Historian shares about Caroline Phipps, who started a school for women in Albion

Photos courtesy of Melissa Ierlan: Dee Robinson, retired Town of Gaines historian, gave a presentation on Sunday evening about one of the teachers at the schoolhouse, Caroline Phipps, who would start the Phipps Union Female Seminary in Albion.

Courtesy of Melissa Ierlan

GAINES – The first public event held at the Gaines Basin cobblestone school since the interior was remodeled was held on Sunday evening was completed.

Dee Robinson was the speaker and gave a presentation about Caroline Phipps Achilles and the Phipps Union Seminary. The lecture was part of a series by the Orleans County Historical Association each Sunday at 6 p.m. during August.

Dee Robinson moved to Childs in the 1970s. She joined the Cobblestone Society and organized its resource center. She became the deputy historian of Gaines, then the historian. She served in the position for over 30 years. Robinson currently works at the Hoag Library in the local history room.

Her focus during Sunday’s lecture was Caroline Phipps and the Phipps Union Female Seminary. Phipps was born in 1812. By age 14 she was teaching school in a log shanty in Gaines Basin for $1 a week. The log shanty was 14’ x 16’ with a stone chimney and a crude fireplace. She worked each day from 7 a.m. until noon then from 1 p.m. until 6 or 7 p.m. Seats were made of slab logs; tables were pinned against the walls. Every square inch of space was occupied.

By 1832 the cobblestone school house was built. At this point Caroline left teaching for more education. After she returned, she desired to establish a women’s school. Phipps Female Women’s Seminary was founded in 1837. By 1851 a wing was added on to the building to serve as housing for 100 students.

The Gaines Basin schoolhouse, which has undergone major interior upgrades in recent years, hosted its first public event on Sunday.

Girls who attended the Phipps seminary came from many different states including Michigan, Vermont, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and even from Canada. Each student was required to have a Bible and attend a church every week that their parents had chosen.

Dee made several connections during her research into Caroline Phipps and the seminary. She spoke of a phone call from a relative of a woman who had attended the seminary and graduated in 1861. She offered to send the certificate from her graduation. The woman’s name was Miss Gertrude Ward. Dee discovered in the library’s collection, a program from the same year Ward graduated.  Frank Lloyd Wright’s father wrote a ballad in 1847 for the Phipps Union Seminary. Lillian Achilles was the first librarian of the Swan Library and was the great niece of Caroline Phipps.

The school had two fires in 1874 and 1875. The second fire destroyed the building and the school ceased operating. The county bought the parcel upon which the County Clerk’s Office was constructed and still remains.

Dee Robinson and some of the attendees look over artifacts at the school.

Emily Harling, left, and Kaylee Lacey

For the second year in a row the Empire Girls State program was held virtually during to concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic.

Four from Orleans County – Kaylee Lacey of Medina, and Emily Harling, Kaylee Lacey and Leah Kania of Albion – were picked to attend the program.

Kaylee Lacey of Medina is student association secretary, and is a member of the Impact Club, Ecology and Conservation Club, marching band, swim team and softball team.

Emily Harling of Albion is an FFA officer and Freshman mentor. She helped start a recycling club. She also is a lifeguard who is a member of the swimming, soccer and track teams.

Leah Kania of Albion is vice president of Student Council, Close Up Club, Multi-Cultural Club, Freshman mentor, the musical theater program, National Honor Society, Select Chorus, marching band, Nature Trail committee, a NYSSMA participant and in the school volunteer work program.

Nicolina Creasey of Albion is the National Honor Society Secretary, a member of the soccer and track teams, and the school volunteer work program.

Leah Kania, left, and Nicolina Creasey

They were among 360 young women selected to attend the 80th American Legion Auxiliary Girls State session. As part of the annual program, outstanding students are chosen from their local high schools to spend a week learning about the inner workings of state, local and county government.

This premier leadership conference is designed to provide practical insight into the workings of the government, promote youth civic engagement, instill a sense of pride in America, and empower the next generation of women leaders, providing them with a network that lasts a lifetime.

The program included workshops lead by a political instructor, presentations on women in leadership, Activities that inspired patriotism and pride, as well as information on the American Legion Auxiliary.

“The ALA Girls State experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young women across our state and while we couldn’t hold the program in person, our team worked hard to ensure that this cohort of High School Juniors get to learn some of the important principles of democracy and about the American Legion Auxiliary ” said Jennifer Farley, American Legion Auxiliary Girls State chairman. “Our hope is that after attending the virtual ALA Girls State, the girls will be inspired to participate in the democratic process, volunteer in their communities and be filled with patriotism and pride.”

Photos by Tom Rivers

MURRAY – A group of motorcyclists and other vehicles, including several Orleans County Sheriff’s patrol cars, headed out for a 50-mile-plus ride around Orleans County today as part of the second “Ride for the Blue” in support of law enforcement.

The group met at property on Monroe-Orleans Countyline Road owned by David Paul and then commenced to Route 104, heading west, at about noon.

Before the ride, speakers railed against Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state laws that have made it more difficult for judges to set bail. The speakers said law enforcement faces pressure from politicians who want to “defund the police” and reduce the budgets for public safety.

One of the speakers from the Murray Joint Fire District urged people to consider becoming a volunteer firefighter or EMT.

Last year, the “Back the Blue” ride attracted about 500 vehicles, including 300 motorcyclists. Today, there was about last year’s turnout, but today was hindered by rain.

Here are more photos of the group:

Orleans County 4-H Fair ends 6-day run with attendance near 28,000

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – These kids are up high on the Ferris wheel in the midway on Saturday afternoon at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.

It was a bustling week at the fair with attendance well above average at an estimated 27,700. Fair officials consider 25,000 to be busy, but this past week there were lots of people – every day. There weren’t any washouts or oppressive temperatures.

“This was one of our best fairs ever,” said Robert Batt, the executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County.

Extension and fair officials were worried about the event the previous week, when big rainstorms turned the grounds into mud. The bridge on Route 31 by the fairgrounds was also closed to traffic, making it difficult for tractor trailers and larger delivery trucks to get to the fairgrounds.

The very popular grease pole event also was knocked off the schedule due to the fair’s insurance provider.

And there were the shifting regulations with Covid-19 to contend with. Covid caused last year’s fair to be shut down.

Batt said a very committed group of fair volunteers, staff and 4-H families worked through all the details and challenges. He said the public was patient, very supportive and grateful for the chance to come out to the fair which operated without crowd capacity limits or other restrictions.

4-H food stands – pie, French fries and the Senior Council stand with hamburgers and soda – also were up at least by 30 percent and had to make unprecedented restock of supplies in mid week.

A hay bale rolling contest gained a following as the week went on. It was at the grease pole area and teams of two needed to roll or push a 700-pound hay bale end-over-end. Here Alden Cayea and Chris Hahn of Medina compete on Saturday. They tried the event each night and qualified for the finals on Saturday. Jeremy Neal, event chairman, keeps an eye on them to make sure they don’t stray off course and get assessed a 10-second violation.

It proved much easier to get together teams of two than teams for the grease pole, which tended to have six to 10 members.

A petting zoo highlighted by a camel was a new addition that proved popular throughout the day.

The Indian River Olde Time Lumberjack Show put on several shows throughout the week. They were part of a diversified entertainment lineup.

Highway 31 performed some rocking country tunes to close out the fair on Saturday night.

Emma Klaver of Barre competes in a Western horse competition on Saturday where the riders had to race past barrels in a clover leaf pattern.

Levi Loveland, 4, of Kent enjoys a trip on a mini motorcycle at one of the midway rides on Saturday.

His mother, Megan Sorg, said Levi liked seeing the farm animals the most during their visit to the fair.

Ruth Kuipers, 11 , of Byron leads a steer in the show ring during Saturday’s 4-H animal meat auction. The total bids were way over the market price and topped $20,000.

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office

CARLTON – Orleans County Sheriff Christopher M. Bourke announced a Child Car Seat Check Point Event will be held on Tuesday at Orleans County Marine Park from 4 to 8 p.m. The Marine Park is located at 1110 Point Breeze Rd.

According to data, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ranging from the ages of 1 to 13. Preventative measures, such as proper installation of car seats, boosters and seat belts can lower many deaths and injuries. Informing and instructing parents and caregivers on child safety and proper installation of car seats is critical to saving young lives.

Our Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will inspect your car/booster seats to assure that your child is in the correct seat for their size and age. Car seat questions, please contact Certified Technician Kevin Colonna at 585-589-5527 or Kevin.Colonna@orleanscountyny.gov.

Any unvaccinated adults and children over the age of 2 attending this event are required to wear a mask and adhere to safe distance protocol.

Photos courtesy of Kristina Gabalski

KNOWLESVILLE – The 2021 Orleans County 4-H Fair Royalty include, kneeling front row: Prince Matthew Bloom, 11, of Albion; Princess Charlotte McGrath, 9, of Medina; Duke Carter Kuipers, 13, of Byron; Duchess Makenzie McGrath, 13, of Medina.

Standing back row: King Jordan Boccacci, 18, of Albion; and Queen Audrey Pask, 16, of Albion.

They were selected based on their participation and service at the fair.

This group also includes alternates. Kneeling front row: Duke Alternate Gideon Pask, 13, of Albion; Duchess Alternate Celes Paratore, 13, of Corfu; Princess Alternate Sophia Albone, 10, of Medina; Princess Charlotte McGrath, 9, of Medina; Prince Matthew Bloom, 11, of Albion.

Standing middle row: Prince Alternate Grant Kuipers, 9, of Byron; Duchess Makenzie McGrath, 13, of Medina; Queen Audrey Pask, 16, of Albion; Queen Alternate Catelynn Kidney, 17.

Standing back row: Duke Carter Kuipers, 13, of Byron; King Jordon Boccacci, 18, of Albion; King Alternate Joe Cecchini, 17, of Medina.

Dreams of Faithful Messages

Dreams are powerful things. Some people find they never dream or maybe they do but they just do not remember – we will never know. But for those of us who dream often, sometimes the messages leave powerful and lasting impressions.

Some people believe I am a bit coo-coo. Being coo-coo has allowed me to open up my mind to see and feel things others might find crazy. So here you have it, I do believe that in my dreams those that are beyond the blue skies visit me with messages of faith.

Vivid dreams often come to me during times of uncertainty or change. One such dream was a message from my Grandma Clark. Grandma was a bit taller than me and a real spit-fire. Although she appeared to be on high anxiety sometimes, with a little conversation and inappropriate banter, she would open that smile and show those pearly whites. So it was fitting in a time of self anxiety, she gifted me her strength.

In this dream she approached me wearing a trench coat. As she opened her coat the image on her full length t-shirt was of herself. She wrapped me in her coat, held me tight and whispered in my ear “All the strength within me I pass down to you.” I felt her strength pass through me – faith in persevering.

My other grandma has been known to visit me and just smile at me with her clear blue eyes. This is Grandma Burgoon, the no-nonsense grandma. She had hands so soft, like baby cashmere. In my dreams she simply sits with me, does not speak and holds my hand into hers. And once again strength passes through me – faith in tranquility.

My Uncle Butchie brought me a message after he passed. I did not even know that he passed. He asked me to tell everyone he was sorry he couldn’t make it to the “show,” but to let everyone know that we would reunite one day. He hugged me and walked off with a kind looking, young blonde-haired man. He was no longer sick with cancer and there was joy in knowing that his body was new and strong again – faith in everlasting life and reuniting.

My Uncle David came to me. He told me that he knew I was not so innocent, laughed and teased me as he always did. Then holding up tiny pictures of my aunt and two cousins, while smiling at each one – faith in appreciation and self awareness.

This whole phenomenon started almost three decades ago when I was sleeping and woke up to see my Grandpa Clark looking at me, not saying a word. I tried so hard to say his name but couldn’t. After that I welcomed these visits from those beyond the blue skies. Each one coming at just the right time in life. Little messages from Heaven reminding me that how we spend our time in our own minds, is not lost on those that care and look after us from above.

There are some people I am awaiting faithful messages from. I welcome the generosity of their comfort and encouragement should they feel it justified.

Have you ever been blessed in this way? To see two angels, visit my blog live online at (click here) and catch up on Weekly Photo Perks and past Sunday Posts. Like and share your comments. 

Truly,
Debbie London

KENDALL – A Kendall woman died in a fire at her home this morning, the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office is reporting.

The Orleans County Sheriff’s emergency dispatch center at 4:53 a.m. receive a 911 call of a house fire with a person trapped at 1965 Peter Smith Rd.

Deputy Joseph Laudico was on scene within nine minutes and discovered a fully involved working house fire. Attempts to gain entry were to no avail due to the heavy fire conditions, Sheriff Chris Bourke said.

Four people lived at the address, with three adults and a child. Two adults and the child were able to escape the fire. Firefighters discovered the body of Judy A. Snyder in a bedroom hallway, Bourke said.

This fatal fire is being investigated by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office CID/Fire Investigators, O.C. Emergency Management/Fire Investigators, NY State Fire and the Orleans County Coroner’s Office and the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Kendall Fire Department was assisted by firefighters from Carlton, Hamlin-Morton-Walker, Murray, Brockport as well as the Orleans County Department of Public Works.

The investigation is continuing into the cause and origin of this fire, Bourke said.

Photos by Tom Rivers: The participants in today’s small animal grand master showmanship competition include from left: Jacques Gregoire, 18, of Murray; Amber Kiefer, 17, of Lyndonville; Kaitlin Johnson, 17, of Oakfield (reserve grand master showman); Audrey Pask, 16, of Barre (grand master showman); Carissa Klossner, 13, of Holley; Zack Albright, 18, of Albion; and Grace Goodrich, 12, of Medina.

KNOWLESVILLE — Audrey Pask reclaimed the the title as grand master showman of the small animals today at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.

Audrey, 16, of Barre previously won the title in 2018. It features the top two showmen in poultry, rabbits, dogs and miniature horses.

Audrey Pask carries a chicken over to a table where she needed to answer many questions from a judge.

Audrey said she was grateful to be in the event, especially after last year’s fair was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions and concerns. She qualified for today’s event after winning the poultry showmanship title.

“This week has just been a blast seeing all the people,” she said.

Judges ranked the seven participants today in how they did showing a dog, rabbit, chicken and miniature horse. The dog and miniature horse tested their showmanship skills, while the rabbit and chicken were more knowledge based.

“You just give it your all — you can’t win unless you have confidence in yourself,” Audrey said.

Kaitlin Johnson shows a miniature horse and is judged by Nicole Dabney. Kaitlin was the reserve grand master showman. She qualified after winning the dog showmanship competition earlier int he week.

Carissa Klossner keeps her eyes on the judge and smiles while showing a miniature horse. She qualified for the event after winning the miniature horse showmanship event.

Zack Albright shows this Border Collie during the competition. He qualified for the event as the reserve master showman for rabbits.

Amber Kiefer shows this miniature horse. She was the reserve master showman for dogs.

Jacques Gregoire puts this chicken back in a cage after answering questions from judge David Gerling. Jacques qualified for today’s grand master showmanship after earning master showman for rabbits and reserve showman for poultry.

Grace Goodrich leads the Border Collie around the ring. She qualified after earning reserve showman for miniature horses.

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Kaylee Nesbitt, 17, of Lyndonville is presented with the grand master showman trophy after winning the competition on Friday evening.

The grand master showman title is one of the most prestigious at the fair. The competition features the master showman in nine different animals: horse Western, horse English, dairy goat, meat goat, sheep, swine, llama, dairy cattle and beef cattle.

Kaylee qualified for beef. This was her third time in the competition. She also shows horses in the Western events.

Kaylee said the grand master showmen is a difficult test, with each master showman having to show all the animals. The master showmen learn from each other and other 4-Hers with experience in the animals.

“You ask a lot of questions of people who have done it before,” she said.

Kaylee is planning to major in animal sciences this fall at SUNY Cobleskill. She would like to eventually be a large animal veterinarian.

These master showmen lead dairy goats in the show ring in front of judge Alecia Spoth. The front three from left include Kaitlin Bennett, Kaylee Nesbitt and Meganne Moore.

Spoth, the judge, said Kaylee Nesbitt maintained an overall composure with all of the animals, keeping eye contact with the judge and was in control of the livestock.

Spoth said she was impressed with all the master showmen, who demonstrated an expansive knowledge of the animals.

The master showmen included:

• Kaitlin Bennett, 12, of Barre, representing dairy cows
• Kaylee Nesbitt, 17, of Lyndonville, representing beef cattle
• Meganne Moore, 15, of Albion, representing English horse
• Olivia Kroening, 16, of Medina, representing Western horse
• Brilyn Rebisz, 16, of Bergen, representing dairy goats
• Carter Kuipers, 13, of Byron, representing pigs
• Celes Paratore, 13, of Corfu, representing meat goats
• Danielle Schmidt, 16, of Medina, representing llamas

Carter Kuipers was the reserve master showman. Here he is guiding a pig in the show ring.

Brilyn Rebisz leads a llama in the ring. Some of the animals were led by halter or with bare hands.

Olivia Kroening keeps a sheep under control. The master showmen needed to be nimble in the ring and respond to sudden movements from the animals.

Danielle Schmidt leads a steer to the show ring in the livestock arena. Showing the steer was outside Danielle’s comfort zone. She earned a spot in the competition after winning the llama showmanship event.

Kaitlin Bennett enters the show ring with a dairy animal. She was comfortable with dairy after winning that event earlier in the week.

Kaylee Nesbitt, left, and Meganne Moore keep tabs on the pigs they were showing in the grand master showmen competition, which lasted more than two hours and featured nine different types of animals. Judge Alicia Spoth is at right.

Celes Paratore walks a steer around the show ring. The beef animal gave her some fits with unpredictable jumps and uncooperativeness.

Photos by Tom Rivers: Friday was fireworks night at the fair, which added to the lights and sounds of the 4-H Fairgrounds.

Daily Feature: United States National Guard and US Air Force interactive exhibits.

Party Animals Exotic Animal Petting Zoo – All Day

Click here to see a short video of the fireworks finale on Friday night.

9 a.m. – Senior Council Stand Opens

9 a.m. – Gymkhana Horse Show at Carlos Marcello Arena

10:30 a.m. – Cat Show at Show Arena

Nate Olmstead works the grill during a very busy Friday evening at the 4-H Senior Council Stand. They sold 800 hamburgers and cheeseburgers during one four-hour stretch on Friday.

11:10 a.m. – “Iron Chef” 4-H Youth Cooking Contest Startsat Orleans Hub Stage

10 a.m. – Paid admission begins and free public parking opens at Wood and Taylor Hill Road Parking Lots; Buildings open to the public

10 a.m. to 10 p.m. – Synchronistic Psychic Services with Free Rune Readings at Lartz Building

12 p.m. – Leader’s Pie Stand Opens at Davis Building

12 p.m. – Small Animal Grandmaster Showman at Wachob Building area

Bob Bosco demonstrates the springboard chop during Friday’s Indian River Olde Time Lumberjack Show.

12:10 p.m. – “Iron Chef” 4-H Youth Contest Judgingat Orleans Hub Stage

12 p.m. to 5 p.m. – OCALS children’s book give-away and free activity at Lartz Building

12 p.m. to 6 p.m. – WNY PRISM, invasive species experts at Lartz Building

1 p.m. – Registration Ends for Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull at Fair Office

1 to 5 p.m. – Main Event Amusements $20 Unlimited Ride Wristband (Tickets purchased this block good 1 to 5 p.m. only) at Midway

1:30 p.m. – Small Fry Pedal Tractor Pull near JCH of Buffalo Tent

Gary Withey, right, and Gary Jones sing “Some Kind of Wonderful” during Friday’s concert by Jonesie and the Cruisers.

4 p.m. – Awards Ceremony and Crowning of the Fair Royalty at Curtis Pavilion

4:30 p.m. – Chainsaw Carving at Log Cabin Lawn

5 p.m. – Indian River Olde Time Lumberjack Show at Curtis Pavilion Lawn

6 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Ag stories with Orleans County Libraries (Community Free Library) at Cattle Barn

6 to 10 p.m. – Main Event Amusements $20 Unlimited Ride Wristband (Tickets purchased this block good 6 to 10 p.m. only)    at Midway

7 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Live Music: Highway 31 at Orleans Hub Stage

This group of kids watched the grand master showman competition up high on farm machinery.

6:30 p.m. – Chainsaw Carvingat Log Cabin Lawn

6:30 p.m. – Market Auction Preview and Receptionat Show Plex

7 p.m. – Indian River Olde Time Lumberjack Show at Curtis Pavilion Lawn

7 p.m. – Orleans County 4-H Market Auction at Show Plex

8:30 p.m. – Chainsaw Carvingat Log Cabin Lawn

9 p.m. – Indian River Olde Time Lumberjack Show at Curtis Pavilion Lawn

9:30 p.m. – Hay Bale Rolling Contest – Teams of 1-2, ages 16 and up. Register at the fair office by 9:20 p.m. – Adjacent the Carlos Marcello Horse Arena

10 p.m. – Hay Bale Rolling Contest – Winners only championship round. Adjacent the Carlos Marcello Horse Arena

10 p.m. – Buildings Close

Zach Fike separates the frozen hamburger patties in the 4-H Senior Council Stand. Fike was one of about 15 Shelby firefighters who volunteered in the stand on Friday.

Medina will apply again for $10 million for series of projects

Courtesy of Village of Medina, previous DRI application: The Village of Medina wants to improve public access to the Medina Waterfalls by constructing an elevated platform from the towpath. That project was part of Medina’s application in 2019 for $10 million in DRI funding.

MEDINA – The Village of Medina has a better chance of landing a $10 million grant as part of state Downtown Revitalization Initiative.

That’s because the state has doubled the funding, from $100 to $200 million for 10 regions in the state. In the first four DRI rounds, the state picked one winner from each of the 10 regions for $100 total.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced the state will be allocating $20 million for each region, with either two $10 million winners or one $20 million recipient.

The communities have until Sept. 15 to submit an application. Medina Mayor Mike Sidari said the village will be trying again for the $10 million and is working with Bergmann, a Rochester engineering and architectural firm, and a local committee to identify projects.

Sidari said he expects there will be some changes from the previous application, including some new projects that may be added. The village’s application also should be strengthened by several recent additions to the downtown, including the completion of the Bent’s Opera House, an expansion at the Zambistro restaurant, several new murals and other projects in the downtown. The state wants to direct the $10 million to villages or cities with momentum in their downtowns.

“We’re marking the Downtown Revitalization Initiative’s fifth year by doubling down on our commitment to help reimagine communities across the state, especially as we prepare for a post-pandemic future,” Cuomo said in a recent announcement. “The DRI is a cornerstone of New York’s comprehensive economic development strategy to drive investment and job creation in downtowns across the state. Our investments will support new and existing businesses, drive new mixed-use developments and bolster the arts and cultural venues to help attract residents and visitors for years to come.”

Medina was one of five finalists in 2019. That makes Sidari think the community already has a strong case for the funding.

Medina missed out to Seneca Falls in the Finger Lakes Region two years ago. The DRI wasn;t offered last year. Previous $10 million grant winners in the Finger Lakes region include the City of Geneva in 2016, the City of Batavia in 2017, the Village of Penn Yan in 2018 and Seneca Falls in 2019.

Applications for DRI Round 5 are available on the DRI website (click here). All applications should be submitted with a $10 million award in mind but may indicate that they would also like to be considered for a $20 million award, Cuomo said in a news release.

As with past DRI rounds, each selected community needs to develop a strategic plan with a vision for the revitalization of its downtown and identifies a list of signature projects that have the potential to transform the downtown. DRI funds will then be awarded for selected projects that have the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and realize the community’s vision for the downtown, Cuomo said.

Medina’s application from 2019 listed the following projects to be considered for DRI funding:

• Streetscape Improvements at an estimated $1 million in DRI funding.
• Rail with Trail, a multi-use trail along the Medina Railroad from the museum to Main Street, at an estimated DRI funding request of $200,000.
• The Canal Village Farmer’s Market would become a year-round market with a community kitchen, distillery and event space as part of a $3 million project, with $2.8 million in DRI funding.
• Canal Basin Park – Improved waterfront access and amenities at the Canal Basin Park for $2 million, to be funded with the DRI.
• State Street Park – enhanced programming to make the park a year-round recreational destination, with an ice skating rink, enhanced lighting, boat tie-ups, benches and bicycle racks, and a construction of a nature trail at a $600,000 cost, with the DRI funding $500,000.
• Lions Park Boater Access – The village seeks $250,000 for the DRI to install boat tie-ups and docking facilities at the Lions Park near the Route 63 lift bridge.
• Medina Falls Overlook – The village wants to better utilize the Medina waterfalls by adding a viewing platform and overlook off the Erie Canalway Trail, near the Horan Road Bridge. The project would cost an estimated $1.9 million with the DRI funding $1.5 million.
• Wayfinding Signage – Install a cohesive and well-branded system of wayfinding and directional signs at a cost of $200,000 with the DRI funding $150,000.
• Small Grant Fund – This fund will support economic-development related activities through the distribution of small grants to local businesses and investors. Medina would like a $900,000 fund with the DRI paying $600,000.
• Mustang City: Adaptive Reuse of the old Medina High School – A $9 million project with the DRI request at $3 million.
• Snappy’s Mixed-Use Development: This project at $1.8 million includes a $1 million DRI request. It would redevelop the Snappy facility on Commercial Street by the Erie Canal into a mixed-use commercial and residential space. The property could be redeveloped with the first floor for commercial uses and the second floor for residential.

Photo by Tom Rivers: Luci Welch, director of the Orleans County Probation Department, receives a special recognition award from County Legislator Skip Draper on Wednesday.

ALBION – Luci Welch, director of the Orleans County Probation Department, has been elected by her peers that lead probation departments around the state to serve as president of the New York State Council of Probation Administrators (COPA).

Welch was presented with a “special recognition award” on Wednesday by the County Legislature for her leadership in the state-wide association.

“You have added great value to the New York State Probation Council and the Orleans County Probation Department through your endeavor assisting justice-involved individuals,” the citation reads from the Legislature. “Your continued dedication to the Public Safety of the people of Orleans County will  forever be widespread, long lasting and extremely appreciated.  The Orleans County Legislature does hereby commend you for your passion and dedication to our Orleans County residents.”

The County Legislature also presented Welch and two probation officers with a proclamation recognizing July 18-24 as “Pre-Trial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week.”

Legislators said the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the services provided by these essential workers at probation.

“During these times of uncertainty, change, and unrest, Probation Professionals provide essential public services that our communities depend on,” legislators said in the proclamation. “Even as their roles expand and change, Probation Professionals help offenders rehabilitate and keep the public safe.”

Probation workers connect individuals on probation to drug and alcohol counseling, mental health assistance, job training, and other services.

The probation staff perform “an array of law enforcement work, including the supervision of a wide range of offenses involving both adults and juvenile offenders, from DWI cases to sex offenses to domestic abuse,” legislators said.

The probation workers “continue to perform this public service even as the Covid¬19 pandemic has added many complications for probation officers to supervise and made their jobs more difficult,” legislators stated in the proclamation.

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York State will administer nearly $1.1 billion in federal funding directly to child care providers to help stabilize the industry and enable more parents to return to the workplace fulltime.

The funding – available through the American Rescue Plan Act and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act – represents the largest single investment in child care in New York State history. It will provide direct support to child care programs and help replenish losses experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services will manage the grant funding. Funding applications will open Wednesday, August 4.  Today’s announcement gives child care providers time to prepare and gather relevant materials needed for their application.

“Stabilizing the child care industry is critical to New York’s economic rebirth,” Governor Cuomo said. “Many child care providers struggled to stay open throughout the pandemic as parents stayed home with their children. This monumental investment – the largest single investment in child care in our state’s history – will allow these programs to continue providing essential services and enable more parents to return to the workplace full time.”

Lt. Governor and Child Care Availability Task Force Co-Chair Kathy Hochul said, “We can’t have a full economic recovery without boosting affordable and quality child care services for New York families, particularly working women who have been disproportionately set back by the pandemic. This funding provides critical support for child care providers who have suffered during the pandemic. Child care workers have courageously showed up to allow frontline workers to go to work, and we need to have their back now more than ever.”

Eligible providers include OCFS-licensed or registered programs, permitted New York City day care centers and legally exempt group programs that are enrolled with an enrollment agency. To be eligible, the programs must have been open and serving children in person as of March 11, 2021 and open and available to provide in-person services on the date they apply for the grant.

This includes child care providers that are open and staffed to provide in-person care even if there are no children currently enrolled. Programs that are not providing services on the date of application may also be eligible for this grant if the program closed temporarily due to public health, financial hardship, or other reasons relating to the Covid-19, and attest that they will begin serving children within a specified timeframe.

OCFS Commissioner Sheila J. Poole said, “The pandemic has shone a spotlight on the critical role child care plays in supporting children, families and businesses. Throughout the pandemic, some child care programs remained open to serve the families of essential workers who could not stay home. As more people return to work, child care is foundational to reopening our state’s economy.”

OCFS will award more than $10 million in technical assistance funds to 35 child care resource and referral agencies and other key stakeholders to support child care providers in accessing and implementing the stabilization grants.