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Press Release, New York State Association of Counties
ALBANY – As hundreds of county leaders prepare to attend the annual meeting next month hosted by the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), county officials held a press conference today to encourage Governor Kathy Hochul to sign a key piece of legislation that will level the playing field between hotels and short-term rental companies.
The bill that passed both houses of the State Legislature, S.885-C (Hinchey) / A.4130-C (Fahy), requires short-term home rental agencies, such as VRBO and AirBnB to collect sales tax and hotel/motel occupancy taxes. (The measure excludes New York City.)
“While online platforms for short-term rentals have opened new opportunities for homeowners and travelers alike, they also present a variety of unique challenges. It is essential that we strike a balance between innovation and the well-being of our communities. These platforms must contribute their fair share to our economy and adhere to the same regulations as local hotels. This bipartisan legislation will help level the playing field and ensure accountability in the short-term rental industry. I urge Governor Hochul to sign this bill into law,” said Albany County Executive McCoy.
VRBO already collects state and/or local sales taxes or local occupancy taxes in all 49 states other than New York, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico; and has done so for years. Airbnb also collects state and/or local sales or occupancy taxes in 48 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada and Mexico.
The bill also requires short-term rental companies in the state to provide the State Department of Taxation and Finance with information on each rental unit, including how much each host is renting units for throughout the year.
This measure was among NYSAC’s top priorities for this year’s Legislative Session, and county delegates are expected to adopt a resolution at their upcoming meeting to urge the Governor to sign this legislation.
“To be clear: we are not opposed to the short-term rental industry. In fact, we appreciate the role they play in supporting tourism in New York State. We just want to bring a little sunshine to this part of the industry so that communities have a better understanding of homes and units that are for rent and how often. And we need to generate some tax revenue to offset additional costs to public safety, health and infrastructure services,” added NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 26 August 2024 at 12:45 pm
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced expansion of its MRI services at Medina Memorial Hospital, beginning Sept. 3.
Scheduling an MRI locally has been challenging in the past, according to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach.
“The expansion of MRI services cannot be overstated,” said Erica Chutko, director of radiology and cardiac services at Orleans Community Health. “We can perform an MRI on the brain, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis and extremities. These tests can help detect potential health concerns, such as strokes, tumors, Multiple Sclerosis and much more.
MRI services returned to Medina Memorial Hospital in the fall of 2022, with testing available one day a week. The increased demand for the service is a driver in the expansion to a second day, according to Robinson. Beginning Sept. 3, MRIs can now be scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
“This expansion is all about our desire and goal to bring services to the community,” Robinson said. “Getting an MRI in a timely manner is difficult in many places right now. We’re hoping to help alleviate that with this move.”
An MRI is a non-invasive imaging exam that does not include any radiation. To schedule an appointment, patients will need a referral from their doctor. In addition, some insurances require prior authorization. Appointments can then be scheduled with the radiology department by calling (585) 798-8054.
To add some insight to a recent Letter to the Editor, reader, if you don’t want to believe what the press prints then take a few moments to reflect on what Donald Trump, the man himself, posted to his own “Truth Social” concerning R.F. Kennedy Jr.
In his own words:
“Don’t waste any Republican or Conservative votes on Junior. He’s one of the most Liberal Lunatics ever to run for office. He caused massive high energy pricing in New York and New England. He just admitted that he was actually OK with the Vaccine. A Phony Radical Left fool whose poll numbers are TERRIBLE, and getting worse. His campaign is falling apart, great dissension!!!” – Truth Social on May 25
“So bad that FoxNews puts RFK Jr., considered the dumbest member of the Kennedy Clan, on their fairly conservative platform so much. Competitive networks don’t want anything to do with him. He’s a Radical Left Lunatic whose crazy Climate Change views make the Democrat’s Green New Scam look Conservative. He’s polling badly, 8% at best, but says he does well against Crooked Joe and me, one on one. WRONG, he gets trounced! Junior said I’m the ‘best debater’ in generations, and I want to debate him, and Crooked, but first he’s got to get his bad poll numbers up – a lot! He would be ‘easy pickins.’ Republicans, don’t waste your precious vote on this phony Liberal Activist. With all of that said, he probably hurts Sleepy Crooked Joe more than ‘US!’” – Truth Social on May 1
“RFK Jr. is the most Radical Left Candidate in the race, by far. He’s a big fan of the Green New Scam, and other economy killing disasters. I guess this would mean he is going to be taking votes from Crooked Joe Biden, which would be a great service to America. His running mate, Nicole Shanahan, is even more ‘Liberal’ than him, if that’s possible. Kennedy is a Radical Left Democrat, and always will be!!! It’s great for MAGA, but the Communists will make it very hard for him to get on the Ballot. Expect him, and her, to be indicted any day now, probably for Environmental Fraud! He is Crooked Joe Biden’s Political Opponent, not mine. I love that he is running!” – Truth Social on March 27
We are all allowed our own opinions, but not our own facts. Voters, please take the time to separate the “Truth” from the fiction.
Bob Furmanski
De Kalb (Weston), MO
(Furmanski has many family members from Orleans County.)
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 August 2024 at 9:22 am
HOLLEY – The Holley community is expanding a celebration of residents who are 90 and older to include people outside the village of Holley in the towns of Murray and Clarendon.
Those 90 and older will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Sept. 13 in the Village Square with a reception in the Community Free Library.
Those residents of Murray and Clarendon who are 90 and older as of Sept. 13, and residents of the village of Holley who have turned 90 since September 2022 are welcome to the gathering.
To attend, call Holley’s Village Clerk, Rainey Losee, at (585) 638-6367 with name, age and contact information as soon as possible.
BUFFALO – The start of a new school year is upon us and along with that comes new adventures and opportunities.
However, it can also be a time of high stress and anxiety for some kids. The mental health counselors at Catholic Charities of Buffalo are sharing several simple tips for parents and caregivers to help their child cope with anxiety, while also setting them up for a successful school year.
“Supporting our children’s mental health is one of our top priorities as mental health professionals, educators and parents,” said Allie Medina, M.Ed., LMHC, behavioral health program supervisor, Catholic Charities. “A child isn’t born knowing how to navigate the world; it’s our job as adults to teach them while offering unconditional love and support through their day-to-day changes.”
Here are some ideas Catholic Charities mental health counselors recommend trying to help your child or adolescent navigate the new, (but also exciting!) back-to-school changes:
Practice deep breathing together. The day can be overwhelming with a changing schedule and routine. Sit together and take deep breaths to regulate your mind and body.
Close technology at least an hour before bedtime. Technology can keep our minds racing. Trade the phones and tablets for a book or coloring together before bed to calm the mind.
Open the conversation. Go around the dinner table or at bedtime discuss the peak and the pit of your day.
Squeeze the lemons. The act of squeezing and releasing your muscles can help reduce stress and anxiety. Put your hands in fists like holding two lemons and squeeze all your muscles for 5 seconds. Release for 5 seconds. Repeat as many times as needed.
Implement evening movement. If time allows, take a family walk or bike ride together to get fresh air and prepare the body for a restful evening of sleep.
In the beginning of the school year, keep your routine and expectations simple. It’s hard enough as an adult to keep track of things. Keep in mind your child’s routine is changing daily. Try coming up with a morning and evening schedule together so they feel involved with what their expectations will be and posting it somewhere in the house like the refrigerator.
Let the morning be easy. Try and prepare for the following day the night before to ensure mornings can be stress-free. Pack backpacks and lunches, check homework, and lay out clothes for the following day.
One of the most important relationships during the school year is with your child’s teacher. Meet with them and ensure you have their preferred form of communication saved on your phone with login information handy.
Watch changes in your child’s behavior. No one knows your child better than you, the parent. An increase in stress and anxiety can cause noticeable changes in behavior such as a change in appetite, change in sleep habits, change in hygiene, etc. Keep a close eye on those changes and have a calm conversation with your child if you notice something different.
Catholic Charities offers individual, children, and family counseling services throughout the eight counties of Western New York. For more information visit, ccwny.org/mental-wellness.
As a freelance writer, I often find myself going down the rabbit hole. The one that nobody else wants to bother with or talk about.
I am very aware how many people feel about Donald Trump. Many reasons have been cited, and no one seems to hold back the abundance of ammunition pointed at this man.
As I reread everyone’s comments, there was not one writer who explained why Kamala Harris would be the best choice for America. I find that very interesting and somewhat odd- that they would bring forth everything bad about Trump but nothing good about Harris.
This made me wonder why. Are people tending to lean toward a candidate, with a broken track record, because they hate Trump so much? To sacrifice better judgement at all costs to elect someone who displays no standard of excellence?
As many of you know, I attempted to explain her lack of productivity and was accused of not shedding light on Trump’s record. Perhaps I expect the same in return.
Where is the evidence or timeline of exemplary accomplishments for Harris? What makes her the better candidate? Why have no writers on this platform illustrated her proficiency?
There is an obvious imbalance between the overload of negativity toward Trump and the noticeable scarcity of positivity toward Harris.
Questions such as these make me go down the rabbit hole. I might not like what I find, but I usually get my answers.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 August 2024 at 5:19 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Chris Busch, a trustee of Holy Trinity Parish in Medina, led a tour of the St. Mary’s Cemetery on North Gravel Road last Sunday evening. It is part of the Sunday evening cemetery tours this August, an annual effort led by the Orleans County Historical Association.
Busch believes this was the first official public tour of the cemetery. St. Mary’s started in 1858. There are about 5,000 people buried there. Many of the founders of the Catholic church in medina, which started in 1832, are buried in Lockport because the cemetery wasn’t established in Medina until 1858.
The cemetery is the final resting place for hundreds of Irish immigrants who founded the parish, Busch said. There are numerous Irish surnames throughout the cemetery, he said.
Many of the monuments have the Latin phrase: “Requiescat in Pace,” for “Rest in Peace.”
This marker is for Rev. Richard Harmon, the first resident pastor for St. Mary’s. He was assigned churches from Somerset to Kendall, and travelled by horseback to lead the faithful.
He was tasked with building the church on frontier outside of the village settlements. Harmon died at age 26, less than a year after starting his work in the Medina area.
He is one of nine Catholic priests buried at St. Mary’s.
Sister Bertrand also is noted on this monument. She was a member of the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart. She was one of the first nuns to teach in Medina. She died in 1876, at age 25.
Lt. John Butts is buried on the southern end of the cemetery. He is a Medal of Honor recipient who “performed magnificently” while leading soldiers in World War II. Butts was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for “courage, unflinching valor and inspiring actions” in Normandy, France on June 23, 1944.
There were about 35 people on the tour. These two women look close at the monument for Patrick O’Grady and his family. He was a prominent sandstone mason and builder who helped lead the construction of the First Baptist Church in Medina, Bent’s Opera House and portions of the original St. Mary’s Church. Three of his children died from tuberculosis within about 6 months of each other.
The large sandstone monument notes the deaths of O’Grady at age 58 on Jan. 4, 1886.
The three children who died in 1885 include Lizzie at age 15 on Feb. 9, Eddie at age 21 on March 31, and John at age 28 on Aug. 21.
I went looking for the grave marker for Marcia Tuohey, who was key leader for Medina and Orleans County. She passed away at age 84 on Aug. 7, 2014. Marcia was well known for her stylist hats.
She was the first woman to serve as Medina’s mayor and then the first woman to serve as chair of the Orleans County Legislature, which she did for eight years.
Provided photo: A group of friends who graduated from Medina High School in 1976 and get together to sew recently made and donated 30 caddies for wheelchairs and walkers to residents of the North Wing at Medina Memorial Hospital. From left are Kim Hare, North Wing employee; North Wing nursing supervisor Rebecca Mannella; sewing specialists Carol Bellack and Cindy Parada; Amy Strickland and Anna Lewis, both North Wing employees.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 25 August 2024 at 4:28 pm
MEDINA – Residents of the North Wing at Medina Memorial Hospital will find it more convenient to use their wheelchairs and walkers, thanks to a recent donation from a group of friends who graduated from Medina High School.
Carol Bellack, Cindy Parada, Helen Limina, Cindy Robinson, Dawn Fry, Sue Richards and Mary Beth Dean all graduated together in 1976 and have since formed a group they call the “76 Stitchers.”
Although they don’t all sew, they get together regularly to socialize. Recently, they thought it would be nice to do something for the North Wing residents and came up with the idea to sew caddies for wheelchairs and walkers.
Anyone who has ever had to use one of these devices knows you can’t navigate with one and carry anything, such as a drink, snack or puzzle book.
“Cindy Parada has a beautiful set-up at home for sewing,” Carol Bellack said. “She thought of the idea and visited the North Wing to see if there was something we could do for the residents. She has also contacted Hospice and Orchard Rehabilitation, so you’ll probably see us doing things for them in the future.”
Parada was also shown terry cloth bibs the North Wing uses, so they will also probably be in the making, Bellack said.
Bellack said not all the friends in the group sew, but those who don’t can help by ironing and cutting fabric.
Staff and residents said they appreciate the support and kindness this special group of ladies brought to them.
“In short, this is another time when our community has stepped up when they saw an opportunity to help,” said Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communication and Outreach at Orleans Community Health. “We’re lucky to have so many of these phenomenal people in the area.”
This public notice was issued in February 1943, to curb the incidence of dog attacks on sheep and poultry.
Posted 25 August 2024 at 3:43 pm
By Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian
“Illuminating Orleans” – Volume 4, Number 26
A dramatic edict was issued by Sheriff Carl Kleindienst in February 1943, offering a $10 reward to kill dogs running at large. The notice was necessitated by an upsurge in the number of dog attacks on sheep and chickens throughout the county.
Many of these incidents were reported in the local newspapers: over the course of four days in May 1944, over $1,000 worth of sheep were destroyed by dogs in the Town of Barre: 25 at the Frank Hedges farm, 20 at the Clarence Houghton farm, and 10 at the Martin Brown farm.
Dogs were reported to have been molesting a flock belonging to former Sheriff Sidney Treble. The Sheriff’s dept. destroyed four dogs, two while the dogs were still attacking a flock. In June 1944, 135 chickens owned by Nunzio Spalla, north of Albion, were killed by dogs. He managed to shoot the larger attacking dog but missed the other.
Even the most adorable household canine pets can turn vicious when they are among a flock of timid, scurrying sheep, who, lacking horns, venom, sting, bite or heft, are singularly defenseless animals.
It is widely acknowledged that a dog who has attacked sheep once will attack them again. The term “worrying” has been used for this molestation. It aptly describes the effect of an attack on the flock, and on the farmer concerned for the future safety of his investment. In addition to the financial loss inflicted by an attack, there is the more dismaying problem of dealing with the gory cleanup of the destruction.
Sheep raising was lucrative in the 1940s, as the war had increased demand for wool for the manufacture of uniforms and blankets. Many Orleans County farmers owned sheep; some flocks were as large as 800.
Each Town was responsible for the payment of damages caused by dogs whose owners could not be identified. The County Treasurer reported annually to the Board of Supervisors on the claims paid for damage done by dogs: in 1944 this totaled $4,126.30 and $4,639.95 in 1945. It is not surprising that attempts were made to reduce these costs.
The Sheriff asked for the addition of a full-time deputy to act as a dog warden for the county. He believed that this was the most effective way to cope with the problem of dogs running loose at night and attacking sheep. In 1943, the Board of Supervisors authorized the appointment of this special officer, to operate under the sheriff’s office, at an annual salary of no more than $2,000.
In 1949, the County Treasurer reported that the amount paid by the County for damages done by dogs was $1,711.45, a significant decrease. Increased vigilance and policing of violations helped decrease the scourge.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 August 2024 at 1:11 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Canvas prints from photographer Sharon Gavenda of Point Breeze are on display at the Marti’s On Main art gallery in Albion at 20 South Main St.
A new show featuring Gavenda, Judy Wenrich and Tom Rivers opened on Aug. 16. The artwork can be seen by calling Kim Martillotta-Muscarella, gallery owner, at (585) 590-9211.
This is the first show for Sharon Gavenda, a nurse. She has been honing her skills as a photographer the past 15 years. It started with a trip to Maine when she was awestruck by the landscapes.
“It was so beautiful that I found myself taking photos,” she said.
She has many images in the gallery from when she is on early morning jogs and captures the sunrise in the Point Breeze area.
Judy Wenrich of Kendall is pictured with some of her oil pastels of animals. Wenrich, a retired social worker, has been a featured artist at Marti’s for many years, and that often focused on paintings of horses. She has expanded her repertoire for the exhibit at Marti’s.
Wenrich has 13 pieces on display at Marti’s, including some whimsical captions. She likes to give the animals expressions.
“Everyone has their own style,” she said.
Photo by Kim Martillotta-Muscarella: Orleans Hub editor Tom Rivers also has about 25 photos in the exhibit. Here I am standing by one in downtown Albion after a fresh snowfall. Two in the back include a fire at a historic home in Holley, and a kayaker on Lake Ontario during a sunset.
These photos include a Black Lives Matter march in Medina, the “Believe” sign during swirling snow in Albion, a Santa during an Albion parade, Albion firefighters during a lighted parade last December, and two from the grease pole competition at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
There are other local scenes in the exhibit and pictures of people who I miss seeing around town including Brennan Moody, Jonathan Doherty, Angela English and Al Capurso.
The next opening reception at Marti’s will be Sept. 20 from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring oil paintings by Tom Zangerle, and oil and watercolors by Sarah Hyatt.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 25 August 2024 at 10:07 am
Contributed Photos – This trio of local graduates, who are in various stages of their college careers, are getting ready to open the football season over the next couple of weeks. At left, Medina High grad Roosevelt Mitchell is a freshman lineman at the University of Akron, which will open the season on August 31 at Ohio State. Mitchell earned All-State honors his senior year with the Mustangs. Medina grad Jarin Rhim, center, is a junior wide receiver at SUNY Brockport which will host rival Buffalo State in the opener on September 5. Albion grad Cody Wilson, at right, is a graduate student offensive lineman at Sacred Heart University which will host Delaware State in the opener on August 31.
Contributed Story Posted 25 August 2024 at 9:17 am
Contributed Photo – Kenneth Almonte picks up good yardage for the Albion Beginners squad during Saturday’s win over Roy-Hart/Barker.
Albion scored a three game sweep over visiting Roy-Hart/Barker in Niagara Orleans Football Association (NOFA) action on Saturday.
Beginners Division Albion 33, Roy-Hart/Barker 27
Hudson Palmer’s 8 yard touchdown run on 4th down and his third extra point off the day put Albion up to stay, 33-27. Kenneth Almonte ran for 233 yards and 4 scores, Patrick Westlund added 78 yards and Palmer finished with 34 yards on the ground.
The defense was led by Almonte and Westlund with 7 and 3 tackles. Jai’heem Drisdom, Arlene Beecher, Xavier Weis, Elijah Cornick and Palmer were each in on some tackles.
Mini Division Albion 12, Roy-Hart/Barker 0
After a big defensive stop inside the 5 yards line, Cayden Farrell had a 60 yard run followed by Elian Almonte’s, second TD of the game to seal the win for Albion. Farrell finished with 116 yards, Almonte had 95 yards and 2 TD’s. Moses Taylor added 22 yards and Kyle Schomske 16.
Kairo Bennett led the Eagles defense with 9 tackles. Almonte and Carter Carithers 4 each. Farrell Jai’Kaih Drisdom, Harrison Froman, Schomske, Conor Murphy and Elijah Warren 2 each.
JV Division Albion 51, Roy-Hart/Barker 7
Heyden Almonte finished the day with 188 yards rushing, 86 receiving and 4 TD’s to lead the way for Albion. Carter Farrell had 131 yards rushing and 2 scores. Ethan Olles threw for 2 TD passes and ran 12 yards for another score. Camden Holt returned a kick off for a TD as well.
Colton Moreland led the defense with 12 tackles. Holt added 7, Connor Hinckley, Liam Pearl and Hank Aina each had 6 tackles. Almonte and Kolton Berry 4 each. Remi Ebbs, Hudson Armer, Jace DiMatteo, Landon Farrell, Have Wright, Roman Allport and Matthew Colmerero each were in on tackles.
The iconic Kennedy family inspired me and millions of others to become interested in politics in the 1960s.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is the nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy and eldest son of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy Sr., was effectively forced out of the 2024 election for next President of the United States by his own party…the same party that revered his family and rode their legacy for generations.
He risked so much in entering the election of 2024, as he was denied any real platform where he could discuss his views. He was excluded from debates, which made it virtually impossible to get his message to voters. He risked his own personal safety to launch his campaign, as he was denied Secret Service protection, in spite of the fact that his uncle and his father were both felled by assassins.
Those of you who still think the Democrat Party is the party of your fathers might want to watch RFK Jr.’s speech, delivered on Friday, as he suspended his campaign and then endorsed and joined forces with former President Trump.
Now, none of us will ever know what he might have done if given that chance. But, as one path ends another path begins, and one on which I wish him godspeed and much success. The Washington Democrats didn’t want him, but everyone else will gladly take him as our own. He received thunderous applause on Friday night at the Republican rally in Arizona, and former President Trump looks forward to working with “Bobby” in forming a committee to address the myriad of health issues that plague the children of America today.
How can the richest country on earth have the sickest children? That is what we all want to know. All parties surely must agree on this because the children are our greatest national treasure.
Finally, as far as the media goes, they are corrupt and sink lower and lower in the eyes of the public on a daily basis. They have enjoyed and abused the power they were entrusted with, but their time is rapidly coming to an end.
Truth is finding its way into the light, as truth always will. Kennedy said the people who practice censorship are not good people. He is certainly correct. Nobody believes anything the press prints. We all find alternative places to get our news.
By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 24 August 2024 at 8:34 pm
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville’s Cameron Eckerd breaks away from a Newfane tackler during the JV Division Bengals home opening victory today.
A victory by the JV Division Bengals highlighted the first year Lyndonville youth football program’s home opening contests against Newfane today in Niagara Orleans Football Association action.
The JV Bengals downed Newfane 46-16 as Ay’Marie Rutland scored 3 touchdowns and Damareon Shine and Ja’Keir Taylor 2 each. Kayden Brigham added a pair of two point conversions.
Newfane won the other three games by scores of 36-7 in the Beginners Division contest, 13-7 in the Mini Division and 38-19 in the Varsity Division.
For Lyndonville, Adrian Winters had a touchdown and Bryson Holloway an extra point in the Beginners game; Zach Allen a touchdown and Greyson Buffin an extra point in the Mini contest and Kendrick Russaw 3 touchdowns and Julian Session an extra point in the Varsity game.
Damareon Shine breaks through the line for a good gain for the JV Division Bengals. Helping to escort him are Patrick Grollmes (87) and Prince McGill (72).
A dramatic edict was issued by Sheriff Carl Kleindienst in February 1943, offering a $10 reward to kill dogs running at large. The notice was necessitated by an upsurge in the number of dog attacks on sheep and chickens throughout the county.
