM is happy to report that after 15 years, the Adopted State Budget includes an additional $50 million in unrestricted state aid for cities, villages and towns,” she said in a statement. “While this may not translate into significant dollars for all of our members, we do see this as a positive step forward and hopefully the beginning of a stronger and more meaningful state-local partnership.”

It’s official: Pride Pak Way, Commerce Way and Enterprise Way

Photo by Tom Rivers: Pride Pak Road will become “Pride Pak Way,” the Medina Village Board voted on Monday. The short road, about 300 feet long, is west of the Pride Pak vegetable processing facility on Maple Ridge Road. It’s one of three streets leading into the Medina Business Park that were officially named on Monday by the board.

MEDINA – The Village Board gave three short streets leading into the Medina Business Park official names at the Monday night board meeting.

The board had been discussing how to name the streets in recent months. After hearing suggestions for prominent community leaders and business tycoons from the past and present, the board decided for more generic names – Commerce and Enterprise. The other street will be Pride Pak Way.

Pride Pak Way is just west of the Pride Pak vegetable processing facility that opened in 2016. There already is a sign declaring the small street “Pride Pak Road.” That street could eventually extend farther back into the business park.

The board never officially named the street. The name will be “Pride Pak Way” to be consistent with the first street named in the park: “Marcia Tuohey Way” which is off Bates Road.

The three new streets are all perpendicular to Maple Ridge Road. Pride Pak Way is currently about 300 feet long. The village and Orleans Economic Development Agency previously said the street would be named Pride Pak as part of the agreement with the Canada-based company to come to Medina. Pride Pak lists the address of its Medina business as 11531 Maple Ridge Rd.

Enterprise Way is about 400 feet long, and is between Pride Pak and the hotel.

Commerce Way is about 400 feet long and between Takeform and BMP.

The board preferred more generic names, which wouldn’t have to be changed in the future if there are changes of ownership and the names of the existing businesses by the new streets.

The naming of the paved streets will add them to the village’s official street inventory, and could result in a slight increase in state CHIPS aid for road maintenance.

Governor notes no hike in state income taxes and a new housing deal

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday announced the historic investments included in the FY 2025 Enacted Budget which was passed by the Legislature this weekend.

Kathy Hochul

The $237 billion budget makes record investments in the people of New York without raising income taxes. It includes hundreds of new initiatives that will help fight crime, fix our mental health system, and build more housing so people can afford to live and thrive in New York.

“We are delivering a common-sense agenda that makes New York safer and more affordable,” Governor Hochul said. “I promised to fight for New Yorkers and tackle the thorny issues, and that’s exactly what we’ve done.”

A Balanced Budget

Governor Hochul’s FY 2025 Budget makes record investments in the people of New York while maintaining fiscal responsibility. All funds spending is $237 billion growing at one percent year-to-year. The FY 2025 budget does not raise income or statewide business taxes and maintains state reserves at the gold standard of 15 percent for a “rainy day.”

Landmark Housing Deal

Governor Kathy Hochul brokered a historic agreement in the FY 2025 Enacted Budget to address New York’s housing crisis by increasing the housing supply, promoting affordability, strengthening protections for New York renters and homeowners, and combatting bias and discrimination in housing.

Governor Hochul’s housing agenda includes:

• A landmark plan to build more housing in New York City, including establishing the new 485-x tax incentive to construct affordable housing, extending the 421-a tax incentive for six years for projects already in the pipeline, changing the outdated 12 FAR density cap, creating incentives to convert unused office space into affordable housing.
• New initiatives to spur housing creation statewide, including a new 421-p tax incentive to construct housing outside NYC, mandating that $650 million in discretionary funding goes to Pro-Housing Communities, allocating $500 million to build up to 15,000 new homes on state land, and incentives for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
• Historic protections for tenants and homeowners, anti-price gouging measures for renters, stronger protections from evictions, and new enforcement and preventative measures to protect homeowners from deed theft, and reinforces the law that squatters are not tenants.
• More than $600 million in capital funding to support housing statewide.

Creating a Safer New York

The Budget makes major investments and reforms to improve public safety, crack down on organized retail theft, combat the rising tide of hate crimes, prevent gun violence and domestic violence, and reduce recidivism and improve reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals across New York State.

The FY 2025 Budget includes:

• $347 million to continue New York’s efforts to reduce and prevent gun violence.
• $40.2 million to crack down on retail theft by expanding enforcement and increasing penalties for offenders who assault retail workers and a $3,000 tax credit for business owners to invest in security resources.
• $35.8 million to prevent and prosecute crimes of domestic violence.
• $35 million to fight the rising tide of hate by expanding the number of offenses that can be prosecuted as hate crimes and investing in the Securing Communities Against Hate Grant that protects houses of worship, religious schools and other at-risk sites.
• $7.1 million to reduce recidivism and improve reentry into the workforce by providing more intensive supervision of individuals on parole, expanding transitional housing opportunities, expanding college programming to all state prisons, and providing transportation for visitors to and from State Correctional Facilities.

Improving Healthcare for All New Yorkers

Governor Hochul’s FY 2025 Budget provides record funding to keep New Yorkers healthy, while also setting the Medicaid program on sustainable long-term fiscal footing. A historic $37 billion Medicaid investment maintains the State’s commitment to supporting the health care safety net and transforming the health care delivery system, while simultaneously making bold investments to expand access to services and support the workforce. The Budget includes support for the State’s recently approved Medicaid 1115 Waiver amendment, investing $7.5 billion in federal and state funding to promote health equity across the State.

The FY25 Budget also advances the Governor’s priority of improving maternal and infant health care outcomes. New York will become the first state in the nation to expand access to prenatal care for pregnant women by granting up to 20 hours of leave for eligible employees to attend appointments, without impacting the existing twelve weeks of paid family leave.

The FY25 budget also includes bold new legislation to protect low-income New Yorkers from medical debt lawsuits by banning hospitals from suing patients earning less than 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, or $120,000 for a family of four. The legislation would also expand hospital financial assistance programs for low-income New Yorkers, limit the size of monthly payments and interest charged for medical debt and implement other protections to improve access to financial assistance and mitigate the deleterious effects of medical debt on New Yorkers.

The FY25 Budget advances critical health care priorities including:

• $3.2 billion to support distressed hospitals throughout New York State, inclusive of $550 million annually to support the transformation of New York’s safety net hospitals through a Medicaid Global Budget initiative supported by the 1115 Waiver.
• $825 million in temporary reimbursement increases for hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living programs, in addition to substantial rate increases over the previous two budgets.
• $315 million to provide health insurance subsidies for low to middle income individuals enrolled in Qualified Health Plans.
• $300 million and regulatory flexibilities to support a new Healthcare Safety Net Transformation Program.
• $200 million in Medicaid savings through improved oversight and efficiency in the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP).
• $148 million to increase rates for primary care delivered through New York’s innovative Patient-Centered Medical Homes model.
• $116 million in additional funding for various Aging and Public Health programs, including • $27 million for DOH nutrition programs and $10 million dedicated to SOFA to finance additional unmet need services.
• $19.5 million in funding to support a 5 percent rate increase for in person services under the Early Intervention Program, as well as a 4 percent rate modifier for rural areas and underserved communities.

Tackling the Mental Health Crisis

For too long, New York’s mental health care system has suffered from gaps in care. Likewise, the COVID-19 pandemic left a lasting impact on many New Yorkers, exacerbating mental health challenges and highlighting the need for appropriate levels of care statewide.

To address the unmet mental health needs of many New Yorkers and building on Governor Hochul’s $1 billion multi-year mental health plan, the FY 2025 Budget investments include:

• $84 million to increase reimbursement for services provided at certain sites treating mental health conditions.
• $55 million to establish 200 new inpatient psychiatric beds statewide, including three additional 25-bed Transition to Home Units (THUs).
• $90 million in opioid settlement funding to continue to lead the country in the disbursement of money received from settlement agreements with opioid manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies.
• $33 million to improve engagement with individuals living with mental illness and involved in the criminal justice system.
• $20 million for school-based mental health clinic satellites, making it easier for students and their families to access clinical services.
• $19 million to provide critical care to young people outside of school environments, including increasing resources for youth receiving treatment in the community and in residential settings.
• $2 million to increase mental health supports for first responders including suicide prevention efforts.

Supporting Students and Schools

All New York students deserve a high-quality education, from prekindergarten through college. Governor Hochul and the Legislature prioritized school funding in the FY 2025 Budget while still putting New York State on the path toward a more equitable school funding formula. Governor Hochul also signed ‘Back to Basics’ legislation to ensure New York schools use evidence-based reading instruction. Additionally, Governor Hochul secured provisions in the FY 2025 Budget to make college more affordable for New York students and expand pathways to higher education.

Governor Hochul’s education priorities secured in the FY25 Budget also include:

• $36 billion in total school aid, including $24.9 billion in Foundation Aid
• $1.29 billion for SUNY and CUNY capital projects.
• $409 million for SUNY and CUNY operations.
• Raising the minimum award for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) from $500 to $1,000 and increasing the student income limits for TAP eligibility.

Historic Investments to Drive Innovation in New York State

Governor Hochul has also secured funding to build a 21st century economy in New York State and drive innovation in key, fast-growing sectors. The budget makes investments to strengthen New York’s business sector, prepare workers for the jobs and careers of tomorrow, and create vibrant communities full of economic vitality, including:

• $500 million in capital funding for NYCREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex to jumpstart a • $10 billion partnership to bring next-generation chips research to New York.
• $275 million investment over 10 years to support Empire AI, a one-of-a-kind consortium to secure New York’s place at the forefront of artificial intelligence research.
• $200 million for four ON-RAMP workforce developments centers in Upstate New York to train workers for jobs of the future in advanced manufacturing and other growing industries.
• $100 million to fund an additional round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
• $100 million to fund an additional round of NY Forward.
• $100 million to fund an additional round of FAST NY.
• $50 million to fund an additional round of Restore NY.
• $80 million in capital funding for the New York State Council on the Arts to support New York’s arts and cultural sector.
• $30 million in tax relief to support newspaper and broadcast journalism jobs.

Modernizing Infrastructure and Investing in Transit Throughout New York

Governor Hochul has made critical investments in infrastructure and transit across the state, including establishing the record $33 billion five-year Department of Transportation Capital Plan and rescuing the MTA from the fiscal cliff. From reconnecting communities divided by highways to expanding subway service and filling potholes statewide, these investments have made New York more connected, accessible and safer for all.

Building on this record of success, the FY 2025 Budget includes:

• More than $8.7 billion in mass transit operating support statewide, including $884 million in operating support for non-MTA transit systems.
• Nearly $7.7 billion for the third year of the record $33 billion, five-year DOT Capital Plan to improve highways, bridges, rail, aviation infrastructure, non-MTA transit, and DOT facilities including $1.3 billion for local roads and bridges.
• This includes $598 million for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), $140 million for state touring routes, and $100 million for Governor Hochul’s Pave our Potholes Program.

Fight Climate Change and Promote Resiliency

The Enacted Budget includes actions to accelerate New York’s transition to clean energy, plant 25 million trees and safeguard clean water. The Renewable Action through Project Interconnection and Deployment (RAPID) Act will create a one-stop-shop for the environmental review and permitting of electric transmission and improve the interconnection process.

Environmental initiatives in the FY 2025 Budget include:

• $500 million for clean water and $400 million for the Environmental Protection Fund.
• $200 million for the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and an additional $100 million in funding for the celebration of the New York State Parks’ Centennial.
• $150 million invested in NY SWIMS to address the disinvestment in swimming facilities and lifeguards in underserved communities.
• $40 million to create the Resilient & Ready Program and $15 million to equip localities with tools to fend off floods and keep the lights on during storms.
• $15 million to plant over 25 million trees across New York by 2033.

Helping Members of Every Community Grow and Thrive

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a series of actions to help New Yorkers from every community grow and thrive as part of the FY 2025 Budget. These actions include securing funding to expand abortion access, recognize the needs of military veterans, support First Nations, and invest in TGNCNB New Yorkers.

Actions include:

• Investing $36 million to support abortion providers and support abortion care in New York.
• Expanding access to doulas.
• Strengthening mental health care and support services for veterans.
• Expanding dental care access for First Nations.
• Increasing state investment in Lorena Borjas fund, which provides resources and opportunity to TGNCNB New Yorkers

Bolstering New York’s Agriculture Industry

Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, investments in New York State’s agriculture priorities and farmers have gone up by 60 percent since 2022. The FY 2025 Budget builds on the Governor’s progress by:

• Investing $55 million to advance New York State as leader in the dairy industry.
• Providing $50 million for Nourish NY to help families access fresh food and support local farmers.
• Supporting restaurants and bars by extending the sale of to-go alcoholic beverages for an additional five years.
• Investing over $60 million in local assistance to support farmers and producers.
• Providing $19.5 million to expand the New York State Animal Heath Diagnostic Center at Cornell University.
• Allocating over $15 million to grow New York State’s bioeconomy and support additional agricultural initiatives.