3 raccoons and 1 horse have tested positive for rabies in Orleans County so far this year
Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
Summertime is right around the corner. The anticipation of vacations, warm long days, and relaxation are just ahead. As we prepare to spend more time outside, Paul Pettit, Public Health Director of Genesee and Orleans counties, would like to share a message with the community.
“This is a good time to remind folks about the dangers of rabies and how to prevent humans and domestic pets from contracting this deadly disease,” Pettit said. “When spending time outdoors this summer, it is important not to feed, touch or adopt wild animals, stray dogs or cats. Rabies is almost always fatal but the good news is that it’s 100 percent preventable.”
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The virus is usually transmitted through a bite or scratch of an infected animal. Rabies is most often seen among wild animals such as raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes, but any mammal (human/ warm-blooded animal) can be infected with rabies. Pets and livestock can also get rabies if they are not vaccinated to protect them against the infection.
In Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming counties, there have been 37 animal specimens tested for rabies thus far in 2019. Of the 37 animals, 3 raccoons and 1 horse tested positive for rabies in Orleans County and 3 raccoons tested positive for rabies in Wyoming County. No animals have tested positive for the virus in Genesee County.
Although you cannot tell if an animal has rabies just by looking at it, you may notice the animal acting strange. Sarah Balduf, Environmental Health Director of Genesee and Orleans Counties, shares what the common signs of rabies appear to be in animals.
“Animals with rabies may show a variety of signs, including fearful- ness, aggression, affection, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, staggering, paralysis and seizures,” she said. “Animals with rabies may lose their natural fear of humans, and display unusual behavior – for example, an animal that is usually only seen at night may be seen wandering in the daytime.”
There is no treatment once the clinical signs of rabies appear. Infected animals usually die within one week after showing signs of rabies. Rabies infection of an animal can only be confirmed after death, through microscopic examination of the animal’s brain.
In humans, rabies may take up to three months to fully develop. The virus presents itself as flu-like symptoms such as a fever, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite, nausea, and tiredness. Tingling, prickling, or itching around the bite area is also common. After a few days, neurological (brain/ nerve) symptoms develop including agitation, anxiety, confusion, hyperactivity, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, hydrophobia (fear of water), hallucinations, insomnia and partial paralysis.
If you are bitten, scratched or have contact with an animal you believe to be rabid, immediately wash the wound, seek medical attention and report the incident to your local county health department. A doctor or health department officials will determine if vaccination with rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (RPEP) is necessary. A person who is exposed and has never been vaccinated against rabies should get 4 doses of rabies vaccine; one dose right away, and additional doses on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th days. People who have weakened immune systems may require a fifth dose of vaccine, as determined by their doctor.
Once symptoms of the disease develop, rabies is fatal. There is no cure, only prevention. Review these tips on how to keep you, your family, and your pets safe from rabies:
• Do not feed, touch or adopt wild animals, stray dogs or cats. This includes baby animals.
• Be sure your pet dogs, cats and ferrets as well as horses and valuable livestock animals are up-to- date on their rabies vaccinations. Vaccination protects pets if they are exposed to rabid animals. Pets too young (less than 3 months) to be vaccinated should be kept indoors and allowed outside only under direct observation. • Keep family pets indoors at night. Don’t leave them outside unattended or let them roam free.
• Don’t attract wild animals to your home or yard. Keep your property free of stored bird seed or other foods that may attract wild animals and tightly cap or put away garbage cans.
• Board up any openings to your attic, basement, porch or garage. Cap your chimney with screens.
• Be aware that bats have small, sharp teeth and in certain situations people can be bitten and not know it. Do not release a bat when found in a room with a person or pet sleeping or unable to speak. If you are able to safely capture the bat, bring it to your county health department where it will be transferred to the state for rabies testing. Click here to watch a video on how to safely capture a bat.
• Teach children not to touch any animal they do not know and to tell an adult immediately if they are scratched or bitten by any animal.
• If a wild animal is on your property, let it wander away. Bring children and pets indoors and alert neighbors who are outside. If possible, try to contain the wild animal.
• Anyone who has been bitten by any animal or who otherwise may have been exposed to rabies, needs to Capture and Call. If you can do so safely, being careful to not damage the head/brain, cap ture the animal and call your local health department or a doctor to report the incident. Capturing the animal is vital in order for it to be tested for rabies.
To protect your pets from rabies, please visit one of our upcoming anti-rabies clinics:
Genesee County: Thursday, August 15: Genesee County Fair Grounds, 5031 East Main Rd., Batavia, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Orleans County: Saturday, August 24: Town of Shelby Highway Building, 4062 Salt Works Rd., Medina, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Photos courtesy of Kristina Gabalski: Students at Kendall Elementary School work to plant a school orchard on Friday morning.
Posted 15 June 2019 at 2:27 pm
Press Release, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County
KENDALL – Members of the Kendall Elementary-based 4-H Club and Kendall Elementary students joined forces last week to plant a school orchard.
The project was a joint effort between the school and the 4-H Club, which meets regularly during the school year, as a community service project.
“We proposed to idea to Sharon Smith, Kendall Elementary Principal, last year and she enthusiastically supported the project,” said Kristina Gabalski, Orleans County 4-H Program Coordinator. “School orchards provide educational and nutritional benefits to students by providing a place to learn about nature, grow plants and produce food. The orchard at Kendall Elementary will be a living classroom and a laboratory without walls where students can study everything from botany to art, as well as relax and be refreshed by its beauty.”
Principal Sharon Smith works with Kendall Elementary students to plant a tree in the new orchard.
The Kendall Elementary School orchard is located just outside the south wing of the school where it will be easy for students to access as well as care for the planting.
“The spot will also provide some protection from wind and receive lots of sun all year,” Gabalski said.
The orchard includes six trees: two Enterprise apples (a new disease-resistant variety); two Northern Spy apples (a heritage variety); one Blake’s Pride pear; and one Stanley plum.
The trees were donated by Sara’s Garden Center in Brockport, which has also enthusiastically supported the project. Additionally, Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension received a $500 grant from Gro More Grassroots Grants presented by the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation and KidsGardening. Grant funds were used to purchase garden tools, mulch and additional supplies for the orchard.
Sharon Smith said she foresees the orchard having a prominent place in the Kendall community for years to come.
“The more children we involve in this, and the more families in the community who become involved in this, will mean that this orchard is valued and protected for many decades,” she said. “Students will take these skills and this love back home and apply it in their own gardens with their own families, and eventually with their own children as adults.”
Gabalski would also like to acknowledge the support and help of Dan Brundage, Kendall Elementary Buildings and Grounds Manager, and his staff for their guidance and enthusiasm in making the orchard a reality.
“We have an amazing relationship between Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4-H, and Kendall Elementary,” she said. “It is so exciting to be able to work together on projects like this that enhance the quality of life in our community.”
Members of the Kendall Elementary 4-H Club place trees before they were planted on June 7.
Kendall Elementary students are framed by foliage from one of the fruit trees while they work on planting another.
Students dug holes, planted trees and watered and mulched the new transplants.
The newly planted Kendall Elementary School Orchard with the school in the background.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 June 2019 at 12:04 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Jessy Cruz hugs Barbara Parker, the mother of the late Brandon Parker, who was 9 when he passed away on Feb. 23, 2011.
Jessy was awarded the Brandon Parker Memorial Scholarship during Class Night on Friday, when about $100,000 were presented to the Class of 2019.
Brandon was a member of the class. He also was a big wrestling fan. His family created the scholarship for a senior involved in the wrestling program.
Avalina Hand, the valedictorian of the Class of 2019, accepts the Jake Patterson Memorial Award, which goes to the top-ranked student in the class. Assistant High School Principal Katharine Waite presents the scholarship to Avalina.
Jay and Kelly Kovaleski, both teachers at Albion, presented two scholarships in memory of their son, Nicholas, who passed away in 2011 from leukemia. The Nicholas Kovaleski Memorial Scholarship goes to two seniors who demonstrate excellent character and citizenship. Tess Pettit accepts the award from Kelly Kovaleski and Bryce Pritchard accepts his from Jay Kovaleski.
This year’s class night included five new scholarships. The Albion Alumni Foundation manages $88,000 of the awards.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) and Congressman Peter King (NY-2) reintroduced the Renovate and Enhance Veterans’ Meeting Halls and Posts (REVAMP) Act. This legislation will grant organizations access to federal funding for maintenance and improvements to veteran halls and posts.
“American Legions and VFW Posts provide a place where veterans can come together to share their stories, get help with VA claims, and get involved in the community,” said Congressman Collins. “I would like to thank Congressman Peter King for once again joining me in introducing this vital legislation that ensures our veterans have the resources they need to maintain and improve their facilities.”
“Veterans organizations like the VFW and American Legion continually provide and open their facilities to our communities,” said Congressman King. “It is only fair that we provide them with the opportunity to upgrade and repair these facilities to ensure continued use.”
The REVAMP Act allows organizations who are classified by the IRS as 501(c)(19) non-profit organizations and comprised primarily of past or present members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their family members to be eligible for funding through Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). This legislation uses existing CDBG funding to make veteran organizations eligible for that particular funding and does not add to the deficit
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 June 2019 at 9:15 am
Photos by Ginny Kropf
MEDINA – Parents, Scouts and veterans stand at attention as they prepare for their annual flag-retirement ceremony on Flag Day at the Scout camp on School No. 10 Road.
Demonstrating the proper way to dispose of the American flag has been a tradition on Flag Day for Cub and Boy Scouts in Medina for nearly a decade.
Steve Johnson from the American Legion, left, watches a Scout place flags in the fire during a flag retiring ceremony Friday night at the Scout camp on School No 10 Road.
Dozens of Scouts, their parents and members of the American Legion and VFW in Medina gathered at the Scout camp on School No. 10 Road Friday night to burn piles of worn and torn flags.
As Scouts unfolded one flag and demonstrated how the stripes were separated from the blue field of stars, they were reminded this was not a “flag burning,” but a “flag retirement.”
Piles of flags lay on the ground waiting to be properly disposed of Friday night by Scouts in Troop 28 and 35, and Pack 28 and 35 at their Scout camp on School No. 10 Road in Medina. Also participating were members of the American Legion and VFW. Talking in back are Gary Blackburn of Ridgeway and Dave Kusmierczak of Medina, a member of the American Legion and VFW.
This giant flag supplied by Veterans Services Agency Director Earl Schmidt was among the dozens of flags burned in a flag-retirement ceremony Friday night by Scouts and veterans in Medina.
Scouts separate the stripes on an American flag to demonstrate the proper way to dispose of it at a flag retiring ceremony Friday night.
Three of the Scouts who read the meaning of each part of the flag were Tyler Miller, Cade Miller and Jon Thomas. They explained the red stripe signifies the blood shed for our freedom; the white stands for the burning tears shed by Americans who lost their sons; and the blue field is for truth and justice, like the stars that fell from heaven. The stars also represent the 50 sovereign states of our union.
Dave Kusmierczak, a member of the American Legion and VFW, said he has been coming to this ceremony on Flag Day for at least eight years. He said they also retire flags at the Conservation Club on Memorial Day weekend.
Flags which have become too worn to use can be dropped off all year at the VFW on East Center Street, the American Legion on North Main Street, Ace Hardware on East Center Street or the Veterans’ Service Agency office on Route 31 in Albion.
Alicia Vanderwalker, chaplain for Troop 28 and Cubmaster of Pack 28, helps a Scout deposit a flag in the fire.
By Matthew Ballard, Orleans County Historian Posted 15 June 2019 at 8:07 am
“Overlooked Orleans” – Vol. 5, No. 23
Piroska (Barbara) Brown and her husband, Benoe (Benjamin) Brown, hold trinkets smuggled into the United States after the couple fled Hungary in 1949. Mrs. Brown intended to send this miniature piano to President Truman.
CARLTON – This photograph appeared in the November 22, 1956, issue of the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle under the headline “U.S. Truly Land of Opportunity, Say Ex-Hungarians Now Citizens.”
The couple, in their early 50s, are holdings trinkets brought to the United States after their escape from the People’s Republic of Hungary. Standing on the right is Benjamin Baruch Brown, born March 12, 1903, at Fehergyarmat, Hungary as Benoe Braun. On the left is his wife, Barbara Brown, born April 9, 1904, at Fehergyarmat, Hungary; her given name at birth was Piroska. The couple wed on November 13, 1948 shortly before their departure from Hungary.
Benjamin Brown was known locally for his 430-acre farm located on Roosevelt Highway in Carlton, about 2.5 miles west of Two Bridges. Brown purchased the initial acreage from Ed Archbald, a property known locally as the Miller Farm, and later added acreage from the Lyell Kenyon Farm and the Myron Grehlinger Farm. He used half of the acreage for cherry and apple orchards while tomatoes, cabbage, and cucumbers occupied the remaining land.
In Hungary, Brown grew apples exclusively on a 96-acre farm known as Nagymezo, or “Big Meadow” in English. He later told a Democrat & Chronicle reporter, “[Communists] took everything, equipment, supplies, land, you had to just walk off and leave everything. And they didn’t pay you a penny for it, either. If the owner didn’t just disappear during the transaction he was just lucky.” An employee and active member of the local Communist Party informed Brown that the Hungarian government planned to send him to Russia to study collective farming. Upon completion, Brown was to return to Hungary and supervise a government farming program.
Benjamin and Barbara immediately fled their home on July 30, 1949, just days before the Communists assumed full control of Hungary. The Browns relied upon friends and the kindness of strangers to smuggle them out of Budapest, through Czechoslovakia, and into the U.S. controlled zone in Austria. Once in Austria, the couple travelled to the United States, arriving at the Port of New York on January 13, 1950. In total, they paid three smugglers $1,300 for the journey and shipped heirlooms and other personal belongings (including those in the photograph) to the U.S. by way of Americans and soldiers.
The Rochester Democrat & Chronicle reported, “The Browns are mighty proud of their new country, and they said they wish they could tell the American people how much they appreciate a country where they could be received as they have, be given the opportunities provided them, and to effect the rehabilitation that they have experienced during the last six years. They initiated steps towards citizenship soon after their arrival and now are full-fledged naturalized citizens of the United States.”
The article featuring the Browns appeared in the Democrat & Chronicle in the weeks following the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. Soviet military forces entered Budapest on November 4, 1956, to suppress a massive revolt against the Communist government, resulting in the deaths of more than 2,500 Hungarians.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 14 June 2019 at 6:01 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Brian Fry slides into third after banging out a game opening triple during the Mustangs state semifinal loss to Schuylerville this afternoon at Broome Commnity College. The Schuylerville third baseman is Nate Preston.
Outscored 6-2 over the last four innings, Medina dropped a 6-3 decision to Schuylerville in the semifinals of the state Class B baseball playoffs this afternoon at Broome Community College near Binghamton.
Medina did get off to a lightning quick start with a run in the top of the first inning as Brian Fry ledoff with a triple and Nate Sherman followed up with an RBI single.
The Mustangs made it 2-0 in the top of the fourth inning as Sherman doubled and came home on a sacrifice fly by AJ Seefeldt.
Nate Sherman bangs out an RBI angle in the first inning to give Medina a quick lead.
However, the Mustangs got only two more hits and just one more run the rest of the way.
Schuylerville rallied into a 2-2 tie in the bottom of the fourth inning on a wild pitch and a fielders choice play as a hit batter and a single set up the opportunity.
The Black Horses then grabbed a 3-2 lead in the fifth on a burst of three straight singles by Ryan Yandow, Colton Weatherwax and Nate Preston.
Medina though quickly battled back to retie the contest at 3-3 in the top of the sixth. Fry leadoff the inning with a double and two outs later Seefeldt reached on a single. Fry and Seefeldt then perfectly executed a double steal play with Fry scoring the equalizer.
The deadlock though did not last out the inning as Schuylerville quicky regained the lead for good at 6-3 on a huge two out, bases loaded double by Weatherwax in the home half of the frame. A walk, a single and an intentional walk loaded the bases setting up the threat.
Schuylerville pitcher Matt McCarthy then quickly closed out the victory by striking out the side in the top of the seventh. He finished with a total of 10 strikeouts, 5 hits and 2 walks.
“Our kids battled back to tie it up on a real nice double steal play but they had one more hit that we did,” said Medina Coach Jon Sherman. “They made the adjustment at the plate and got the big hit when they needed it.”
Defensively both teams turned big double plays in the first inning. First Schuylerville turned it from Brady Eugair to Christian Petralia to Alex Valee then Medina turned one from Seefeldt to Zach Fike.
In making just their second ever appearance in the state semifinals, the Mustangs finish the season with a school record mark of 21-3.
Medina’s Brian Fry slides into home in the sixth inning on a double steal to tie the game at 3-3. The Black Horses catcher is Paul Harshbarger.
Medina’s Zach Fike completes a double play as Schuylerville’s Paul Harshbarger dives back to the bag.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 June 2019 at 5:24 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
HOLLEY – Maizy Ehrhardt, a Holley fifth-grader, is all decked out in red, white and blue during the elementary school’s Flag Day celebration this morning.
More than 500 elementary students walked from the elementary school to the Historical Society depot past the Public Square. Students sang patriotic songs and the elementary school band also performed the “Star Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful,” and “My Country ’Tis of Thee.”
Lindsay Cooper, a kindergarten teacher, joined her students in wearing red, white and blue on the patriotic day.
Holley has been celebrating Flag Day with a parade through the community for 62 years. It is one the highlights of the year for the school and community.
Ryker Knight, a fifth-grader and a Boy Scout, served as one of the student emcees for the program today.
The program included the presentation of the Catherine B. Press awards, which went to fifth graders, Grant Smith and Caydence Merkley. This is the highest good citizen award at the school district. It was started by Catherine Press, a school secretary. The award goes to students who display character, respect, citizenship, kindness and responsibility.
A student in each classroom was recognized with a “Good Citizen” award. Those students include:
• Pre-kindergarten – Keyana Vicens, Nora Restivo and Emma Marquez.
• First grade – Yliazit Cortes, Lauren Fredendall and Savanna Antram.
• Second grade – Jayden Miller, Angel Vazquez-Mendoza, Carsyn Mogle, Cayden Vangelder and Zakkerya Jenks.
• Third grade – Brianna Pellegrino, Max Milazzo and Kailyn Robinson.
• Fourth grade – Haidynn Mullins, Oliver Fox and Isla Schultz.
• Fifth grade – Landen Goodrich, Ryker Knight and Grant Smith.
• Sixth grade – Chris Mosier, Frances Caraballo-Vazquez, Cora Hudzinski and Donovan Hendrick-Hayes.
These students make their way down Route 31 during the parade.
Albion and Holley Police Chief Roland Nenni, left, and Albion Lt. David Mogle helped direct traffic during the parade that passed through the intersection of routes 31 and 237.
These students wave flags while walking through the Public Square.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 June 2019 at 1:57 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman: The Medina Mustangs baseball players and coaches stand for the national anthem before today’s state semifinal game in Binghamton against Schuylerville.
UPDATE 3:44 p.m.: Schuylerville wins, 6-3, over Medina to advance to the championship game.
UPDATE 3:38 p.m.: Medina down 6-3 after six innings.
UPDATE 3:33 p.m.: Chris Goyette on the mound for Medina in bottom of sixth with score tied at 3.
UPDATE 3:09 p.m.: Medina down 3-2 after 5 innings.
UPDATE 2:47 p.m.: Tied at 2 after 4 innings.
UPDATE 2:28 p.m.: 1-0 after three innings, Medina in the lead.
UPDATE 2:13 p.m.: Still 1-0 after two innings.
UPDATE 2:02 p.m.: Medina leading 1-0 after first inning. Brian Fry with leadoff triple.
BINGHAMTON – Medina is the away team and bats first. Trevor Luthart is on the mound for Medina. He won 10 games so far this season with 96 strikeouts in 68 innings. (See video of him firing in a pitch during the first inning.)
The game was scheduled to start at 2, but was moved up to about 1:45.
Medina brings a school record 21-2 mark into the game while Schuylerville is 17-7.
Orleans Hub will post updates to game. Sports editor Mike Wertman and photographer Cheryl Wertman are at the game.
A contingent from Medina made the trip to Binghamton to cheer on the Mustangs.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 June 2019 at 1:04 pm
Photo by Cheryl Wertman
BINGHAMTON – The Medina Mustangs baseball team takes infield practice just before 1 p.m. today.
Medina is in Binghamton for the Class B state semifinals against Schuylerville. The game starts at 2 p.m. at Broome Community College with the victor advancing to Saturday’s state title contest at Binghamton University.
Medina brings a school record 21-2 mark into its second ever appearance in the state semis. The Mustangs advanced by defeating LeRoy 10-2 in the Far West Regional.
Schuylerville, which is 17-7, is making its first ever appearance in the semis.
Orleans Hub will post updates to game. Sports editor Mike Wertman and photographer Cheryl Wertman are at the game.
Recently, Senator Rob Ortt (R,C,I,Ref-North Tonawanda) joined Assembly members Angelo J. Morinello (R,C,I,Ref-Niagara Falls) and Michael Norris (R,C,I,Ref-Lockport) to introduce legislation providing local input on energy projects.
The bill (S.6338) would ensure the presence of local representation on any siting board for electric generating projects proposed across the state. Currently, there are 25 proposed electric generating projects proposed in New York with 19 of them lacking a full representation on the projects siting board.
Under the state’s Article 10 law, each host municipality of an electric generation project may nominate four individuals to be considered as an ad hoc member on the siting board. From that list, the State Senate and Assembly are granted the first opportunity to appoint one community member each to the siting board.
Should the Legislature not act within the allotted time frame outlined by the law, the governor is then given the opportunity to appoint two members from the localities list. If the governor also fails to appoint two community members in the outlined time frame, a quorum of the five permanent members, who are all appointed by the governor, may meet and make a decision on the project.
“The ability for local residents and host municipalities to voice their concerns is essential in siting energy projects,” Ortt said. “It is unacceptable for a siting board to act without any local representatives included in the discussions, and for the Legislature and governor to abdicate their responsibilities is equally as troubling. My legislation would ensure that no electric generation project is approved without input from the host municipality.”
The Senate Majority Leader, Speaker of the Assembly and governor all failed to approve any candidates nominated by Cambria and Pendleton for the Bear Ridge solar project. Assembly members Morinello and Norris recently introduced an Assembly version of the Senate legislation calling for local representation to be included on any current and future electric generation projects.
“Local control and input is critical when determining the viability and desirability of an energy project in a community,” Norris said. “New York State already has far too much overreach and authority in making decisions that should be kept at the local level. A community should determine where and how electrical generating projects are constructed, not a board of politically appointed bureaucrats that do not carry the best interest of a host community.”
“It is not right to avoid local input on decisions affecting a community by failing to appoint ad hoc members to the siting board,” Morinello said. “Article 10 appears to have the effect of all decisions made by Albany bureaucrats.”
Provided photo: Ronan Tynan, an acclaimed tenor, first performed in Medina on Sept. 17, 2016.
MEDINA – The Orleans Renaissance Group, Inc. is pleased to announce the return of one of the world’s great voices to Medina. Irish tenor Ronan Tynan will be back in Medina on Oct. 5 for a concert at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
He performed to a sold-out crowd of 650 at St. Mary’s on Sept. 17, 2016.
“Dr. Tynan absolutely electrified a sold-out, capacity audience in 2016,” said Chris Busch, chairman of the ORG. “People came from as far away as California to see him perform here. Experiencing one of the world’s great tenors in the incredible setting of St. Mary’s sanctuary was absolutely breathtaking. This is a must-see concert event and will sell out very quickly.”
The ORG has worked to promote cultural events and preservation projects in the community for more than decade, putting on first-rate concerts highlighted by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the world-renown a cappella quartet, Anonymous 4.
Tynan’s performance in 2016 was ORG’s biggest event to date. The concert sold out with 650 in the historic church. Extra chars had to be retrieved from the balcony and other rooms to accommodate everyone. Tynan’s powerful voice filled the church, and he had the audience laughing with some of his stories. He was joined by his accompanist, Bill Lewis.
Tynan has performed at historic events around the world. His memorable renditions of “God Bless America” have been heard at the World Series, The Belmont Stakes, and other momentous events.
He is a Sony recording artist who has released more than 10 titles, four of which have achieved platinum status. Additionally, between 1981 and 1984, Tynan amassed 18 gold medals and 14 world records while participating in the Paralympics. Nine of his records haven’t been surpassed.
Tynan has also performed for four U.S. Presidents. He performed as a single soloist at the funeral of President Ronald Reagan and most recently at the funeral of President George H. W. Bush. As well, Tynan has sung for two Popes– Pope John Paul II at St. Peter’s Basilica and Pope Benedict at the Concert of Hope.
Tickets are on sale now and available online at www.medinaalive.com. All are general seating.
State seeks to protect public health in midst of measles outbreak
Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Thursday signed legislation sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman and Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz that removes non-medical exemptions from school vaccination requirements for children.
The United States is currently experiencing the worst outbreak of measles in more than 25 years, with outbreaks in pockets of New York primarily driving the crisis. As a result of non-medical vaccination exemptions, many communities across New York have unacceptably low rates of vaccination, and those unvaccinated children can often attend school where they may spread the disease to other unvaccinated students. This new law will help protect the public amid this ongoing outbreak.
“The science is crystal clear: Vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to keep our children safe. This administration has taken aggressive action to contain the measles outbreak, but given its scale, additional steps are needed to end this public health crisis,” Governor Cuomo said. “While I understand and respect freedom of religion, our first job is to protect the public health and by signing this measure into law, we will help prevent further transmissions and stop this outbreak right in its tracks.”
Although the State can claim high immunization rates overall, preventable diseases like measles remain a public health threat when administrative loopholes allow children to go unvaccinated, carrying the potential to harm communities—and especially our most vulnerable residents—throughout the state.
Statewide, 96 percent of school-age children have been inoculated against measles, mumps and rubella, with the “MMR” vaccine, but a measles outbreak continues to affect communities in several parts of the state where the rate is lower. New York State currently allows both medical and religious exemptions to the MMR and other vaccines for students attending school.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, “Governor Cuomo’s leadership has continually raised the standard of public health and well-being across New York State. Immunizations give children the best protection from serious childhood diseases and are safe and effective. The efforts taken today stand in stark contrast to the disturbing anti-vaccination trends nationwide and underscore New York’s commitment to protecting public health.”
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 June 2019 at 7:18 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – With fire sirens blaring the community gave the Medina baseball team a big sendoff this evening as the Mustangs head for Binghamton and the state semifinals on Friday afternoon. Led by the Medina Police Department the sendoff parade included fire trucks from Medina, Shelby, East Shelby and Ridgeway. The Mustangs will face Schuylerville in the Class B semis at 2 p.m.Friday at Broome Community College with the victor advancing to Saturday’s state title contest at Binghamton University. Click here to see a video of the team heading out of town with much fanfare.
Here Mustang players including Trevor Luthart, AJ Seefeldt, Xander Payne and Joe Cecchini load their gear onto the charter bus.
Mustang players here get together for a photo before boarding the charter bus. From left are Nate Sherman, Matt Saj, Trevor Luthart, Aidan Paul, AJ Seefeldt, Corey Saj, Austin Mosher, Joe Cecchini, Zach Fike, Xander Payne, Brian Fry, Chris Goyette and Tyler Chinn.
Photos courtesy of Lyndonville Central School: Alviia Goigova portrayed Amelia Earhart, the first woman aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
Posted 13 June 2019 at 4:47 pm
Press Release, Lyndonville Central School
LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville fourth-grade roster had famous names such as Steve Irwin, Rosa Parks and Barack Obama for one afternoon. Students last week participated in a Biography Wax Museum as a culminating event to a research project.
Nicole Adamson’s students studied historical figures and popular names prior to the event. The students created poster displays about the individuals and had a start “button” on the poster. The fourth-graders stood still in front of their posters until a visitor pressed the button. The students then came to life as the characters and shared facts about themselves.
“My favorite part of the project was to dress up as Amelia Earhart,” said fourth-grader Alviia Goigova. “She was brave enough to fly across the Atlantic Ocean.”
Sarah Corser as Marie Curie, a physicist and chemist who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize.
Each student ended their speech with an inspirational wish for their visitor.
“I hope I inspire you to keep trying and persevere,” said Sarah Corser as she portrayed Marie Curie.
“I hope to inspire you to help injured animals,” said Logan Gerling, who was Steve Irwin.
“I hope to teach you to do anything if you try hard enough,” said Grant Freeman as Jackie Robinson.
Nicole Adamson’s fourth-grade class portrayed many famous figures, including King Tut, Edgar Allen Poe, Harriet Tubman, John F. Kennedy, Charlie Chaplin, Steve Jobs and Helen Keller.
Grant Freeman as Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. He played his first game with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. He won the most valuable player award with the Dodgers.
Logan Gerling as Steve Irwin, “The Crocodile Hunter” who was an Australian zookeeper, conservationist and television personality.
