By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 28 June 2025 at 5:14 pm
Michelle Smith joins healthcare center within Medina Memorial
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach at Orleans Community Health, chats with Michelle Smith, a family nurse practitioner, and the newest addition to the Medina Healthcare Center.
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced a third professional has joined the recently opened Medina Healthcare Center, located on the first floor of Medina Memorial Hospital
Effective Monday, family nurse practitioner Michelle Smith of Lockport will start seeing patients. She joins certified pediatric nurse practitioner Leah Brenner and board-certified nurse practitioner Pamela Eaton. All are accepting new patients.
Taking Eaton’s place at the Albion Healthcare Center several days a week is Dr. Vinay Aggarwal, who will divide his time between Brockport and Albion.
Photo courtesy of Scott Robinson: Michelle Smith, a family nurse practitioner, stands in the hallway of the Medina Healthcare Center at Medina Memorial Hospital, where she will begin seeing patients on Monday.
Smith brings a background of widespread education and more than 20 years’ experience in emergency and critical care.
Growing up, Smith and her family moved continuously with her father, who was in the military. She graduated from high school in Cheektowaga, where one of her assignments for graduation was to do an internship in any facility.
“I was very shy, but I needed to get my hours in, so they took me to a nursing home across the street,” Smith said. “I helped feed the people, and I thought, ‘I can do this.’ I knew then I wanted a career in which I could help people. I just didn’t know then how I was going to do it.”
She attended Erie I BOCES and graduated as a licensed practical nurse in 1988. Her first job was at ECMC in the trauma step-down unit.
She married and had two children when she decided to continue her education as a registered nurse, and she enrolled at D’Youville College. During that time, she had two more children. In 2000, she went to work at Children’s Hospital, where her specialty was the Emergency Room, Pre-natal Intensive Care Unit and Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit.
In 2010 she returned to Buffalo to be where her parents were and again went to work at Children’s Hospital. In 2016, she completed her master’s degree in nursing education. Next came a job at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, N.C., working in the Women’s Care Unit for 10 years.
Feeling the need to come back to Buffalo to be where her parents were, Smith again went to work at Children’s Hospital. In 2018, she went back to D’Youville to get her family nurse practitioner degree. Next followed a job at the Community Health Care Center of Buffalo, where she did chronic disease management and refugee re-settlement program.
From there, in 2023, Smith went to Urgent Care at a Fellowship Program at WellNow. Graduating from that, she went to Rochester as a visiting nurse for several years.
Searching for a job as a nurse practitioner at a smaller and more personal environment led to her applying at Orleans Community Health.
“Being a nurse practitioner was a way for me to care for the entire family as a whole, not just a toe or one part that needed attention,” Smith said. “I went to an employment agency that deals with the medical field late last winter, and they initiated contact here.”
Smith’s hours will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Appointments may be made by calling (585) 798-2550.
Smith and her husband Josh each had four children when they met and now have 2-year-old twins together.
Along the way, she discovered a saying by Maya Angelou which sums up Smith’s reason for choosing to become a family nurse practitioner.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Photos courtesy of Oak Orchard Health: The Oak Orchard Health team congratulates with Dr. Mary Obear on her career in local health care.
Press Release, Oak Orchard Health
CORFU – Patients, community members and legislators came out to honor Dr. Mary Obear on June 14 at her retirement celebration.
After 27 years of bringing medical care to Genesee County, she has retired. She was greeted by many people at the Pembroke Community Center who came to wish her well and share a few words about her numerous contributions.
Dr. Obear has been a family physician in private practice since 2002 at Pembroke Family Medicine, which grew to three locations (Batavia, Alexander, and Corfu). On July 1, 2020, she combined her multi-location practice with Oak Orchard Health (OOH) due to their shared mission to provide high-quality primary care to everyone. At that time, OOH dedicated the health center to Dr. Obear.
One of Dr. Obear’s proudest accomplishments is mentoring young medical professionals throughout the years. Dr. Matthew Fernaays met Dr. Obear when he was a third-year medical student. He was inspired by her compassion for care of her patients in Genesee County.
Gregg Torrey, representing State Senator George Borello, presents a proclamation to Dr. Obear.
Dr. Fernaays is proud to call Dr. Obear a mentor and friend. He continues to mentor medical professionals throughout Oak Orchard Health. Dr. Obear highly recommends that all her patients see Shannon Bartlett, ANP, and Kevin Beuler, PA, at Oak Orchard Health’s Corfu office. She is confident that they will continue on in her legacy.
“Dr. Obear is an inspiration to all. Her path to medicine was anything but ordinary,” said Karen Kinter, CEO of Oak Orchard Health. “She moved to Western NY from Los Angeles. And we’re so glad she did. That academic curiosity never faded—Dr. Obear earned two master’s degrees before ultimately entering medical school in her 40s, proving that it’s never too late to follow a calling. She joined Oak Orchard Health in the middle of the pandemic and helped us and the community during that very trying time. Dr. Obear will be missed. Her impact on patients is immeasurable. Each one is more than a chart or a diagnosis. She has always poured her heart, dedication, and unwavering belief in the power of connection to help people.”
Dr. Obear has also been a key supporter of hospice and palliative care. She earned a Certificate of Added Qualifications in this field and has spent years helping patients and families through some of life’s most difficult transitions.
Sara Brunner, director Gateway Home, and Doug Domes, Board President for Gateway Home, present a plaque and appreciation to Dr. Obear.
Her work continues today through her involvement with local comfort homes, such as Crossroads House and Gateway Home, as well as her role with Genesee and Orleans County’s Board of Health. Sara Brunner, director, and Doug Domes, Board President of Gateway Home, came to the retirement party to talk about the impact Dr. Obear has had on their organization.
Also in attendance was representative for NYS Senator George Borello, who presented her with a special proclamation. Shelley Stein, Genesee County Legislature Chair, talked about the contributions Dr. Obear has made to the county.
It’s clear that Mary Obear, MD, PhD, is leaving behind a profound legacy of healing, leadership, and community commitment.
“It is with mixed feelings that I retire, but it’s time to travel and see my family,” she said. “As I begin the next chapter of my life, I reflect on my years of caring for patients in Genesee County over the past two and a half decades. It has been very important to me.”
Oak Orchard Health
Founded in 1973, Oak Orchard has grown into an integrated health center with multiple locations providing health care services for everyone in our communities. Currently serving over 34,000 patients at nine locations in the towns of Albion, Alexander, Batavia, Brockport, Corfu, Hornell, Medina, and Warsaw. We also have two mobile units for medical and dental services. Oak Orchard Health is a recognized NCQA patient-centered medical home, 501(c)3 nonprofit, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), and has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval®. For more information, visit our website at www.OakOrchardHealth.org.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 16 June 2025 at 6:51 pm
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Kelly Swanson, a surgical technician at Medina Memorial Hospital, talks with Medicare specialist Liz Schyve, who had an informational table at For Women Only.
(Left) Kim Gray, chief nursing officer at Orleans Community Health, welcomes guests to the annual For Women Only Thursday at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville. (Right) Lori Condo, assistant comptroller at Orleans Community Health, introduced a video paying tribute to those whose lives have been touched by cancer – survivors, those currently fighting and those who have been lost.
LYNDONVILLE – Orleans Community Health’s 27th annual For Women Only Thursday night at White Birch Golf Course was all about the journey – from early detection to advocacy, to the ongoing fight that so many must take on, according to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach.
The event was a full team effort, Robinson said, from early on in planning when the idea was brought up to have panels and allow for individual speakers to tell their stories.
“Anne, Betty Sue, Megan and Kate shared their stories and has us all glued to each word,” Robinson said. “The expert panel was another great addition that brought even more backgrounds to the discussion. Cancer affects so many – this evening was an opportunity to come together and lift one another up.”
The evening began with a welcome from Kimberly Gray, chief nursing officer at Orleans Community Health, who thanked major sponsor Baxter Healthcare and extended appreciation to vendors, table sponsors, volunteers and speakers.
A highlight of the program, titled “The Journey,” was the stories told by four speakers – Anne Downey, Betty Sue Miller, Megan Pillar and Kate Backlas.
Downey’s story focused on early detection and her journey, which began with early detection of colon cancer in the summer of 2022.
“My faith was tested, but strengthened after early detection and removal of cancerous polyps,” Downey shared.
Guest speakers, who shared their stories of cancer survival, are introduced by Kim Gray, right, at For Women Only. From left are Kate Backlas, Megan Pillar, Betty Sue Miller and Anne Downey.
Miller encouraged all women to be an advocate for themselves, and shared her story of breast cancer and undergoing a lumpectomy, radiation and then chemotherapy.
“No one is going to cope the same, but you have to advocate for yourself,” Miller said.
Pillar, the former Megan McGrane of Medina, was only 31 and not married yet when she learned in 2015 she had a blood cancer she had never heard of.
Her journey of cancer was one of unexpected turns, resilience and, most importantly, learning how to speak up for herself. Pillar had moved to Florida after high school, but 10 years later when her mother was battling her third round of breast cancer, Pillar returned to her home in Ithaca to be nearer her. Her mother died that winter, and Pillar couldn’t help but wonder if she would breast cancer, too.
Two years later, in 2015, Pillar and her future husband were planning a life together, when a routine blood test showed something wasn’t right with her blood cells. A subsequent bone marrow biopsy determined she had Multiple Myeloma, the disease which took Colin Powell, Tom Brokaw and Roy Scheider from Jaws.
“I was initially told I needed to start chemo right away, followed by a stem cell transplant,” Pillar said.
Because she would be in the hospital for months, she chose to go to Roswell Park, knowing it had helped others in Medina. There, she learned she might have five to 10 years to live. She underwent subsequent testing and was told she shouldn’t have children. A few weeks later she got better news – that the cancer wasn’t in its later stages yet, so she could “watch and wait.”
During this time she found a cost-free women’s cancer retreat called “Mary’s Place by the Sea” in Asbury Park, N.J. There she met a volunteer who told her she needed to see a Myeloma specialist at Mount Sinai in New York City, who was accepting new patients.
There, they found something completely missed by two other hospitals – T-Cell Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia, a second rare blood cancer she had never heard of.
Through it all, Pillar said John, now her husband, was her rock. Today, at 41, they have two boys, 4 and 6.
In October she started a clinical trial at Mount Sinai – one of only 21 people in the country receiving a drug created to directly target the mutated T-cells.
“It’s far from easy juggling traveling five hours each way, work, young kids, weekly local labs and treatment every four weeks in the city – but it’s worth it,” Pillar said.
She is encouraged, as early data looked promising, she said.
Melanie McAdoo of Medina, left, had a booth at For Women Only, selling a variety of items, including Koozies, T-shirts, Buffalo Bills glasses, soy wax melts, earrings and key chains. Carrie Bias of Ridgeway, attending her first For Women Only, looks at the selection of earrings.
Backlas, the next speaker to share her story, said while everyone’s journey is different, the word “cancer” is always gut-wrenching.
She was 32 and planning to have another child when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2016. In the fall she underwent a double mastectomy with reconstruction.
“This was a small price to pay for the opportunity to be with my husband and watch our daughter grow up,” Backlas said. “I cut my waist-length hair, and felt a sense of control.”
She suffered weight loss, fatigue and nausea, but she stayed positive. Doctors told her she couldn’t get pregnant after chemotherapy, but in September 2019 she was amazed when a pregnancy test came back positive. She gave birth to a daughter in May 2020.
During this time her mother was fighting her seventh bout of cancer, but in spite of it, always stayed positive, Backlas said. Her mother lost her battle in February 2022.
Backlas faced anger and depression, but knew she needed to do something to help others like herself and her mother.
She has an organization called the Nancy Beicke Project, in which she delivers packages to Roswell Park and their satellite on Park Club Lane in Amherst, as well as to Great Lakes Cancer Care and Oishei Children’s Hospital oncology unit. People can message her with specific requests for packages for loved ones or themselves. She sometimes does individual fundraisers as well. At Christmas, she collects pajamas for Oishei Children’s Hospital Oncology unit. Last year they collected 354 pairs of pajamas.
Lori Condo, assistant comptroller at Orleans Community Health, thanked the ladies for sharing their stories.
“Your courage, honesty and strength inspire us all,” Condo said. “We are truly grateful for your willingness to be vulnerable and share your experiences – reminding us that while every journey is unique, we are all connected by the compassion and support of this community.”
At thas time, Condo introduced a video honoring all who have been touched by cancer – survivors, those currently fighting and those we have lost.
“This video tribute is a celebration of their strength and a reminder of why we gather here tonight – to ensure no one faces cancer alone,” Condo said.
Megan Johnson, right, director of Orleans Community Health Foundation, introduces the Resource Panel at For Women Only. From left are Danielle Figura, licensed clinical social worker and director of Community Services with Orleans County Department of Mental Health; the Rev. Randy LeBaron, pastor of New Hope Community Church in Medina and spiritual care counselor with Hospice of Orleans; Elizabeth Schyve, benefits consultant with Walsh Duffield; Darlene Muehlbauer from the Cancer Services Program with GOWN; Pamela Eaton, nurse practitioner with Orleans Community Health; and Heather Miles, radiology technician at Medina Memorial Hospital.
The evening’s program continued with Megan Johnson, director of Orleans Community Health Foundation, who introduced the Resource Panel, a first-time addition to the event. This included the Rev. Randy LeBaron, pastor of New Hope Community Church in Medina, president and evangelist at Go Scatter Ministries and spiritual care counselor at Hospice of Orleans; Elizabeth Schyve, Medicare benefits consultant with Walsh Duffield; Darlene Muehlbauer, Cancer Services Program with GOWN, providing financial help and resources for those in need; Pamela Eaton, certified nurse practitioner with OCH’s Medina Healthcare Center, certified advanced aesthetic nurse practitioner and certified wellness and medical eight loss practitioner; Heather Miles, radiology technician at Medina Memorial Hospital; and Danielle Figura, licensed clinical social worker and director of Community Services with Orleans County Mental Health.
After answering questions from Johnson, the panel took questions from the audience. Topics addressed included the five stages of grieving from the Rev. LeBaron and his duties at Hospice and how children process grief; Schyve’s sharing of the need for an adequate insurance plan and what Medicare covers; Muehlbauer’s information on certain cancer screenings for uninsured or underinsured; Mental Health’s individual and group therapy; and more.
The evening also included a buffet, vendors with a health theme, basket raffle and 50/50 drawing.
Jeanne Crane, former nurse at Medina Memorial Hospital, has attended many of the For Women Only events, and said the new format was a wonderful improvement to the program. She said it is a wonderful opportunity for women to learn more about their health, so they know they are not alone and support is there for them.
Jennifer Morgan, a nursing supervisor at Medina Memorial Hospital, has also been to many of the events and said she likes the new informational format.
Condo announced at the conclusion of the evening that the event had raised $3,200 for cancer services programs.
ROCHESTER – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand visited Jordan Health’s Woodward Center to highlight how President Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” will hurt Rochester hospitals and families.
If passed, this legislation would cause 10.9 million Americans, including up to 1.5 million New Yorkers, to lose their health insurance coverage by 2034, and 11 million would be at risk of having their SNAP benefits reduced or eliminated.
“President Trump’s bill is not ‘beautiful’—it’s a betrayal of millions of hard-working Americans,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This bill includes the largest cuts to Medicaid and SNAP in history, and it puts the future of our state’s critical rural hospitals in jeopardy. Congress and the Trump administration should be focused on bringing down the cost of essentials, not limiting access to the health care and benefits that so many New Yorkers rely on to get care and put food on the table. This is an unacceptable piece of legislation, and I will do everything in my power to stop it from passing.”
President Trump’s bill would cause Americans to lose their benefits by imposing work requirements on people receiving Medicaid and even stricter, more onerous work requirements for SNAP recipients.
This would force families with children and people with disabilities to jump through more hoops to access benefits, and it would generate additional administrative costs for the program. In New York State, work requirements for Medicaid will cost an estimated $510 million annually to administer and enforce.
President Trump’s bill would also put rural hospitals at risk of closure by limiting the use of provider taxes, which help make it possible for rural and urban hospitals and clinics to remain open and care for patients by providing maternity, emergency, and behavioral health care.
Funds collected by states through provider taxes are often directed to health care providers whose costs far exceed base Medicaid payment rates. These providers are typically located in rural America – where health care services are hard to find – or in dense urban areas, where the cost to deliver health care is high and health care providers are serving more people with Medicaid.
New York-based community health centers, like Jordan Health, that care for every patient who walks through their doors are estimated to lose $300 million annually as a result of this bill. The impact will vary by health center, but losses will range from 6 to 17%, depending on how many of their patients are covered by Medicaid or New York’s Essential Plan.
Health centers already operate on a shoestring budget, and this kind of funding cut will have very serious consequences. Already, over 60% of health centers have less than 90 days of cash on hand, and more than 20 percent have reduced staffing or closed sites in the past year due to financial strain. Cuts of this magnitude will cause more closures, more staffing cuts, and reduced access for the 2.4 million patients that our New York community health centers serve.
Gillibrand was joined by Jordan Health President and CEO Dr. Linda Clark and State Senator Jeremy Cooney.
“Here are the facts: One in every eight people in New York State relies on a Community Health Center for care, and more than 60% of those people are covered by Medicaid, so nearly half of all health center funding comes from Medicaid,” said Rose Duhan, CHCANYS President and CEO. “We’ve done the math – the proposals included in the House bill will cost New York’s community health centers $300M annually. If you limit access to Medicaid, you hurt Community Health Centers and the people they serve. That’s a fact.”
“We are in a critical state when it comes to the proposed Medicaid program funding cuts and changes,” said Dr. Linda Clark, president and CEO of Jordan Health. “More than 70% of our patients are enrolled in a Medicaid program and depend on funding to cover the costs of their care. Access to high-quality healthcare is not a privilege it is a necessity and impacts our community as a whole.”
Provided photo: Pictured from left include Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of Rochester Business Journal; Karen Kinter, CEO of Oak Orchard Health; and Ben Jacobs, editor of RBJ.
BROCKPORT – The Women of Excellence awards recognize high-achieving women for their career accomplishments, including professional experience, community involvement, leadership, and sustained commitment to mentoring.
Karen Kinter of Albion, CEO of Oak Orchard Health, is among this year’s class, which features 50 women from a variety of industries. The Women of Excellence were honored at an awards celebration on May 8 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center.
The honorees were selected by a panel of judges comprised of previous years’ Circle of Excellence and Women of Excellence honorees and the Rochester Business Journal’s editorial team.
“The 2025 Women of Excellence are outstanding leaders who inspire innovation, celebrate success and support the next generation of leaders. They open doors and create positive change, sharing their success with their professional network and the community around them,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/Rochester Business Journal. “The Circle of Excellence honorees are trailblazers and change makers who aren’t afraid to face adversity and stand up for their beliefs. They know the value of helping other women see something special in themselves, something they might not have known was there. We at the Rochester Business Journal are pleased to honor these transformational leaders.”
Under Kinter’s leadership, Oak Orchard Health has undertaken several major initiatives to improve care delivery for patients.
“I’m honored to be selected among this group of leaders for the Women of Excellence award,” Kinter said. “Leading an organization that positively impacts numerous lives across a vast geographic area is incredibly fulfilling. We provide medical, dental, and behavioral health services to everyone.”
Oak Orchard Health is a non-profit federally qualified health center with 34,000 patients at nine locations.
With more than 20 years of health care experience, Kinter previously served as vice president of specialty revenue program and CEO of Regional Health Services for Rochester Regional Health. She holds an MBA from the University of Rochester’s Simon School of Business.
Photos courtesy of Oak Orchard Health: The Behavior Health Team, shown with OOH CEO Karen Kinter (right), gave away stress balls and shared about the services at Oak Orchard.
Press Release, Oak Orchard Community Health
Dr. James Goetz and Oak Orchard Health CEO Karen Kinter meet two kids at the health fair. The Brockport health center is named in honor of Dr. Goetz, a long-time pediatrician.
BROCKPORT – Despite the rain, the Community Health Fair at Oak Orchard Health on May 31 in Brockport was fun for all, especially for kids and their families.
The fair was a convenient way for people to get valuable information, free screenings, and giveaways. One of the most popular was the dental screenings with Dr. Rachel Nozzi and the OOH hygienists.
Though we moved the tables and Kid Zone indoors, the Kiwanis Club of Brockport weathered the storm and served pancakes outdoors throughout the morning. Oak Orchard Health was available for blood pressure screenings, blood glucose checks, vision screenings, and provided information on healthy eating, WIC, and behavioral health. If you had questions about the OOH Patient Portal, we were there to answer them.
Thank you to UR Medicine, UR Dermatology, and URMobilEyes. They provided health screenings, including mammograms, skin cancer checks, and eye exams. The Wilmot Cancer Center table got plenty of interest on this important topic.
Fidelis Care Health Insurance was there to provide valuable information – and give away stress balls, pens, and so much more. The Brockport Community Connection was also on hand to connect residents with services, including emergency assistance.
Thank you to the Greater Rochester Health Foundation that sponsored the fair and to everyone who participated in the event.
Oak Orchard volunteers were eager participants, assisting people at the health fair.
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are alerting the public to a noticeable increase in bat encounters. As the weather gets warmer, bats become more active and may occasionally find their way into homes, particularly in older homes that are not properly sealed.
“If you find a bat in your home, safely capture it and immediately contact the health department,” advised Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for GO Health. “We can assess whether there was potential exposure and if the bat needs to be tested. If you are unable to safely capture the bat, call the health department for guidance on the next steps to take.”
In certain situations, a bat bite may go unnoticed. For example, if you wake up and find a bat in your room, discover a bat in a child’s bedroom, or see one near someone who is under the influence or otherwise impaired, it’s important to seek medical advice and have the bat tested for rabies.
To safely capture a bat:
Turn on all the lights and close all the windows.
Close the room and closet doors.
Wait for the bat to land.
While wearing thick leather-like gloves, place a coffee can, pail or similar container over the bat (Never handle a bat with your bare hands).
Carefully slide a piece of cardboard under the container to trap the bat.
Hold the cardboard firmly against the container, turn it right side up and tape the cardboard tightly to the container.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 June 2025 at 12:13 pm
Photo courtesy of Scott Robinson: Patients will check in at this window for the new primary care services announced this week at Medina Memorial Hospital.
MEDINA – Continued growth and addition of services continues at Orleans Community Health with announcement of the official launch of primary care services at the Medina Healthcare Center, effective as of June 2.
With a focus on comprehensive, patient-centered care, the new practice will offer services ranging from pediatrics to adult medicine – all in one convenient location, according to Scott Robinson, director of marketing for Orleans Community Health.
“We are pleased to introduce two experienced providers, who will lead this new chapter in community healthcare,” Robinson said.
They are Leah Brenner, CPNP, a certified pediatric nurse practitioner with more than 20 years if experience, who brings a well-rounded background in pediatric emergency medicine and general pediatric care, offering a compassionate and thorough approach to children’s health; and Pamela Eaton, A-NP, a board-certified nurse practitioner with more than two decades of experience in geriatric and adult internal medicine. She is well known locally and someone who care deeply about the overall health of the community.
“We’re thrilled to expand access to high-quality care services right here at Medina Memorial Hospital,” Robinson said. “This is a major step forward in continuing our commitment to the health and wellness of our community. Orleans County is in dire need of more primary care providers, and we’re excited to share that we’ll be adding more members to our team in the coming weeks.”
The Medina Healthcare Center is located on the first floor of Medina Memorial Hospital. In addition to primary care services, the area includes a surgery clinic (previously on the ground floor), ear, nose and throat clinic, wound care and podiatry. More specialty services are being recruited for this area, as well as a fundraising campaign to expand and enhance the center.
Appointments are now being scheduled at (585) 798-2550.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 27 May 2025 at 8:32 am
LYNDONVILLE – Orleans Community Health’s 2025 “For Women Only” will return at a new date with exciting new features designed to inspire an evening of connection, awareness and tribute.
This year’s event is scheduled for June 12 at the White Birch to coincide with World Cancer Month, said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach at Orleans Community Health. It’s theme, The Journey, reflects the powerful and deeply personal paths of those impacted by cancer – honoring the struggles, triumphs and support that define each experience.
“We chose The Journey as our theme this year to emphasize that cancer touches lives in many ways – and every path is unique, courageous and worth honoring,” Robinson said.
Doors open at 5 p.m. The event will feature two dynamic speaker panels – one comprised of individuals sharing personal journeys and the ways cancer has affected their lives; and another featuring professionals in the field who will offer valuable insights, resources and takeaways.
In addition to moving stories and important information, the evening will include raffles, time to connect and reflect and a heartfelt tribute slideshow honoring loved ones lost, survivors and those still fighting any form of cancer.
“The evening is about shared strength, support and community,” Robinson said.
Local vendors have also been invited to the event. There is no fee to participate as a vendor, but donation of a gift card or basket is kindly asked for to support the event’s fundraising raffles. Robinson added this is a great opportunity to showcase a business while supporting a meaningful cause.
To be included in the memorial and tribute slideshow, click here for more information.
Tickets are $30, and it is recommended purchasing them early, as the event regularly sells out. Tickets may be reserved by calling Lori Condo at (585) 798-8422 or by purchasing online (click here).
Sponsorships are also available. Information, along with vendor inquiries and how to donate a raffle item, is available by contacting Megan Johnson, executive director of the Orleans Community Health Foundation at www.majohnson@medinamemorial.org.
“We’ve all been touched by cancer in some way,” Johnson said. “For Women Only: the Journey is our opportunity to come together, honor those experiences and walk this road – together.”
Community welcome to attend retirement party June 14 in Pembroke
Press Release, Oak Orchard Health
Dr. Mary Obear
CORFU – After decades of exceptional service in family medicine, Mary Obear, MD, PhD is preparing to retire at the end of May, leaving behind a profound legacy of healing, leadership and community commitment.
Her patients will be seen by Shannon Bartlett, ANP, and Kevin Beuler, PA, at Oak Orchard Health’s Corfu office.
A retirement party will be held in her honor on June 14th from 2-5 PM at the Pembroke Community Center. Family, friends, current and past staff and patients, and people in the community are welcome.
Dr. Obear has been a family physician in private practice since 2002 at Pembroke Family Medicine, which grew to three locations (Batavia, Alexander, and Corfu).
On July 1, 2020, she combined her multi-location practice with Oak Orchard Health because of their common mission to provide high-quality primary care to everyone. At that time, we dedicated the health center to Dr. Obear.
“It is with mixed feelings that I announce my retirement from Oak Orchard Health on May 30th, 2025,” said Dr. Obear. “I have cared for patients in Genesee County and beyond for over two and a half decades (that’s a quarter of a century!). It’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and my time at Oak Orchard Health has been very important to me. I feel it’s time for me to begin my next chapter of my life, traveling and seeing my family who live all over the country. I leave my patients in the care of Shannon Bartlett, ANP and Kevin Beuler, PA. I have supreme confidence in them. They are both skilled practitioners and are compassionate and caring with patients.”
Dr. Obear is well known in the community and serves in many volunteer roles. She is on the Board of Health for Genesee County and the Board of Directors at Crossroads House and Gateway House.
Retirement party when and where: June 14 from 2-5 p.m. at Pembroke Community Center, 116 East Main Street, Corfu, NY
Oak Orchard Health
Founded in 1973, Oak Orchard has grown into an integrated health center with multiple locations providing health care services for everyone in our communities. Currently serving over 34,000 patients at nine locations in the towns of Albion, Alexander, Batavia, Brockport, Corfu, Hornell, Medina, and Warsaw.
Oak Orchard also has two mobile units for medical and dental services. Oak Orchard Health is a recognized NCQA patient-centered medical home, 501(c)3 nonprofit, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), and has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval®. For more information, visit our website at www.OakOrchardHealth.org.
BROCKPORT – A Community Health Fair will be held at the Oak Orchard Health Center in Brockport on Saturday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to the health fair at 300 West Ave. Oak Orchard and UR Medicine will offer free health screenings. And the Kiwanis Club of Brockport will be serving pancakes at the Fair!
Have questions about health insurance? Fidelis Care Health Insurance will answer them – and give away stress balls, pens, notepads, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. The Brockport Community Connection will also be at the fair to connect residents to services, including emergency assistance.
Oak Orchard Health (OOH) will offer free services and giveaways:
Blood pressure screenings
Blood glucose checks
Cancer information
Dental and vision screenings
Healthy Eating Information
Information on the Patient Portal and technology updates
Behavioral Health screenings and educational handouts
WIC Program enrollment and more
Kids’ Zone with games, prizes, face painting, and the Teddy Bear Clinic
UR Medicine will offer services and giveaways:
UR Dermatology: free skin cancer checks
UR Medicine: mammogram screenings (Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged. Call 1-844-870-0002 to schedule.)
UR MobilEyes (Flaum Eye Institute): free vision screenings
All services are first-come, first-served.
“We’re excited to work with so many community organizations and UR Medicine to provide health screenings. There is something for everyone here, including children. We’ll have a Kid Zone and Teddy Bear Clinic. This is a great opportunity to get information and health screenings for free,” said Dr. Danielle Renodin-Mead, chief medical officer and pediatrician, Oak Orchard Health.
There will be plenty of giveaways for you to pick up at the booths.
Easier Care with the Updated Patient Portal and Healow App
Managing your healthcare has never been easier thanks to Oak Orchard Health’s improved patient portal and the convenient Healow app. Whether you are refilling a prescription, checking test results, or messaging your provider, the portal offers everything you need at your fingertips.
What is the Patient Portal and Healow?
The Patient Portal (available in English and Spanish) is a secure online tool that helps you stay on top of your health. Healow is the mobile version of this portal, giving you access right from your smartphone or tablet.
Once you download and sign into the Healow app, you can access all the same health information as the Patient Portal, anywhere you take your mobile device. This means no more carrying around papers or trying to remember past visits. From lab results to visit summaries, it’s all in one easy-to-use place.
What Can You Do with the Patient Portal?
One of the most popular features is prescription refill requests. Instead of calling the health center, you can request refills anytime—at night or on weekends. Simply log in and send your request. It’s that easy. Please allow three business days for your prescription refill request to be processed.
Another favorite feature is secure messaging with your provider. If you have a non-urgent question, you can send a message directly through the portal. You don’t need to call us; getting answers is convenient and quick (allow up to 3 business days for a response).
You can also schedule appointments online. The Healow app and Patient Portal allow self-scheduling, so you can choose the best appointment time for your busy life. If your child is sick at night or you remember you need a physical, you can book right from your phone or computer without needing to call during office hours or your work hours!
Why Use Healow, the mobile app?
Healow is the online patient portal, making managing your care easier. You can view lab results, see visit summaries, and even access documents like sports physical forms. It’s like having your health records in your pocket. Whether at home, at work, or in line at the store, your health information is always with you.
Self-Check In: At the Office and Online
Another way we’re making visits easier is with self-check-in. You may have seen the kiosks in our health centers that allow you to do a simple check-in. What’s new is that we are adding more features to our in-office kiosks and launching a self-check-in feature online, which you can do on your smartphone before you arrive. This will allow us to get your information accurately and quickly, and allow patients to fill out forms and have them ready before their appointments.
Self-check-in saves time. You can answer these questions from anywhere instead of filling out paperwork at the health center, making your visit smoother and less stressful. It also helps the front desk team speed up the process and reduce wait times.
Kiosks are still available for those who prefer to check in at the office or do not have a smartphone. Both options help us make sure your information is accurate and up to date.
The Future of Easy Healthcare
With the patient portal, Healow app, and self-check-in options, managing your health has never been simpler. We are making it easier for you to contact a doctor and go to the front of the line when you need an appointment or a refill, with just a click of a button. Our goal is to make your experience stress-free, giving you more control and flexibility. We’re excited about these improvements and hope you take advantage of them at your next visit.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 May 2025 at 8:14 am
Pam Washak, nursing supervisor in the Progressive Care Unit, named Daisy Award winner
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Orleans Community Health concluded its observance of Nurses’ Week with a nurses’ brunch on Friday morning. Highlight of the event was naming this year’s Daisy Award winner, Pam Washak. From left are Mary Williams, retired vice president of Human Resources; Karen Irwin, registered nurse; Washak, nursing supervisor in PCU; Jennifer Morgan, nursing supervisor and co-chair of the Daisy Committee; Kim Gray, chief nursing officer; and Christine Kropf, corporate educator and co-chair of the Daisy committee.
MEDINA – An annual tradition and final celebration in observance of Nurses’ Week at Orleans Community Health is a Nurses’ Brunch, to show appreciation for dedicated health care workers, both retired and currently working.
Forty-five nurses attended the brunch on Friday morning in the hospital board room, where in addition to delicious food and camaraderie they witnessed the recognition of one of their own for exceptional compassion and care to patients.
A highlight of the morning was awarding of the Daisy Award, a national program which recognizes nurses who are nominated for going above and beyond in care of their patients. Christine Kropf, corporate educator at Orleans Community Health, and nursing supervisor Jennifer Morgan are co-chairs of the Daisy committee, who chose Pam Washak, nursing supervisor in the Progressive Care Unit, as this year’s winner.
Presenting the award to Washak was Kim Gray, chief nurse manager, who said receiving this award was one of the greatest honors in their profession.
Gray began the recognition brunch by welcoming the 45 nurses who attended.
“It’s a privilege to stand before you during this special Nurses Week brunch, as we celebrate 100 years of nursing at our rural hospital,” Gray said. “This celebration is more than a look back at the decades we’ve served – it’s a tribute to the resilience that has carried us through. As many of you know being a small rural hospital hasn’t always been easy. And being a nurse in a rural hospital is a calling few truly understand.
“Our nurses have worn many hats – often at the same time. You’ve been caregivers, counselors, emergency responders, case managers and sometimes even janitors or tech support when needed. You’ve worked through snowstorms when roads were impassable, stepped up when resources were thin and provided world-class care, even when the odds were stacked against us.
“We’ve faced staffing shortages, funding challenges, outdated equipment and limited access to specialty care. And yet, through it all, you’ve never let any of it stand in the way of putting patients first. You found a way. You always find a way.
“To our retired nurses, you remember when we had even less – and still gave more. You built this place with grit and heart, and your legacy is alive in every hallway, every patient room and every act of kindness.
“To our current nurses, you are the glue that held this hospital – and this community – together. You met every challenge with creativity, empathy and unmatched dedication. A dedication that is rooted in service, sacrifice and a belief that even the smallest hospital can make the biggest difference.
“Despite our size, we have always delivered big care with a personal touch. That’s what sets us apart. That’s what makes our 100-year legacy so special.
“So today, we don’t just celebrate nurses – we celebrate survival, strength, commitment and love for our patients and for one another. Here’s to 100 years of nursing excellence – and to every nurse who made it possible.”
“Kim was a junior when she said she wanted to be a nurse,” said her mother, retired nurse Rosemary Pegelow. “She really wanted to help people. She wants to do everything she can to keep this hospital going. I’m so proud of her.”
(Left ) Rebecca Mannella, right, director of nurses in the North Wing, greets retired nurse Rosemary Pegelow at the nurses’ recognition brunch. (Center) Sharing a hug are former nurse Joanne Bracey and current chief nurse manager Kim Gray. (Right) Orleans Community Health CEO Marc Shurtz, right, greets former Medina mayor Mike Sidari, who attended with his wife Brenda, a retired nurse.
Another regular attendee of the brunch is Jeanne Crane, who worked for 35 years at the hospital. She was the first nurse manager of the North Wing when it was first built, then became a nursing educator, and worked in risk management. She retired from infection control in 2003.
Mary Lou Tuohey has also attended the brunch every year. She worked as an RN for seven or eight years on the first and second floors, then lead supervisor on the 3-11 shift. She switched careers and run Case-Nic Cookies for 29 years on Main Street.
“It’s nice to come back and see everybody,” Tuohey said. “I loved working here, but once I had the kids it was hard to work that shift.”
Dorothy Casey spent 42 years at the hospital as a licensed practical nurse. She started as a nurse’s aide, then went back to school to become an LPN.
“I’ve been to every brunch so far,” Casey said. “It’s an honor to be recognized with all the changes taking place.”
Christine Kropf, corporate educator, is co-chair of the Daisy Committee with Jen Morgan, nursing supervisor. Kropf said they had 13 nominations this year. This is the second year the program has been in Medina Memorial Hospital.
“It’s a privilege to celebrate the incredible dedication and compassion of our nurses,” Morgan said. “Nurses are the heart of healthcare.”
Of all the nurses nominated for the Daisy Award this year, Washak was the one who really stood out, the committee shared.
“I was very surprised and honored,” Washak said.
Her mom, Vicki Washak said Pam deserved it.
“Pam had been working as an ICU nurse in Geneva Hospital,.” Vicki said. “She came home from Waterloo to take care of the old folks in her home town.”
Orleans Community Health’s CEO Marc Shurtz added congratulatory remarks and greeted guests throughout the room.
Press Release, NYS Health Facilities Association/NYS Center for Assisted Living
ALBANY – Susan Luxon, a personal care aide at The Willows in Medina, has received the 2025 NYSCAL Noble Caregiver of the Year Award from the New York State Health Facilities Association/New York State Center for Assisted Living.
The award was presented on May 7th at the 2025 NYSCAL Awards Banquet during the Association’s annual conference in Bolton Landing.
Luxon has been a dedicated caregiver at The Willows for the past 26 years. She demonstrates a deep commitment to preserving the dignity and well-being of each individual under her care.
Her empathy and genuine concern for the residents’ happiness and comfort are evident in every interaction. She listens intently to their needs and concerns, providing both emotional support and practical assistance whenever necessary. Luxon consistently goes above and beyond to support her colleagues, often picking up shifts and assisting in any way possible to ensure smooth operations in the facility.
“In a field that requires both skill and heart, Susan excels in every aspect of caregiving,” said Jacquie Morgante, administrator of The Willows. “We are proud that she has been honored with this prestigious award from NYSHFA | NYSCAL.”
The NYSCAL Nurse of the Year Award recognizes an adult care/assisted living nurse who demonstrates outstanding compassion, supervisory success, innovation, achievement, and capabilities in their provision of high quality resident-centered care in a service-oriented culture in an adult care/assisted living community.
Winners received an engraved obelisk and were invited to attend the NYSHFA | NYSCAL annual conference.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 6 May 2025 at 10:28 am
Provided photo: Nurses at Orleans Community Health were treated to cake in celebration of the first day of Nurses Week, which is observed from May 5-9.
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health is celebrating Nurses Week May 5-9 with a full schedule of special events and honors.
“Orleans Community Health is proud to honor the dedication, compassion and commitment of its nursing staff during National Nurses Week 2025,” said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach. “This special week recognizes the vital role nurses play in patient care and community, and Orleans Community Health is marking the occasion with a series of celebrations, tributes and recognitions.”
Throughout the week, Orleans Community Health will be sharing spotlights of both current and past members of its nursing teams, highlighting the stories and impact of these exceptional professionals across decades of care, Robinson said.
Celebratory events will include a sweet start to the week on Monday with cake and cupcakes available for all nursing staff; a special gift to nurses on Wednesday in appreciation of their dedication and service; and the annual brunch on Friday, a cherished tradition which brings together current and former members of the nursing team for a time of connection, gratitude and celebration.
A highlight of Friday’s brunch will be the announcement of this DAISY Award recipient, a prestigious honor given to a nurse who exemplifies extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care.
“Nurses are the heart of everything we do,” said Kim Gray, chief nursing officer at Orleans Community Health. “They bring strength, compassion and skill to every patient interaction. Nurses Week is a time for us to pause, reflect and express our deep gratitude to these incredible individuals who make such a profound difference every day.”
Orleans Community Health invites the community to join in recognizing and thanking the nurses who serve with excellence, resilience and heart.
For more information about Orleans Community Health or to learn more about their nursing team, visit www.orleanscommunityhealth.org.
The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are alerting the public to a noticeable increase in bat encounters. As the weather gets warmer, bats become more active and may occasionally find their way into homes, particularly in older homes that are not properly sealed.
Easier Care with the Updated Patient Portal and Healow App
