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Holley pays tribute to veterans for service to country
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 November 2024 at 3:44 pm

Speaker urges vets struggling with PTSD to seek help

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – The American Legion in Holley hosted a Veterans Day ceremony today. Scott Galliford, the Legion commander, speaks during the service. Up front with him from left include Kevin Foley, Chuck Eberhardt and Mark James Morreall.

Galliford shared how Veterans Day was originally Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I. It was changed to “Veterans Day” in 1954 to honor all veterans who have honorably served in the military.

Galliford had each veteran stand and be recognized during today’s service and gave them a chance to say when and where they served. Galliford said he was a “submariner” in the military from 1975 to 1979.

“I want to say to all of you guys, welcome home and welcome back,” Galliford said. “I’m impressed to be around this much honor and devotion.”

Dave Cole of Kendall speaks about his service in the military. He attended boot camp with Galliford and another one of their friends from Kendall, Stew Leverenz.

The Legion hall includes a banner, “We Support Our Troops – Come Home Soon!”

About 50 people attended the service.

Ron Boyd, a member Jewell-Buckman American Legion Post #529 in Holley and the Sons of the American Revolution, shares about a table set for prisoners of war and those missing in action.

David Shaffer served in the Army for three years beginning in January 1957. He said he was very lucky as his deployment had him in the German countryside for 30 months where he made many new friends.

Sue Johnson, the keynote speaker, asked for a moment of silence “for everyone who has lost lives to invisible wounds.” Johnson worked as an assistant chaplain in the Army and spent two years in Iraq.

In that role, she learned the importance of asking veterans how they are doing.

“Support each other, no matter what,” Johnson said.

She said political opinions, gender, sexual orientation should not be dividers in offering compassion to people.

The VA reports that an average of 17 veterans each day die by suicide, while America’s Warrior Partnership and Duke University said veteran suicides are underreported and as many as 24 veterans a day die on average from suicide.

PTSD and “the wounds we cannot see,” should be taken very seriously, Johnson said.

“It’s courageous to talk about those things and to get help,” she said.

Kevin Foley, a pilot during the Vietnam War, shared about joining the Army in 1968, and then being deployed to Vietnam. He received a Purple Heart and two Distinguished Flying Cross medals after being shot down and being determined to help his fellow soldiers.

Todd Klatt, a mechanic in the National Guard, is also the VFW post commander for eastern Orleans County. He has been deployed twice – to Bosnia and Qatar. He leaves for a third deployment in January, this time to Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.

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Holiday dinner for veterans to be served Dec. 17 at White Birch
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 November 2024 at 2:38 pm

LYNDONVILLE – Orleans County veterans are welcome to a complimentary holiday on Dec. 17 at the White Birch Golf Course, 1515 North Lyndonville Rd.

The dinner is funded by the the Pfc. Joseph P. Dwyer Peer to Peer Program, which aims to increase social engagement and community connections for veterans.

Orleans County veterans are welcome to bring a guest to the Dec. 17 dinner. RSVPs due by Dec. 6. Call (585) 589-3219 to RSVP.

The dinner starts at 5 p.m., with a social hour from 4 to 5 p.m.

Guest speakers include Assemblyman Steve Hawley and retired Assemblyman Charlie Nesbitt, a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. Nick Mroz will be the deejay.

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Holley library hosting ‘Cards for Vets’ today
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 November 2024 at 1:41 pm

Photos by Tom Rivers

HOLLEY – Sandy Shaw, recently retired as director of the Community Free Library, and retired Holley Mayor John Kenney write messages in Christmas cards to be given to veterans.

Shaw has organized the annual “Cards for Vets” effort the past five years. She is hoping 500 cards can be written for veterans this holiday season.

Community Free Library is open until 8 p.m. today and welcomes people to come in and write messages in cards.

The cards will be delivered to the NYS Veterans Home in Batavia and the VA Medical Center in Batavia, as well as other local veterans.

Shaw said the cards have all been donated by community members.

Amelia Buchanan of Albion, right, signs cards in the library for veterans. She is joined by her daughters Aubrey and Alexie, and their friend Savannah Gross, left, of Brockport.

“We really wanted to do it,” Buchanan said about writing messages in the cards for veterans. “We hope they will appreciate it and feel joy.”

The library expects to have the cards available for several days for people to stop in and write messages.

Amanda Anderson, the new library director, said she wants to keep the “Cards for Vets” for many years to come. She said Orleans County has a high percentage of people who are veterans.

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‘Scouting for Food’ remains annual community service effort in Medina

Provided photo: Pictured from left include Scouts in Troop 35: Josh Morton, Josiah Morton, Landan Costich, Jimmy Dieter, Vinny Gray, Sam Gray, Briley Allen, Juan Alberdi, Maddox Smith and Colton Smith. 

Posted 11 November 2024 at 1:18 pm

Submitted by John Dieter, Scoutmaster Troop 35

MEDINA – Scouts from Troop 35 in Medina picked up donated food on Saturday and dropped off donations to a local church food pantry.

The scouts the week before canvased areas of the village of Medina, putting out flyers asking for food donations to be picked up on the following Saturday.  Scouts, as part of their rank advancement, are involved with various service projects each year. The Scouting for Food is done by the troop annually.

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Cassie Healy of Community Action earns ROMA certification
Posted 11 November 2024 at 9:40 am

Press Release, Community Action of Orleans & Genesee

ALBION – Community Action of Orleans & Genesee is proud to announce that Cassie Healy, a valued team member, has recently achieved her Results Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) Certification.

ROMA, a nationally recognized framework used by Community Action agencies, emphasizes accountability, effectiveness, and a results-driven approach to community services.

This certification strengthens our agency’s commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families in Orleans & Genesee counties by promoting self-sufficiency and positive community impact.

Cassie’s certification marks an exciting development for our organization, as she is now equipped with enhanced skills and tools to focus on outcome-oriented planning and assessment. This will support our mission to implement data-driven strategies and measurable results that benefit community members and address critical needs within the area.

Looking to the future, Cassie is committed to expanding her expertise further. “Next year I plan on starting to work toward becoming a NCRT (Nationally Certified ROMA Trainer),” said Cassie. “With that, I plan to work within our agency to gain a better awareness of what ROMA is and how it impacts our daily life as a team. With this certification, my plan is to bring our focus back to outcomes and plans to reach them, so we can better assist our community members in reaching self-sufficiency.”

Cassie’s commitment to professional development and to the ROMA approach will enable our agency to continually enhance its support for those we serve, fostering greater awareness and a shared focus on outcomes among the Community Action team.

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5-course meal hits the spot for Medina Rotary
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 November 2024 at 8:53 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – The Medina Rotary Club’s latest fundraiser showcased culinary talent and food and wine from the local community.

About 40 people attended a five-course dinner on Saturday evening at the Sacred Heart Club.

Peter Bartula, Medina Rotary Club president, wanted a new fundraiser that would help the Rotary Club generate funds to give back to the community, while offering an event to bring people together over a great meal.

Chef Lionel Heydel prepared the five-course meal with pairings from Leonard Oakes Estate Winery. Heydel is shown making Robuchon potatoes next to Jake Muessigerodt, who was cooking spinach.

“Lionel is an amazing chef,” Bartula said.

Heydel said the farm-to-table shows the agricultural bounty of the local community. Heydel has prepared other farm-to-table dinners for businesses and organizations.

Dan Doctor, a member of the Rotary Club, volunteered as a server for the dinner. JT Thomas, in back right, also is a member of the Rotary Club and vice president of Sacred Heart which hosted the meal.

Jonathan Oakes, the winemaker for Leonard Oakes Estate Winery, discusses how the different wines worked well with elements of the dinner.

The meal started with goat cheese and local mushroom bruschetta, then roasted butternut squash bisque and smoked gouda crunch with classic Riesling.

The dinner then included salad with seasonal greens, pickled apples, root vegetable medley, pickled onions and maple Vadouvan vinaigrette. Served with Sauvignon Blanc.

The main course included chicken fricassee, Robuchon potatoes, shaved Brussels sprouts with Steampunk brown snout cider.

The five-course dinner was capped with dessert, a boozy baked local apple served with Pommeau.

Emily Chambers of Medina, a culinary arts student at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES, helped prepare the dessert.

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Albion FFA welcomes donations for annual food drive
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 November 2024 at 7:54 pm

37,000 pounds of produce delivered to Community Action last year by FFA

Photo by Tom Rivers: Albion FFA students, alumni and other volunteers unload vehicles and trailers on Dec. 9 last year. Scott Oldenburg, left, is the Albion FFA advisor. Kaitlynn Basinait, second from left, is the FFA president.

ALBION – The FFA chapter in Albion is again organizing a big food drive from the agricultural community. Last year, farmers donated 37,000 pounds of produce for the FFA food drive.

That food was collected by the FFA at the high school and then delivered to Community Action of Orleans & Genesee on State Street in Albion.

About 25 different food pantries were able to share the food.

Farms and agricultural businesses interest in donating can contact FFA advisor Scott Oldenburg at soldenburg@albionk12.org or FFA President Kaitlynn Basinait at basinaitkaitlynn@albionk12.org.

The FFA started the food drive in 2010 with 3,000 pounds in the first effort and it typically tops 30,000 pounds in more recent years. The record is 53,000 pounds in 2020.

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Letter from Lyndonville soldier in 1918 told of horrors on Hindenburg Line
Posted 10 November 2024 at 2:29 pm

‘It was a terrible sight to see the fellows I had been with the last two years blown to pieces’

By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian

“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 4, Number 35

Pvt. Harold P. Wirth Co, F., 108th Regiment

LYNDONVILLE – The following letter was published in the Lyndonville Enterprise on November 7, 1918:

Co. F., 108th Infantry,

France, Oct. 6, 1918

Dear Friends,

Have a chance to again do some writing. I am down in a dugout, beside a little fire.

I have gone through a ten-day period that I never want to witness again, for it has been awful. Our division has gone over the top and this battalion was the first to cross the famous Hindenburg line – a line of trenches that the English claimed could never be broken. Cos. E and F were the first ones over the line and suffered heavily for it. We have a number killed, wounded and gassed, and the rest are very lucky to be alive.

Some of the boys who came back found wine, eggs, bread and other eats in Jerry’s big dugouts. Some of their dugouts are three stories deep and all built of concrete.

Captain Thompson is thought more of than ever now, and this Battalion will swear by him, and we hear that General Pershing thinks the “Skipper” is O. K. He is burned all over the face with mustard gas, but never once flinched and even attempted to re-organize the stragglers who got back and go after the Huns again.

It was a terrible sight to see the fellows I had been with the last two years blown to pieces, others wounded and still they wore big grins on their faces and told of how they did it. One sergeant in our company had four bullets in his body and they sent four Jerries out to carry him in, and as they picked him up, he said to them: “I will kill every darned one of you if you touch me” He wanted his own pals to carry him. He was shot twice and kept on going, then got two more and had to lie down.

Medina will get an awful blow when the list comes in, and it will likely be there before you get this.

It will seem good when we get back out of here and live as civilians again.

Love to all.

Harold P. Wirth

P.S. Will be home for Christmas dinner.


Harold P. Wirth did not make it home for Christmas dinner that year, but he was one of the lucky ones who made it through “to live as a civilian again.” He had enlisted as a company cook with Co. F, 108th Inf. New York National Guard on April 9, 1917, served overseas from May 18, 1918, and was discharged May 6, 1919.

The son of John G. and Grace Faulkner Wirth, he was born in Plain View, Nebraska on August 1, 1883. The family had close connections with Lyndonville. Following his discharge, Harold returned to this area and worked for five years at Lyndonville Canning. He then accepted a position with the Thomas Daggitt Canning Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan and later as superintendent of the Red Creek Canning factory in Wayne, New York.

Harold was one of the many WWI veterans afflicted with tuberculosis and was a patient at the Veterans T.B. hospital in Tupper Lake, New York. He died at the Veterans Hospital in Batavia, NY on Sept. 21, 1957, and was buried at Huron Evergreen Cemetery in Wayne County. Harold had been active in the Wolcott Post 881, American Legion. Both the Post and the cemetery are located just off Route 104 in Wayne County.

As Harold indicated in his letter, Colonel Thompson’s list was grim: between Sept. 27 and Nov. 1, 1918, 25 members of the company had been killed, 85 wounded, 18 were still in hospital and 11 had been cited for awards.

On Veterans Day, we remember, recognize and honor those who have served and are serving in the military.

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Leonard Oakes gets big reception from public as winery closes
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 November 2024 at 8:50 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Leonard Oakes Estate Winery announced on Tuesday it will be closing after 16 years. The winery invited the public to come out Friday through today to purchase remaining bottled inventory. The tasting room on Ridge Road has been very busy the past two days.

The photo on top was taken at about 6 p.m. on Saturday.

The Oakes family appreciates the many people who have been to the winery the past two days, the two biggest days of the year, said Wendy Oakes Wilson, general manager for the business.

“We know this has been a special place for a lot of people,” she said on Saturday evening.

Many of the customers gave her hugs and thanked the family. Some of the customers traveled from out-of-state to be at the tasting room this weekend, in what might be its last time open.

Jonathan Oakes, the winemaker at Leonard Oakes, said in a Facebook post on Tuesday the decision to close the winery “has been excruciatingly difficult.”

He thanked Leonard Oakes’ customers for their support the past 16 years.

“We absolutely adore the community we have built with you around sharing the (fermented) fruits of our labor here in Western New York,” he wrote in the post. “While we may be on uneasy emotional footing at this time, we would absolutely cherish the opportunity to embrace our community once again. We would love a chance to look back with pride and not sorrow. To share a glass, a memory, or an embrace. To cheers for change and the positive things it may bring.”

The Leonard Oakes Estate Winery will be closing soon. The winery’s tasting room will be open from noon to 3 p.m.

The decision follows the announcement from the Oakes family that it is selling the fruit orchards in Lyndonville area after 105 years in the family.

The apple and wine business both are very challenging, especially within a family business without huge economies of scale, Oakes family members said.

Wilson said the business of the winery suffered since the Covid pandemic hit in March 2020. Although restrictions eased for people to come to the winery later that year, there has been a big drop off in people going out with friends for wine tastings, Wilson said.

Leonard Oakes continued to have some big days at the winery – during the summer for the Wednesdays on the Lawn concert series. But Wilson said the big crowds tended to only be there for events, and not regular days.

The Oakes family acquired the property of the former Winters Feed Company at 10609 Ridge Rd. in 2007 and put an addition on for the winery and tasting room. A few years later the Oakes family added a pavilion for special events.

For several years the winery held its largest event at the end of August: the Steampunk Festival that often attracted 1,000 people wearing futuristic costumes with a Victorian theme. The festival showcased Leonard Oakes’ SteamPunk Cider.

Bryan DeGraw, Jon Sherman and Marguerite Sherman spend time chatting Saturday evening in the tasting room at Leonard Oakes.

DeGraw owns 810 Meadworks, which moved to Leonard Oakes two years ago after eight years in downtown Medina. 810 Meadworks also will be closing.

DeGraw said he is grateful for the decade of making mead in Medina and appreciates another two years of making and selling mead at Leonard Oakes.

DeGraw said the alcohol industry is changing – and shrinking.

“I wanted to create a place for people to escape and find respite,” DeGraw said about the Meadworks experience. “I’m proud that we did.”

The Shermans have been steady customers of 810 Meadworks and Leonard Oakes.

Marguerite Sherman is Medina’s mayor. She said the community feels pain when long-time local businesses close. She noted Case-Nic Cookies also is closing the end of December after 29 years on Main Street.

“When the small businesses start to go it hurts,” Sherman said. “We are all families.”

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Cobblestone Museum hosting historian on Nov. 16 to discuss ‘architecture destroyed’

These photos show the former Universalist Church in Clarendon, which was knocked down in 2006, and the farm market that is there now.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 9 November 2024 at 12:20 pm

CHILDS – The Cobblestone Society is extending an invitation to the public to join them at 4 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Cobblestone Church for a program on Bill Lattin’s updated book, “Architecture Destroyed.”

Lattin, former Cobblestone Society director and Orleans County historian, and Cobblestone director Doug Farley will look back at dozens of architectural treasures in Orleans County which succumbed to the wrecking ball over the decades. Lattin recently republished his book on the subject, adding several additional structures which were destroyed during the last few decades.

A narrated slide show will be presented in “before and after” style, with photographs of the original structure along with what each of the sites looks like today. Lattin will also sign copies of his book, which will be available for purchase that day.

The program is free, but donations will be accepted.

Following the program, attendees may continue to discuss the topic with Lattin and Farley at the neighboring Tavern on the Ridge for dinner on their own. Responses for the program or dinner are appreciated by calling the museum at (585) 589-9013 or on the Cobblestone website.

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Highs in upper 40s and 50s this coming week in Orleans County

Photos by Tom Rivers: A heron is on the shore of the Erie Canal on Thursday just west of the Brown Street bridge in Albion.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 November 2024 at 8:01 am

Today is forecast to be sunny with a high near 47 followed by a chance for showers and a high near 58 on Sunday.

The highs will then be near 57 on Monday (Veterans Day), 48 on Tuesday and 53 on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

The forecast then shows a high of 52 on Thursday and 48 on Friday.

The heron takes off in flight when a human got too close for comfort.

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40 artisan vendors at Maison Albion this weekend
Posted 9 November 2024 at 7:42 am

Press Release, Maison Albion

ALBION – Maison Albion will host its autumn French Market today and Sunday. The two-day event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.

The event will feature over 40 vendors from across Western New York, specializing in seasonal produce, artisanal goods, handcrafted items, and unique antiques.

The Market at Maison is a French-inspired market designed to provide small businesses a unique and elegant space to showcase their products while connecting with other artists and community members.

Guests will experience a weekend of shopping through the extravagant ballroom and beautifully designed patio spaces adorned with autumn décor. Tours of the historic mansion will be available to all guests, with seasonal fare available from local food trucks and warm beverages served by Mixologie.

“The Market at Maison has become a beloved seasonal tradition, creating opportunities for local artists, farmers, and antique curators to reach a wider audience in a beautiful space,” said Kerri Glover, owner of Maison. “We’re thrilled to present our autumn edition, which showcases the rich harvest and craftsmanship of our region.”

Maureen Bennett, owner of A Little Cottage Chic and a long-time vendor, added, “The autumn Market at Maison is always a highlight of the season. The atmosphere is magical, with the perfect blend of items that capture the cozy spirit of fall. It’s a must-visit event for anyone looking for unique gifts or seasonal decor.”

Maison Albion is committed to providing all guests with the utmost hospitality, aiming to leave visitors enchanted by the grounds’ beauty and rich history. General admission tickets are $5 for one day or $8 for both days, including access to the Market at Maison and two complimentary seasonal refreshments. Tickets for the event can be purchased online. Click here for more information.

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Albion HS chorus, band give patriotic tribute at veterans’ concert
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 8 November 2024 at 9:17 pm

Photos by Marsha Rivers

ALBION – The Albion High School band and chorus performed a patriotic concert for veterans on Thursday evening.

In the top photo, Elliott Michki, the vocal music teacher, directs the chorus. Kathleen Same is the accompanist.

The concert was a musical celebration of the United States and veterans, featuring American music and American composers.

The concert including the singing of the national anthem, led by the Mixed Chorus. Mickey Edwards, the district superintendent, then recognized the veterans in attendance.

The Mixed Chorus also sang “In Flanders Fields,” “A Tribute to the Armed Forces,” and “Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor.”

The Concert Band led by instrumental music director Mike Thaine performed the “Monterey March,” “Song of Operation Desert Storm,” and “Sparks.”

The combined Mixed Chorus, Concert Band and audience joined for “America the Beautiful.”

The concert included the premiere of a new composition, “Song of Operation Desert Storm.” It was written by the Moses Sherman, who led the Albion marching band from 1950 to 1975. Sherman passed away in 1997. His family recently discovered the song he wrote and four of the family members sang, including great-grandson Hunter Zambito, son Alec Sherman, great-granddaughter Keira Zambito and granddaughter Megan Zambito.

Veterans Day will be observed on Monday.

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Colder weather, more time indoors increase chances for respiratory illness
Posted 8 November 2024 at 7:25 pm

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

As the temperatures drop, people in our community will spend more time indoors, increasing the chance of spreading respiratory illnesses like Influenza (flu), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and Covid-19.

“During the fall and winter season, we typically have more people getting sick,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “For some people – like children, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions – these illnesses can be serious.”

There are simple ways to keep everyone healthy and small actions can make a big difference. When we work together, we protect ourselves and help protect family, friends, neighbors and coworkers.

Tips to stay healthy

Viruses spread easily and can change over time, so it’s important to practice good habits to limit the spread.

  1. Stay away from people who are sick.
  2. If you aren’t feeling well, stay home.
  3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
  4. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer if you can’t use soap.
  5. Try not to touch your eyes, mouth, or nose.
  6. Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated and staying up-to-date on vaccinations.
  7. Practice other healthy habits:
  • Clean surfaces you often touch at home, school, or work.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Eat healthy meals.
  • Stay active.

What to do if you become sick

If you have symptoms of an illness, like coughing, a sore throat, trouble breathing, or a fever, it is important to act quickly to help yourself and protect others.

  1. Stay home and avoid contact with others to avoid the spread of illness.
  2. Watch your symptoms closely.
  3. Seek medical advice if symptoms get worse or if you have underlying health conditions that make you more at risk.
  4. Drink lots of water.

If you have a respiratory illness, like the flu or Covid-19, you can spread it to others. How long you are contagious can vary based on how sick you are and how long you stay sick, which may be different from person to person. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that once your symptoms are better and you haven’t had a fever for 24 hours (without using fever medicine), you are usually less contagious.

To be extra careful, wear a mask for 5 or more days after your symptoms improve. The CDC offers Respiratory Virus Guidance and continues to monitor health trends and update recommendations as needed. You can get information about the CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance Update here: Respiratory Virus Guidance Update Frequently Asked Questions.

Respiratory Disease Data

For the Genesee and Orleans Counties Respiratory Illness Dashboard that tracks confirmed cases of flu, RSV, and Covid-19, visit: GO Health Respiratory Dashboard. It is important to note the data on this page only includes reported cases. Residents can also access our GO Health Water Analysis Dashboard to see if there has been an increase in respiratory illness activity in their town/village.

For more information on Health Department programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your local health department at:

  • Orleans County: (585) 589-3278
  • Genesee County: (585) 344-2580 ext. 5555
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