We appreciate input from our readers, and we publish letters to the editor without charge. The letters should be written by the person who submits the letter and not be “ghost written” by someone else. While open speech and responsibility are encouraged, comments may be rejected if they are purely a personal attack, offensive or repetitive. Comments are the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Orleans Hub. Although care is taken to moderate comments, we have no control over how they are interpreted and we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of comments and the rationality of the opinions expressed. We reserve the right to edit letters for content and brevity. Please limit the length of your letter (we suggest no more than 500 words) and provide your name, telephone number, mailing address and a verifiable email address for verification purposes. Letters should be emailed to news@orleanshub.com.
Hereeeee Kitty, Kitty, Kitty! If you believe that the Moon landing was fake and that Trump tells the truth, please look at the reporting of that liberal rag (Wall Street Journal) today and see what liars Trump and Vance are.
The article shows staff for Vance had clear and direct denials of story by Ohio authorities.
MEDINA – A special thank you to Deputy Jason Barnum of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office who spent time with our Security and Law Enforcement students at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center.
Deputy Barnum has taken time out of his busy schedule the last four years to provide assistance with a training exercise with teacher Gene Newman’s students.
“Conducting a comprehensive Felony Traffic Stop training exercise allows students to engage in realistic scenarios that enhance their critical thinking, teamwork, and decision-making skills,” said Mr. Newman. “This hands-on experience not only deepens their understanding of law enforcement procedures but also builds confidence in high-pressure situations, preparing them for the challenges they will face in the career field.”
A thank you to role player volunteers Gabie Rosenbeck and Colton Brunette who were invaluable in helping the students with their training.
Provided photo: John Bennett and Erin Phelps of UConnectCare stand next to the Harm Reduction vending machine located at the agency’s office in Batavia at 5130 East Main Street Rd.
ALBION – UConnectCare is expanding its support services to those struggling with substance use disorder by placing Harm Reduction vending machines at agency sites in Batavia and Albion.
One machine is located in the entrance of space leased by the agency in the front right corner of the building at 5130 East Main St. Rd., Suite 5, Batavia, and the other can be found at the agency’s Albion clinic at 249 East Ave.
“New York State’s Office of Addiction Supports & Services identifies Harm Reduction practices as part of the treatment continuum and a way to reduce overdose deaths – and we at UConnectCare are on board with that school of thought,” said UConnectCare Chief Executive Officer John Bennett.
“Harm Reduction is an important tool to keeping people alive so that we can provide brief interventions that move them towards treatment. It’s a patient-centered approach allowing people to make informed decisions about their treatment needs, just like other medical issues.”
Erin Phelps, the agency’s Harm Reduction project director, said the free vending machines remove the cost barriers to those seeking safer use supplies.
“If anyone needs these items, they can come to these offices and dispense them with no questions asked,” she said.
Phelps said those accessing the supplies will have the opportunity to meet with a member of the Harm Reduction staff but are under no obligation to do so or to accept literature focusing on treatment and/or recovery.
The machines will be stocked with harm reduction kits, naloxone (Narcan), fentanyl and xylazine test strips, drug disposal bags, hygiene kits and other items – all at no charge.
In Batavia, they will be accessible from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and during open access hours. In Albion, items from the machine can be utilized from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays.
Previously, the agency (formerly Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse) announced a Harm Reduction Mobile Outreach unit that visits several locations in the two counties five days per week.
Phelps emphasized the overarching goal of harm reduction is “to keep people alive and being ready to help them if and when they’re ready to seek help.”
Walk-ins are welcome to utilize open access. The program’s hours of service are 4-6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays at 5130 East Main St. Rd.
For more information about harm reduction services, opioid overdose prevention training and to see the mobile unit schedule, go to www.uconnectcare.org, the UConnectCare or The Recovery Station Facebook pages or send an email to harmreduction@uconnectcare.org.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 September 2024 at 12:50 pm
Public meeting set for Sept. 26 to outline program
ALBION – The Village of Albion is holding a meeting on Sept. 26 at Village Hall to go over the NY Forward program, where municipalities can receive $4.5 million in state funding to help downtown business districts, and tackle other housing and tourism initiatives.
The village is working with its grantwriter, G & G Municipal Consulting and Grant Writing, to submit an application. G & G will give an overview of the program during the Sept. 26 meeting, and will encourage projects to be submitted for the application.
Businesses, industry groups, cultural organizations, developers, non-profit organizations and property owners can submit a project for consideration.
Potential projects could include new construction (residential, mixed use, hotel, etc.), renovation of existing buildings, facade improvements, renovation of new retail, office, co-working, commercial, industrial, recreational or cultural uses.
The state wants projects that will transform the downtown and support a vibrant and year-round economy.
The Village of Medina has been awarded a $4.5 million NY Forward grant and those projects are expected to take shape in the next two years.
Albion submitted applications last year for the $4.5 million Forward NY program and for up to $10 million in a Restore NY grant.
Albion was denied in both applications in what grant writer Jay Grasso of G & G said are very competitive programs among municipalities looking to help their downtown business districts, and tackle other housing and tourism initiatives.
Grasso said Albion was a strong contender in both programs. Besides NY Forward, Grasso said the village will go after the Restore NY grant again this year.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced today that $50 million will be available in Round 9 of the Restore New York program. The funding supports municipalities’ efforts to demolish, rehabilitate, and restore blighted structures and transform them into vibrant residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.
“We are revitalizing communities across New York State through the Restore New York Communities Initiative – giving towns and cities the chance to build a future that is safer, more affordable, and more livable,” Hochul said in a press release.
An intent to apply form for Restore NY is due from municipalities to the state by Oct. 23.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 September 2024 at 10:24 am
Provided photos
KENDALL – Betty Wilson, center, turned 105 on Wednesday, Sept. 18. On Sunday after church at the Kendall Global Methodist Church, her family and friends celebrated her milestone birthday.
Pictured from left include Sandra Wilson Peragine, Dona Wilson Maynard, Robert Hart, Bob Harradine, Jane Wilson Hart, Betty Thornell Wilson, Marianne Wilson Kepler, Robert L. Wilson, Sage Anstey, Sherry Nottingham Wilson, Breanna King, Matt Wilson, Robert J. Wilson and Sandra Maxon Wilson.
Mrs. Wilson worked at Kodak, where she met her husband, Robert Wilson. They moved to Kendall and raised four children on a farm.
Family and friends enjoy the celebration in honor of Betty Wilson.
ALBION – Oak Orchard Health is excited to welcome Dr. Lalit K. Jain, a distinguished pediatrician, to our team.
Dr. Jain brings over 35 years of board-certified pediatric experience, including his recent role as Chief of Pediatrics at United Memorial Medical Center. Before that, he served as CEO and Lead Physician at Batavia Pediatrics.
“We are thrilled that Dr. Jain has chosen OOH in Albion to continue his pediatric practice. His commitment to the well-being of children in our community is widely recognized,” said Karen Kinter, CEO of Oak Orchard Health. “Dr. Jain appreciates the complexities of pediatric care and selected Oak Orchard Health for our comprehensive services, including our recently expanded behavioral health offerings in Albion and Brockport. Our team now includes more child and adolescent therapists working alongside our medical providers to develop optimal care solutions.”
Dr. Jain expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am excited to see patients at Oak Orchard Health in Albion. Working with children is my passion. My approach to patient care involves listening to children and their parents to truly understand their concerns. Building connections with patients of all ages is important to me.”
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Jain is dedicated to combating childhood obesity. He led the “Get Fit” program, partnering with UMMC, the City of Batavia, Genesee County, the Batavia School District, and the YMCA—this initiative aimed to foster community environments that support healthy eating and physical activity.
Dr. Jain is accepting new patients. For more information, call (585) 589-5613.
NYS has an Open Meetings Law that is key to transparent government at all levels. The law was updated May of 2024. Click here to see the most recent copy.
A few salient points regarding general meetings:
Meetings and portions of meetings can be recorded by members of the public, as long as they aren’t disruptive. Boards can make rules regarding the location of the equipment, but can not stop someone for recording or ask them to leave.
The Open Meetings Law requires public bodies (including municipal boards) to make available the documents it will consider at a meeting at least 24 hours beforehand. If the municipality uses a website, they need to put it there. This way, during the comment period prior to the vote, the public congregants have the opportunity to comment on the documents before they’re voted on.
All meetings scheduled outside of the already published meeting schedule need to be declared to the news media (not as a legal notice) and posted conspicuously in at least one public place along with a regularly updated website (if one exists).
Executive Sessions:
A public body needs to be specific when they go into executive session. The public should know specifically why the board is meeting in private. Because municipalities can elect to go into executive session at times (but are never required to), I’d like to highlight a few of the most common reasons, and the specificity required for the public to be informed of the topic.
Section D: discussions regarding proposed, pending or current litigation:
“I move to go into executive session to discuss litigation or a pending legal matter.” This motion is not specific enough under the law, as you have the right to know the name of the litigation being discussed.
It is the opinion of the Committee that the litigation exception is intended to permit a public body to discuss its litigation strategy and pending or threatened litigation behind closed doors, rather than issues that might possibly result in litigation. As legal matters or possible (as opposed to pending or threatened) litigation could be the subject or result of nearly any topic discussed by a public body, an executive session could not in our view be held to discuss an issue merely because there is a possibility of litigation, or because it involves a legal matter. Click here for full advisory opinion.
It is insufficient to merely regurgitate the statutory language; to wit, “discussions regarding proposed, pending or current litigation.” This boilerplate recitation does not comply with the intent of the statute. To validly convene an executive session for discussion of proposed, pending or current litigation, the public body must identify with particularity the pending, proposed or current litigation to be discussed during the executive session. Click here for full advisory opinion.
Section E: collective negotiations pursuant to article fourteen of the civil service law:
“I move to go into executive session to discuss union contract negotiations.” This motion is not specific enough under the law as the name of the collective bargaining union should be stated so that you have some idea as to what union they are discussing.
Similarly, with respect to “negotiations,” the only ground for entry into executive session that mentions that term is §105(1)(e). That provision permits a public body to conduct an executive session to discuss “collective negotiations pursuant to article fourteen of the civil service law.” Article 14 of the Civil Service Law is commonly known as the “Taylor Law”, which pertains to the relationship between public employers and public employee unions. As such, §105(1)(e) permits a public body to hold executive sessions to discuss collective bargaining negotiations with a public employee union. Click here for full advisory opinion.
With regard to contracts, none of the grounds for entry into executive session deals in general with contractual matters, contract discussions or negotiations. The only provision that touches directly on contract negotiations is §105(1)(e), which authorizes a public body to enter into an executive session regarding “collective negotiations pursuant to article fourteen of the civil service law.” Article 14 of the Civil Service Law, commonly known as the “Taylor Law,” pertains to the relationship between public employers and public employee unions. As such, §105(1)(e) deals with collective bargaining negotiations between a public employer and a public employee union. Click here for full advisory opinion.
Section F: the medical, financial, credit or employment history of a particular person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a particular person or corporation:
“I move to go into executive session to discuss a personnel matter.” This motion is not specific enough under the law. While the name of a person does not have to be disclosed, you should be informed if the discussion is regarding hiring someone, firing someone, disciplining someone, etc.
“I move to go into executive session to discuss the medical, financial, credit or employment history of a particular person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a particular person or corporation.” This is improper as there are 14 different reasons stated in this motion and the public has no idea what the reason is for the executive session. A correct motion would be a motion to discuss “the termination of a particular person” or to discuss “the appointment of a particular person.”
When a discussion concerns matters of policy, such as the manner in which public money will be expended or allocated, the functions of a department or perhaps the creation or elimination of positions, I do not believe that §105(1)(f) could be asserted, even though the discussion may relate to “personnel”. For example, if a discussion involves staff reductions or layoffs due to budgetary concerns, the issue in my view would involve matters of policy. Similarly, if a discussion of possible layoff relates to positions and whether those positions should be retained or abolished, the discussion would involve the means by which public monies would be allocated. In none of the instances described would the focus involve a “particular person” and how well or poorly an individual has performed his or her duties. To reiterate, in order to enter into an executive session pursuant to §105(1)(f), I believe that the discussion must focus on a particular person (or persons) in relation to a topic listed in that provision. As stated judicially, “it would seem that under the statute matters related to personnel generally or to personnel policy should be discussed in public for such matters do not deal with any particular person.” Click here for full advisory opinion.
This is a complex topic, but residents who are aware of their rights make the government and those who serve within it more effective. Thank you for taking the time to read it.
Jess Marciano
Medina
Marciano is a trustee on the Medina Village Board.
Photos contributed: New content in “Architecture Destroyed in Orleans County” includes this 1940 postcard of Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital, formerly the home of Ezra Coann.
Posted 20 September 2024 at 8:54 am
By Ginny Kropf and Tom Rivers
This is the cover of “Architecture Destroyed in Orleans County, New York,” a book first written by C.W. “Bill” Lattin in 1984. The cover shows E. Kirke Hart residence in Albion that was demolished in 1942.
ALBION – A book that was published 40 years ago highlighting mansions, churches and prominent buildings in Orleans County that were lost to fire or the wrecking ball has been updated.
C.W. “Bill” Lattin reprinted the book “Architecture Destroyed in Orleans County, N.Y.” It includes more structures that have taken down, including the Clarendon Universalist Church in 2006. That church was built in 1837.
A cobblestone smokehouse from about 1840 at the Five Corners in Gaines also was removed in 2022.
Proceeds from the reprinting of the book go to Cobblestone Society and Museum. The books are available for $15.
Doug Farley, the museum’s director, said Lattin’s book is a valuable resource of historic text and photographs.
“Orleans County, and in particular Albion and Medina, have had a treasure trove of beautiful buildings,” Lattin writes in the book, when it was first published in 1984. “It is indeed very unfortunate that some of the best examples of certain architectural styles were wrecked in the name of so-called ‘progress.’ The reader will quickly ascertain that some very fine buildings were demolished over 100 years ago. But unfortunately, many marvelous architectural creations have been destroyed in recent years, too.”
As a result, Lattin has added more up-to-date content to this printing to supplement what he originally wrote in 1984.
One of the features of the original publication was a list of more than 200 patrons and business sponsors who contributed toward the cost. These names are included in the reprint, as well as more than 60 new sponsors for 2024.
“These history-minded contributors have had their names printed in the new publication and are welcome to pick up a complimentary copy now at the Cobblestone Museum,” Farley said.
In his introduction to the latest book, Lattin says he has been fascinated with old buildings as far back as he can remember, even as a small child. He says a lot of very fine buildings were wrecked more than 100 years ago, but the worst toll has been since World War II.
One structure was a rustic log cabin on the Peter Smith Road, the last legitimate log house of its type in the county when it was torn down in the 1950s. Also demolished were many churches, such as Presbyterian churches in Holley, built in 1831, and the Presbyterian Church in Knowlesville, built in 1832.
Schools, such as the Yates Academy, the cobblestone Loveland School House in District #6, Albion, and Oak Orchard Elementary School in Medina were not spared the wrecking ball.
This photo credited to Alan Isselhard is the Clarendon Universalist Church which existed from 1837 to 2006. The federal style building was built of limestone which was quarried locally.
Many other notable structures met their fate, including a blacksmith shop in Millville, mills, the Orleans County Infirmary, hotels and elegant mansions, notably the home of Arnold Gregory on County House Road.
“By compiling this book, I want people to know and see what a truly beautiful village Albion once was,” Lattin said. “And I want people to see some of our other marvelous architectural creations which once stood throughout Orleans County.”
He added there is at least one destroyed building from every township in the county included in his book.
When he decided to put together a book, he said it seemed most appropriate to have the Cobblestone Society, as the leading preservationist group in Orleans County, publish it. The Society, which has preserved 10 buildings of its own, was founded for the purpose of preserving not only cobblestone structures, but related art and architecture.
A grant from Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO Art!) helped pay for the reprinting.
Erin Anheier, a former Cobblestone Museum president and a current trustee for the Landmark Society of Western New York, said Lattin’s book should inspire the community to appreciate and save the “wonderful old buildings” that remain in Orleans County.
Many of the sites are no longer used for their original purpose, but could be preserved and adapted for different uses, Anheier writes in the book’s epilogue.
“The variety of the architectural styles of past decades enlivens our landscape and speaks of the lives and hopes of our ancestors,” she said. “I would not want to live in a place that didn’t show its unique history with pride. A cookie-cutter community holds no appeal.”
Provided photo and information from Medina’s Class of 1974
MEDINA – The 1974 Class of Medina High School held their 50-year reunion at the Medina Lanes on Aug. 17. Classmates from as far away as California attended this 6-plus hour event.
Friday night on Aug. 16 was a casual get-together. This was followed by a tour of the old high school on Catherine Street on Saturday morning, and capped off by the reunion Saturday afternoon/evening.
Medina Lanes provided food and drink while The Stanton Band provided the entertainment.
Sixty-five of the class’s 185 members attended the festivities over the weekend.
The Reunion Committee was comprised of Carol Benson, Barb Daluisio, Cynthia Hewitt, Joanne Lewandowski, Pat Marchner, Sharlene Pratt, Elizabeth Seitz, Darlene Sharping, Greg Stanton, Lynne Stewart and Carl Tuohey.
The class decided to plan on a 70th birthday celebration in 2026.
Class members may help keep their contact information current by sending an email to medinanyclassof1974@gmail.com or join the class Facebook group (click here).
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 19 September 2024 at 10:03 pm
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Carter DerSarkissian picks up yardage for Roy-Hart/Barker behind blocks by Vincenzo Fazzio (26) and Ireland Brady (8) during the Bulls loss to Newfane this evening at Middleport.
Improving to 3-0, Newfane rolled to a 47-0 win over Roy-Hart/Barker in a C North Division game this evening at Middleport spoiling the Bulls Homecoming celebration.
The Panthers built up a commanding 26-0 half-time advantage as quarterback Mac Capen ran for two touchdowns on carries of 69 and 13 yards and also had a 16 yard TD pass to Cameron Perry.
Capen, Nasir Spencer and Ayden Buttery each added two-point conversion runs during that stretch as the Panthers other two points came on a safety.
Camio Flowers and Camryn Stover had touchdown runs of 9 and 25 yards for the Panthers in the third period and Capen had another TD pass late in the final stanza covering 35 yards to Isaiah Gerstung.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 19 September 2024 at 9:45 pm
Holley blanked Alexander 8-0 and Kendall downed Attica 4-1 in Genesee Region League girls soccer action this evening.
Alivia Wolf and Jayna Burris both scored 2 goals for Holley as Hanna Ostrom, Natalie Foose, Payton Preston and Brynn Thomas each netted 1.
Ava Quintern scored 2 goals for Kendall as Ava Quintern and Sophia Picardo each added 1. Quintern, Ryleigh Denning and Stella Kwiatek each had an assist.
Kendall is now 5-0 and Holley 4-2-1.
In another G-R contest, Byron-Bergen downed visiting Lyndonville/Barker 10-0.
Provided photo: The L’Hommedieu gravestone is shown during Boxwood at Night in 2023.
MEDINA – The Friends of Boxwood Cemetery, in Medina, are excited to announce the third annual, “Boxwood at Night: See the Cemetery in a New Light.”
This year’s event will be on Oct. 5. Tickets cost $15 and there will be two time slots – 7 to 8 p.m. or 8 to 9 p.m. The time slots are when you can enter. Once you are checked in, you are welcome to stay until the event ends at 9:30 p.m. Guests will stroll through the cemetery at their own pace in a relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere.
Robby Klino, the president of the Friends of Boxwood Cemetery, stated “Our overall goal for ‘Bigger, Better, and Brighter’ Boxwood at Night 2024 is to continue our fundraising efforts to complete the chapel renovations and to raise funds for a marker to honor those buried in the Potter’s Field.” He also announced, “We are adding an educational element this year by partnering with the Medina Historical Society to feature an exhibit of Victorian funerary art in the chapel.”
Tickets are limited to the first 300 people so you will want to get your tickets before they sell out.
Event co-chair, Nicole Bensley, “New and returning guests will enjoy a stroll through a ‘Bigger, Better, Brighter’ Boxwood at Night. It will feature several local visual, musical, and performing artists.” She added, “We are excited to partner once again with GO Art! to make this a special event for the community.”
Tickets are available during business hours at the English Rose Tea Shoppe and Thistle Ridge Décor and Gifts – both places are on Main Street in Medina. Tickets will also be available at the Canal Village Farmers Market in Medina on Sept. 28. As an added convenience, you may also purchase tickets online using a credit card. Click here for more information.
Raffle tickets will also be available to purchase at the Farmers Market booth and again at the event. Light concessions and glow-in-the-dark accessories will be available for purchase at the event to enhance your enjoyment.
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO Art! (the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council).
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 September 2024 at 5:28 pm
Howard is battling stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer
Provided photos: Eli Howard, left, is shown before taking the stage as a stand-up comedian. At right he is queuing a song as a deejay.
MEDINA – There will be a benefit on Saturday for a Medina man who is well known in the community, from years of volunteering in youth sports, serving as a deejay at events and performing as a stand-up comedian.
Eli Howard, 50, is battling stage 4 metastatic cancer. He said the cancer isn’t curable but is manageable and he feels optimistic about the future.
Eli Howard is shown with his wife, Jana, and their daughters, Kylee (left) and Jelia.
Howard and his wife, Jana, have two daughters, Jelia, age 21; and Kylee, age 17. Mrs. Howard is owner of A Kut Above on Main Street in Medina.
The benefit on Saturday starts at 11 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Club on North Gravel Rad. The 500 chicken barbecue dinners have already sold out.
There are at least 120 baskets up for raffle and the raffle drawing begins at 6 p.m. Winners don’t have to be present at the drawing. There will also be 50/50s and a silent auction.
Howard said he deeply appreciates the community rallying on his behalf.
He started working at age 19 in the laundry department at the former Orleans County Nursing Home and served there for 28 years. In 2021, he began at Wende Correctional Facility, also working in the laundry department.
Howard was stricken in March with gout, and was unable to walk. He also has suffered from congestive heart failure and diabetes. He was able to leave the hospital on June 24 after 14 weeks of care. While hospitalized, doctors found cancer and began treatment.
Howard takes two chemo pills each morning, and will have a shot every three months to fight the cancer. He can feel himself on the mend.
Deputy Barnum has taken time out of his busy schedule the last four years to provide assistance with a training exercise with teacher Gene Newman’s students.
