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Fuller 155 Suicide Awareness donates $2K to OCH Foundation
Press Release, Orleans Community Health Foundation
Provided photo: Pictured during the $2,000 check presentation are event organizer Ike Fuller Watts; Kim Grey, Chief Nursing Officer at Orleans Community Health; and Jason Watts, Ike’s husband and a volunteer for the event.
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health Foundation recently received a generous $2,000 donation from the Fuller 155 Suicide Awareness Basket Raffle and 5K Fun Run/Walk. The funds will benefit behavioral health programs and patients receiving behavioral health services through Orleans Community Health’s primary care clinics.
The fourth annual event, held in September in memory of Erin Fuller, brought together community members, volunteers, and local businesses to raise awareness about suicide prevention, promote mental health, and encourage open conversations about seeking help. This year’s event saw its largest turnout to date and included a 5K Fun Run/Walk for the first time.
The donation comes at an important time as Orleans Community Health continues to expand access to behavioral health services throughout the community.
Behavioral health counseling services are now available within Orleans Community Health’s primary care clinics, providing patients with additional resources and support for their mental health needs. The organization is also preparing to introduce COPE (Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment), an evidence-based program designed to help adolescents and teens develop healthy coping skills to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Orleans Community Health is also exploring opportunities to offer the program in local schools.
Orleans Community Health is also participating in ROOTS-NY (Rural Outreach, Organizing, Training and Suicide Prevention), a four-year, $1.6 million initiative announced by the New York State Office of Mental Health to strengthen suicide prevention efforts in five rural counties, including Orleans.
The initiative focuses on reducing social isolation, improving access to mental health resources, and strengthening community partnerships. Beginning November 1, Orleans Community Health plans to introduce services within its clinics focused on adults ages 55 and older who may be experiencing social isolation and loneliness. These efforts will include social prescribing, suicide screening and awareness, and support addressing depression and substance use.
“Access to mental health care is so important, especially in rural communities where resources can be limited,” said Megan Johnson, executive director of Orleans Community Health Foundation. “This generous donation will help us support patients who need behavioral health services while continuing to strengthen the programs and resources available right here in our community. We are incredibly grateful to the Fuller 155 organizers and everyone who supported this event for recognizing this need and taking action to make a difference.:
The Orleans Community Health Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to the Fuller 155 organizers, volunteers, donors, and participants for their dedication to suicide awareness and their generosity in supporting local behavioral health services.
About Orleans Community Health Foundation
Orleans Community Health Foundation supports the mission of Orleans Community Health by raising funds to enhance patient care, expand access to healthcare services, and provide essential resources for patients and families throughout the communities it serves.
Albion bests Medina in N-O volleyball finale
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Jillian LeBaron sets set to return service during the Purple Eagles home court win over Medina this evening as Kasia Robinson backs up the play.
Albion closed out the Niagara-Orleans League volleyball season on a high note by downing visiting rival Medina in straight sets 25-19, 25-16, 25-12 this evening.
Melia Prince had 5 kills, 4 aces and 2 blocks, Anna Grillo 9 aces and 4 kills, Jillian LeBaron 6 kills, 3 aces and 2 blocks, Kate Viza 3 kills and 2 aces, Carley Smith 4 kills and Charlotte Pike 4 aces and 11 assists for the Purple Eagles.
For Medina, Sam Heschke had 2 aces and Jenna Cecchini 2 kills.
In the opening set Prince served up points 18-21 including an ace to put Albion up 21-14.
Medina did rally back to within two at 21-19 as Payton Denniston scored points 16-19 including an ace but the Mustangs could get no closer.
Viza closed out the set for the Purple Eagles scoring points 23-25 registering aces for the final two.
Albion gradually built up a 21-12 lead in the second set as Pike served up points 1-4 with two aces and Prince tallied 18-21 also with a pair of aces.
Smith registered an ace for the set winning point for the Purple Eagles.
Leading 16-12, Albion closed out the third set and the match as Grillo put together a marathon run of 9 straight service points (17-25) including 6 aces.
Albion finishes the N-O season at 3-7 and Medina at 1-9 with that lone win being a 5 set victory over the Purple Eagles earlier in the season at Medina.
Roy-Hart d. Akron in 5
Roy-Hart finished the N-O season at 5-5 after outlasting Akron (5-4) in 5 sets 25-15, 17-25, 25-20, 21=25, 15-5.
Lauren Snyder had 15 kills for the Lady Rams as Tessa Degenhardt and Liliana Stanton 8 each.
Newfane d. Wilson in 5
Newfane, which has already locked up the N-O title, downed rival Wilson in five sets 24-26, 25-18, 25-17, 16-25, 25-10 this evening to improve to 9-0.
Wilson finishes the N-O season at 6-4.
Newfane will close out the season against Akron (5-4) on Wednesday.
Cassidy Janas akes a return for Medina as Hailey Moore (2) and Sam Heschke back up the play.
Hawley co-sponsored legislation that increased tax credit for volunteer firefighters, ambulance workers
Press Release, State Assemblyman Steve Hawley
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) today applauded the signing of his co-sponsored legislation to increase New York State’s income tax credit for eligible volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers from $200 to $800.
The legislation, A.6790-A, also increases the credit for eligible married couples filing jointly from $400 to $1,600 when both spouses qualify.
Hawley, a life member of the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department, supported the legislation during the Assembly debate. The credit had remained unchanged since 2007. The increase is intended to recognize the commitment of volunteer emergency responders and help local departments recruit and retain the personnel needed to protect their communities. The new law also allows eligible volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers to receive the state income tax credit while benefiting from a qualifying local property tax exemption, providing additional financial relief to those who serve their communities.
“Volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers give their time and put themselves at risk to protect our communities, often while balancing jobs and family responsibilities,” said Hawley. “As a life member of the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department, I understand the importance of supporting these dedicated volunteers, and increasing this tax credit is a meaningful step toward recognizing their service.”
Hawley said he will continue to advocate for policies that return money to the hard-working first responders in New York State.
Medina couple allegedly falsely accused person of hurting their child when injuries caused by father
Press Release, Medina Police Chief Corey Black
Christian Cooper, left, and Emily Niersberger face felony and misdemeanor charges.
MEDINA – On September 5, the Medina Police Department took a complaint from Emily E. Niersberger, age 24, and Christian A. Cooper, age 28.
Both stated that while walking with their 14-month-old child who was seated in a stroller an individual came up to them, assaulted Christian and then assaulted the child, resulting in injury to the child.
As officers began their investigation officers noticed slight differences in the account of Cooper and Niersberger’s description of the event. Further Investigation revealed that the stated suspect in this case was not in New York State at the time of the alleged occurrence.
The child who was treated at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Buffalo for minor injuries and was placed in a safe environment by Orleans County CPS during this investigation. As officers investigated this incident and compiled evidence it became clear that this explanation of the child’s injuries was clearly false.
Continued investigation revealed that Christian Cooper allegedly struck the child himself resulting in the child’s injuries and that Emily Niersberger conspired with Cooper in an attempt to conceal some of the details as to how the child was injured.
Christian Cooper was arrested on October 18 and transported to the Orleans County Jail for CAP Court arraignment.
He has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child, class A misdemeanor; assault in the second-degree class D felony; forgery in the second-degree, class D felony; criminal contempt in the first-degree, class E felony; making a false written statement, class A misdemeanor.
Emily Niersberger was arrested October 16 and transported to the Orleans County Jail for CAP Court arraignment. She was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, class A misdemeanor; forgery in the second-degree, class D felony; and making a false written statement, class A misdemeanor
Big early second half scoring burst keys Albion to first round sectional soccer win
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Damon Taylor tries to send the ball to the goal off a corner kick opportunity during the Purple Eagles sectional win over visiting Pine Valley/Gowanda this afternoon. Backing up the play is Adam Burgio (23).
A lightning quick three goal scoring burst in the first three minutes of the second half keyed No. 16 Albion to a 5-1 victory over visiting No. 17 Pine Valley/Gowanda this afternoon in the opening round of the Section VI Class B playoffs.
Breaking away from a 1-1 half-time deadlock, Albion took control with that decisive scoring burst as Garret Jones scored all three goals two coming off assists by Brendan Smith and one by Alakai Colmenero.
Jaili McPhatter netted the Purple Eagles final goal.
Jones also scored Albion’s lone first half goal off an assist from Smith.
Albion, which is 3-13-1 overall, will now visit top seeded Lafayette (11-1, 12-4) tomorrow at 5 p.m. in the pre-quarterfinals.
Andres Morillas scored in the first half for Pine Valley/Gowanda which gave the Panthers a 1-0 lead.
Pine Valley/Gowanda finishes the season at 0-15.
Albion’s Brendan Smith puts a shot toward the goal.
Holley’s Class of ’86 celebrates 40th reunion, donates $1,986 to scholarship
Photos and information courtesy of Holley Central School
HOLLEY – The Holley Central School Class of 1986 recently marked a major milestone by celebrating their 40th class reunion during the district’s homecoming weekend on October 2-3.
The weekend kicked off with classmates gathering to watch the annual homecoming parade. Afterward, the group headed to the Woodlands soccer stadium for the alumni soccer game. Two members of the Class of ’86, Walter Bennage and Peter Lehning, suited up to play and were honored with team captain status for the game.
Following the game, 29 classmates and spouses gathered at the Holley firemen’s field to reminisce and catch up. The reunion drew attendees from across the country, with several classmates traveling from as far as California, Texas and Illinois to celebrate.
On Saturday, the festivities continued with breakfast at Sam’s Diner. This was followed by a guided tour of both the elementary and Jr./Sr. high school buildings, led by Holley School District Superintendent Karri Schiavone.
The tour held special significance for the attendees. The Class of 1986 was among the very first groups of students to occupy the current high school when it opened in the late 1970s. At the time, the building featured a trendy “open classroom” concept. The alumni found it fascinating to see how the physical spaces had evolved and noted the remarkable modern upgrades completed over the last 40 years.
A major highlight of the landmark weekend was a philanthropic effort by the self-proclaimed “Generation X” class. Both weekend attendees and classmates who could not make the trip combined forces to collect donations. In honor of their graduation year, they raised $1,986, which will be awarded as a scholarship to a deserving Holley graduating senior.
ABATE donates to Community Action’s Holiday Toy Drive
Press Release, Community Action of Orleans & Genesee
Provided photo: Don Sloper, president of ABATE in Orleans County, presents a check to Renee Hungerford, Executive Director/CEO of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.
ALBION – Community Action of Orleans & Genesee thanks the members of ABATE of New York, Orleans Chapter, for donating $700, toys and books to support local children and families through the agency’s annual Holiday Toy Drive.
At ABATE’s October 18 meeting, members presented Community Action with $700 after voting to increase the $630 they had originally collected. Members also collected donations of an assortment of toys and books to help brighten the holidays for local children and families.
The donations will support Community Action’s annual Holiday Toy Drive, which helps provide gifts to children during the holiday season.
“On behalf of Community Action and the families we serve, I extend our heartfelt thanks to every member of ABATE and donors for this generous support,” said Renee Hungerford, Executive Director/CEO of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee. “By voting to increase their contribution, ABATE members demonstrated the caring spirit they bring to our community. We are deeply grateful to Don Sloper, the entire organization, and every donor whose generosity will help make the holidays brighter for local children and families facing difficult circumstances this season.”
Support from local businesses, organizations, and community members makes Community Action’s Holiday Toy Drive possible and helps ensure that children throughout the community can experience the joy and excitement of the holiday season.
Community Action of Orleans & Genesee sincerely thanks ABATE for its continued commitment to helping neighbors in need and for making this year’s Holiday Toy Drive brighter for local children and families.
About Community Action of Orleans & Genesee
Community Action of Orleans & Genesee is dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve greater economic security and improve their quality of life through programs and services that address poverty, housing stability, early childhood education, nutrition, transportation, energy assistance, and other community needs.
Holley mayor wants plan for fixing damaged culvert that has shut down Veterans Drive entrance
File photo by Tom Rivers: This photo from May shows the entrance of Veterans Drive being barricaded to prevent traffic from going through.
HOLLEY – Mayor Mark Bower said it will be costly to replace the culvert on Veterans Drive but he wants to start the process of getting a new small bridge eventually in place.
The culvert was badly damaged by a powerful storm on April 1 with flooding. The road and culvert are both crumbling.
The entrance has been blocked off to traffic. Bower doesn’t want to see the entrance stay closed long-term, saying that it hurts the VFW Post, a tannery business and the companies in the Holley Business Park.
Wendel, an engineering firm, has offered to do a preliminary engineering assessment for free for replacing the culvert. Bower said a new culvert and road repairs could be around $850,000. Wendel will be able to provide more specific numbers.
Holley could then pursue grant funding for the project.
Northshore Fury captures tournament title
Contributed Photo – The Fury’s lineup includes in front from left – Dean Fischer, Zia Dix, Marshall Thomas, Chris Andrews, and Gunner Knight. Back from Left – Brayden Aydelotte, Lane Woodworth, Jude Lacy, Trey Rhim, and Mason McGuire.
The Northshore Fury 16U AAU basketball team earned a championship going undefeated over the weekend at the John Wilbur Memorial Classic, held in Rochester.
Facing competition from Rochester and Toronto, Canada, the Fury finished 3–0 with victories of 67–49, 58–46 and 56–31. Balanced scoring and strong defense carried the team throughout the tournament, with the Fury holding every opponent under 50 points.
Trey Rhim of Notre Dame led the scoring with 16 points per game. Jude Lacy of Medina averaged 15 points, while Lane Woodworth of Lyndonville added 14 points per game.
Additional scoring came from Marshall Thomas of Notre Dame, Brayden Adyelotte of Lyndonville, Zia Dix and Dean Fischer of Medina, and Chris Andrews and Gunner Knight of Holley. Mason McGuire contributed rebounds and stellar defensive play, helping anchor a championship effort that featured contributions from all ten players.
The Fury are coached by Pete Rhim of Medina, Kevin McGuire of Holley, and Joshua Dix of Albion.
The Fury return to action this coming weekend October 24th–25th at the Jammin’ for a Cause Slamfest.
Sectional soccer playoffs get underway today
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Garret Jones and his Albion teammates will open Section VI soccer playoff action at home this afternoon against Pine Valley-Gowanda at 3:30 p.m.
Sectional soccer playoff competition gets underway this afternoon as No. 16 seed Albion hosts No. 17 Pine Valley-Gowanda in a Section VI Class B game at 3:30 p.m.
Albion went 0-9-1 in Niagara-Orleans League action and 2-13-1 overall during the regular season while Pine Valley-Gowanda was 0-14.
The victor will have little time to celebrate as the next round is Tuesday and the opponent will be top seeded Lafayette which went 11-1 in the Buffalo league and 12-4 overall.
Garret Jones had 5 goals and 2 assists and Brendan Smith 4 goals to lead the Purple Eagles offense.
Medina will begin Class B competition on Tuesday as the No. 7 seeded Mustangs (6-4, 10-4-1) will host No. 10 Tonawanda (4-6-2, 4-9-3) at 4 p.m. at Vets Park.
The winner will visit No. 2 Allegany-Limestone (9-0-1, 11-2-2) on Thursday.
Offensively the Mustangs have been led by Aidan Papaj (30 goals, 12 assists), Aleks Seefeldt (14 goals, 14 assists), Izzy Anderson (9 goals, 15 assists) and Cam Fike (7 goals, 4 assists).
Roy-Hart will begin Class C competition on Tuesday as the No. 10 seeded Rams (1-8-1, 4-11-1) visit No. 7 Holland (5-6-1, 7-8-1)at 3:30 p.m.
The Rams have been sparked offensively by Michael Fuller (19 goals, 7 assists), Jack Trombley (6 goals, 2 assists) and Joshua Jennings (1 goal, 10 assists).
Also on Tuesday, the No. 3 seeded Holley girls (10-5-1) will host No 14 Letchworth (0-15) at 6 p.m. in a Section V Class C1 game.
In Section VI girls competition on Wednesday No. 10 Roy-Hart/Medina (4-6, 7-9) will visit No. 7 Iroquois (5-5, 8-7 at 3:30 p.m. in Class A; N0. 9 Albion (5-5, 7-7) will visit No. 8 Southwestern (6-6, 7-9) at 7 p.m. in Class B and No. 8 Barker/Lyndonville (3-7, 9-7) will host No. 9 Franklinville (2-8. 4-11) at 3:30 p.m. in Class C.
In Section V boys action on Wednesday No. 8 Lyndonville/Barker (8-8) will host No. 9 Pembroke (6-8-2) at 5:30 p.m. at Barker in Class C1 and No. 9 Kendall (7-7-2) will visit No. 8 Perry (8-6-2) at 6 p.m. in Class C2.
The time and location of the Lyndonville/Barker game has been changed from the original schedule.
The Lyndonville/Barker vs. Pembroke winner will visit top seeded East Rochester (14-1) on Saturday and the Kendall vs. Perry winner will visit No. 1 Geneseo (14-1-1) also on Saturday.
