Month: December 2020

Our Letters Policy

Posted 24 October 2023 at 3:00 pm

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.

Mustangs down Lakemen in lacrosse opener

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 26 March 2024 at 7:24 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Dylan Lonnen puts a shot on the goal during the Mustangs season opening win over Wilson at Vets Park this evening.

Rebounding from an early four goal deficit, Medina rallied to down Wilson 11-8 in a season opening Class D Division lacrosse game at Vets Park this evening.

Dylan Lonnen and Lucius Wagner each scored 3 goals and Jacob Rissew 2 to lead the Medina attack as Will Prest, Cole Callard and Liam Castricone each netted 1.

Wilson built up a 5-1 lead early in the second quarter, including 3 goals by Connor Peck.

However, Medina came battling back to score 4 of the next 5 goals and slice the deficit to 6-5 at the half. Lonnen scored 2 goals during that stretch as Prest and Wagner both had 1.

The Mustangs stayed within one, 8-7, at the end of the third period on goals by Callard and Wagner.

That set the stage for a strong Medina finish as the Mustangs erupted for four unanswered goals in the decisive final period to claim the win.

Lonnen scored the equalizer just 1:32 into the period.

Rissew followed up with the go ahead and what proved to be the game winning goal on a power play with 6:26 remaining.

Wagner and Castricone then tacked on insurance goals to lock up the win.

Medina next hosts Depew at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Medina’s Will Prest works between a pair of Wilson defenders to advance the ball.

Holley artist creates painting celebrating solar eclipse

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 March 2024 at 3:07 pm

Andrea Newman selling posters of painting as fundraiser for Holley festivals

HOLLEY – Andrea Newman, an artist from Holley, created a painting celebrating the upcoming solar eclipse. Holley is in the path of totality and very close to the center line of the eclipse. (The center line will pass over neighboring Brockport.)

Andrea Newman

Newman’s acrylic painting on canvas shows Holley’s lift bridge over a shallow Erie Canal. At about 3:20 p.m. on April 8, Holley will be in darkness as the sun is blocked by the moon. Totality will last for almost four minutes.

It is a rare event. Orleans County was last in a total eclipse in 1925.

“I’m excited,” Newman said today. “It’s going to be a great day.”

Newman was asked by Holley Mayor Mark Bower to create a painting commemorating the eclipse. Bower saw an eclipse poster featuring the Erie Canal with many of the canal towns listed on the border of the poster. He was disappointed Holley wasn’t included.

He reached out to Newman, a former Holley Board of Education member who works as an artist. She also is an adjunct communications professor at SUNY Brockport.

She is happy to help the Holley community celebrate the eclipse. She is selling posters of the painting as well as digital downloads through her Etsy site (click here). Proceeds will be donated to the village to go towards community festivals.

Newman experimented for a few days on creating a silhouette for the painting. She settled on the lift bridge for the scene in Holley, because she said the lift bridge is such an iconic landmark.

“It’s going to be a monumental day,” she said about April 8. “It’s so cool it’s coming right this way.”

OCH reports unprecedent patient satisfaction in latest survey

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 26 March 2024 at 2:16 pm

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health is proud to announce an unprecedented achievement in patient satisfaction with the release of its fourth quarter 2023 survey results.

Garnering responses from 49 patients, the survey achieved an exceptional overall score of 4.98 out of 5, surpassing the previous high of 4.84. This milestone comes during a year when Orleans Community Health received more than 300 surveys, according to Scott Robinson, director of marketing at Orleans Community Health.

The fourth-quarter survey, designed to gauge patient satisfaction across various facets of care and service delivery, reflects the collective efforts of the Orleans Community Health team, Robinson said. Patients overwhelmingly praised the care and services they were being provided.

“This survey was designed with a focus on providing the best care to patients,” Robinson added. “These results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, who consistently strive to deliver the highest standard of care to our patients.”

Kim Gray, chief nursing officer at Orleans Community Health, said surpassing their previously high score is a testament to their continuous efforts to improve and enhance the patient experience.

“We are immensely proud of our team’s dedication to providing compassionate, high-quality care to every patient who walks through our doors,” Gray said.

Robinson added that Orleans Community Health remains dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvements, leveraging patient feedback to drive positive change and innovation in healthcare delivery. The organization looks forward to building upon it success and further elevating the patient experience in the coming months.

The upcoming eclipse will be spectacular—but watch your eyes!

Posted 26 March 2024 at 2:00 pm

By Dr. Robert Ford, Chief of Optometry, Oak Orchard Health

As you may know by now, a rare total solar eclipse will happen Monday, April 8, 2024, and the Western New York region is one of the best places to experience it. Our region is in the path of totality—a narrow band of area across Earth where the moon briefly covers all but a thin disk of sunlight around its edges. The excitement begins at 2:07 p.m., when the moon begins to cover the sun, at 3:20 p.m., the total eclipse will begin and last for about 3 minutes. It is a spectacular moment to witness as day turns into night in a matter of seconds and the stars begin to shine.

The dark side of looking at the sun

The only safe way to view the event is with special solar viewing glasses. They are made with filters that block Ultraviolet—or UV—light. And it is best to plan to wear special viewing glasses for the entire event rather than risk any exposure.

UV sunlight can burn your eyes’ retinas in less than a minute or two. Even a partially concealed sun is unsafe to view with the naked eye. Even though daylight will begin to dim, the ultraviolet rays will still be just as strong. The same is true when it is cloudy or you’re wearing sunglasses or looking through your home’s or vehicle’s windows.

Oak Orchard Health has safety glasses for viewing

Oak Orchard Health will be giving away ISO Certified eclipse viewing glasses to their current patients in our offices starting April 2. They are appropriate for adults and children. Limited supply is available and there is no cost.

You can also find places to purchase special eclipse viewing glasses by Googling The American Astronomical Society, a trusted organization, or see if your local library has them available, as the organization StarNet Libraries has distributed millions of the special viewing glasses to libraries around the U.S.

Precautions about other devices

If you are taking photos with your phone or camera, you still need to wear your viewing glasses. But there are certain devices that are unsafe to view the eclipse through even if you are wearing your viewing glasses: telescopes and binoculars. This is because such devices use magnifying lenses that will ruin the protective structure of the viewing glasses and damage your eyes anyway.

Watching out for kids

As for young children, remember to protect their eyes as well as your own. Providing them with viewing glasses can still be risky unless you control every second of your children’s behavior. So, the safest way for children to view an eclipse is indoors, on a television or computer screen, to be sure their eyes are never exposed to harmful rays. If your children are a bit older—teenagers—and want to experience the eclipse outdoors, just make sure they know to wear those special viewing glasses even as daylight dims. They may think, like other folks, that it is safe to look directly when it is not.

What to do about accidental exposure

After the eclipse, if you or a loved one have accidentally viewed direct sunlight and notice blurred or distorted vision, a change in the way you see colors, a blind spot, or a headache—usually within a few hours or the next day—make an appointment with an eye doctor right away. We have openings at our Brockport office. Just call (585) 637-3905 extension 3.

Sometimes, the symptoms of sun damage will go away after a few weeks or months. Sometimes, that damage is permanent.

For more on eclipse viewing safety, visit aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/solar-eclipse-eye-safety

Oak Orchard Health has a comprehensive Eye Department that includes two experienced Optometrists and a full suite of eyewear including contact lenses.

 

Lots of praise for Sidari in final meeting as Medina mayor

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 March 2024 at 10:43 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Mike Sidari enjoys some punch during a brief reception at Monday’s Village Board meeting, his last time presiding over the Village Board meeting as mayor. He is chatting with Gabrielle Barone, center, and Debbie Padoleski.

Barone is vice president for business development for the Orleans Economic Development Agency. She said she frequently reached out to Sidari about possible business projects in Medina. Padoleski is retired as Medina’s village clerk/treasurer. She was elected trustee last week and starts April 1 on the Village Board.

Sidari has been Medina mayor the past eight years, and was a trustee for two years before that. Sidari opted not to seek re-election last week. Marguerite Sherman, the current deputy mayor, starts her term on April 1. There will be a 5 p.m. swearing-in that day for Sherman and the new trustees, Mark Prawel and Padoleski.

There will be an open house on Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. for people to stop by and see Sidari at the village clerk’s office at 119 Park Ave.

Mike Sidari, center, reads a statement near the end of the Village Board meeting on Monday at the senior center. From left include trustees Jess Marciano, Marguerite Sherman, Tim Elliott and Diana Baker.

Sidari has been mayor during a time of several major business projects in Medina, as well as several community initiatives including a new dog park, skate park, an upgraded Pine Street Park with a splash pad, and much improved Boxwood Cemetery.

Sidari also helped Medina with the successful application for a $4.5 NY Forward grant from the state for downtown and waterfront projects. The state is expected to soon announce how that grant will be spent in the community.

The mayor said people have often remarked about Medina’s success during his tenure as mayor, with many telling him he was doing a great job. He was quick to respond it’s been a team effort in Medina.

“The one thing I can lay claim to is surrounding myself with some of the best trustees, department heads, workforce, committee members and business owners that a mayor can ask for,” he said, reading from his statement. “There are too many people that have contributed to the village, I can only say a general sincere heart felt public thank you to all of you. Your efforts and forward thinking made my job easier to navigate.”

The trustees may have disagreed, but Sidari said all were focused on reaching a resolution that was best for the village.

“I can honestly say all of them had the best interest in this place we call home,” he said. “It has been said that a political is in this for himself, a public servant is in this for the people. All of us have been public servants for the people of Medina.”

He encouraged residents to become active in the village.

“There are many opportunities to volunteer,” Sidari said. “If someone is thinking about throwing their hat in for a board position, get involved in a committee or two, come to board meetings and learn how things get done.”

Sidari said he made a promise to himself when he was elected mayor eight years was to do his best for the village “and try not to get too many people made at me. I hope in the eyes of the community I kept that promise.”

Sidari said he is available to help the new board during the transition to a new administration.

“Remember, it’s a must that all of you work together.”

He thanked his wife Brenda to putting up with all the meetings, phone calls and emails day and night.

The Village Board members and the crowd at the meeting stand and applaud Mike Sidari near the end of Monday’s Village Board meeting.

He was praised by department heads for his leadership while they managed their departments with planning projects, handling personnel issues and adhering to budgets.

Code Enforcement Officer Dan Gardner, Police Chief Todd Draper, Fire Chief Matt Jackson, DPW Superintendent Jason Watts and Village Clerk/Treasurer Jada Burgess all commended Sidari for his work as mayor.

They also praised Tim Elliott for his eight years of service as a village trustee. He lost a close election last week.

Jada Burgess said she witnessed Sidari’s dedication to the village, and praised him for “serving with integrity, knowledge and always being available to the taxpayers.”

The mayor worked with volunteers to implement improvements to the parks, including a skate park, new basketball court, a splash pad and now the early stages of an inclusive playground at Skate Street Park.

“His motto hasn’t ever been ‘I did this,’” Burgess said. “It has been, ‘We did this,’ knowing that the members of this community are what continues to move Medina forward in a  positive direction.”

Burgess thanked Sidari for helping her grow in her position as clerk-treasurer for the village.

She also praised Trustee Elliott for his service on the board.

“His insight has been refreshing, often bringing an out-of-the-box thinking which is beneficial to the board,” Burgess said about Elliott.

Lady Hawks aim for a rebound season

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 26 March 2024 at 10:37 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Helping to lead the Holley varsity softball team into the upcoming season are returnees Layne Walker, Leigha Walker, Gabriella Houseknecht and Natalie Foose. Missing are Teanna Church and Ryleigh Weader.

Looking to rebound from last spring’s winless league campaign, Holley is scheduled to begin tuning up for the Genesee Region softball season by visiting Geneseo on Thursday for a non league contest.

Holley returns a veteran nucleus of six players including seniors Teanna Church (Outfield), Ryleigh Weader (Infield), Layne Walker (First base), Leigha Walker (Catcher), Gabriella Houseknecht (Pitcher/OF) and junior Natalie Foose (Third base). Leigha Walker earned G-R All-Star honors last spring.

Sophomores Skylar Gallagher and Lily Newman look to help out with the key pitching duties.

The Lady Hawks roster also includes juniors Kylee Dann (Inf.) and Alyssa Armstrong (Inf), sophomores Alexa VanAmeron (Shortstop) and Cadence Lujan (Inf/Of) and freshman Serenity-Ann Rath (Utility).

Holley’s graduation losses included G-R All-Star pitcher Tia Hoffarth.

Holley is slated to open the G-R season at Pembroke on April 10.

Sect. VI football schedule has Medina opening at Roy-Hart/Barker and Albion at Olean

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 26 March 2024 at 10:01 am

The just released Section VI 2024 high school football schedule will have Medina visiting neighboring Roy-Hart/Barker and Albion making the long trip to the Southern Tier to face Olean to open the season on Friday September 6.

It is a season schedule filled with a sizeable number of Thursday night and Saturday afternoon contests.

The Mustangs and Purple Eagles will then both have their home openers the following Friday, Sept. 13, as Albion hosts Depew and Medina entertains Newfane.

Albion will also host Maryvale on Friday Sept. 20, Dunkirk on Thursday October 3 and Medina on Friday Oct. 25.

The Purple Eagles will visit Lackawanna on Saturday Sept. 28, Springville on Friday Oct. 11 and Lew-Port on Thursday Oct. 17.

Medina will also host Tonawanda on Friday Sept. 27, Akron on Thursday Oct. 3 and Alden on Friday Oct. 11.

The Mustangs will also visit Cleveland Hill on Saturday Sept. 21 and Maritime on Saturday Oct. 19.

Roy-Hart/Barker will also host Newfane on Thursday Sept. 19, Maritime on Friday, Oct. 11 and Franklinville on Oct. 25.

The road games for Roy-Hart/Barker will include Friday Sept. 13 at Akron, Thursday Sept. 26 at Alden, Saturday Oct. 5 at Cleveland Hill and Friday Oct. 18 at Tonawanda.

Albion’s Schedule
Fri. Sept. 6 at Olean
Fri. Sept 13 Depew
Fri. Sept. 20 Maryvale
Sat. Sept. 28 at Lackawanna
Thurs. Oct. 3 Dunkirk
Fri. Oct. 11 at Springville
Thurs. Oct. 17 at Lew-Port
Fri. Oct. 25 Medina

Medina’s Schedule
Fri. Sept. 6 at Roy-Hart/Barker
Fri. Sept. 13 Newfane
Sat. Sept. 21 at Cleve Hill
Fri. Sept. 27 Tonawanda
Thurs. Oct. 3 Akron
Fri, Oct. 11 Alden
Sat. Oct. 19 at Maritime
Fri. Oct. 25 at Albion

Roy-Hart/Barker’s Schedule
Fri. Sept. 6 Medina
Fri. Sept. 13 at Akron
Thur. Sept. 19 – Newfane
Thurs. Sept. 26 at Alden
Sat. Oct. 5 at Cleve Hill
Fri. Oct. 11 Maritime
Fri. Oct. 18 at Tonawanda
Fri. Oct. 25 Franklinville

Hawley says answers needed on state’s Covid responses

Posted 26 March 2024 at 9:08 am

‘New Yorkers have suffered through unconstitutional lockdowns, mandates and unscientific guidelines’

Press Release, Assemblyman Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) joined his colleagues in the State Assembly on Monday to call for an independent and public review of the state’s Covid response.

Steve Hawley

On March 7, 2020, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency, shutting New York down for over a year, and exactly four years ago on March 25, 2020, Cuomo made the unthinkable decision to force Covid-positive patients into nursing homes.

During the pandemic, roughly 80,000 New Yorkers died while families and local businesses struggled to make ends meet and keep the lights on.

In May of 2022, Gov. Hochul called for a multimillion-dollar study of the state’s pandemic response. Nearly two years later, no due date has been announced and New Yorkers are still left to wonder why their government failed them. This proposed independent study will bring clarity and closure to those who suffered and lost loved ones in the pandemic while holding officials accountable for their actions.

“New Yorkers have suffered through unconstitutional lockdowns, mandates and unscientific guidelines. Now is the time for answers,” Hawley said. “Gov. Cuomo’s reckless policies put countless people in harm’s way and in many cases led to the tragic loss of lives.

“Nursing homes were forced to take in Covid-positive patients and hard-working communities were given curfews and told to stay home while their kids lost valuable time in the classroom. No number of independent reviews can reverse the pain and suffering New Yorkers experienced during that time, but it is our duty to be open and transparent with the public. It’s time for New Yorkers to learn the truth so we will not repeat the mistakes of the past.”

Ortt, Republicans in Legislature want review of state’s ‘disastrous’ Covid response

Posted 26 March 2024 at 9:00 am

Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt

ALBANY – New York State Senate and Assembly Republicans, U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro, Voices for Seniors Co-Founder Vivian Zayas and Director Tracey Alvino and colleagues from their conferences gathered at the Capitol on Monday, marking the fourth anniversary of the Department of Health directive that forced nursing homes to accept Covid-positive patients.

Rob Ortt

The infamous order was a public health catastrophe that had devastating effects on nursing home populations and directly contributed to the almost 15,000 Covid deaths in long-term care facilities during the pandemic.

The group renewed its calls for the long-awaited independent review of the state’s disastrous Covid response. Despite commitments from the Hochul Administration to conduct an investigation, little to no progress has been made.

As thousands of families continue to wait for answers, the investigation process has only recently identified an outside consultant – Virginia-based The Olson Group, Ltd.. In addition lawmakers on Monday urged the governor to finally convene the “Reimagining Long-Term Care Task Force,” which has also been delayed.

“The best way to ensure New York is better prepared in the future, is to openly and honestly assess the mistakes of the past,” said New York Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt. “Thousands of families continue to mourn the loss of their loved ones in nursing homes due to the disastrous March 25th directive from former Governor Cuomo. They deserve the thorough, transparent investigation that was promised, not more inaction from their state government.”

Senate and Assembly Republicans have repeatedly requested legislative hearings equipped with subpoena power to seek answers and provide accountability for the families who lost loved ones due to the previous administration’s mishandling of the pandemic. The now publicly disclosed intentional omission of information by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his staff, and the damaging reports from Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Attorney General Letitia James support the need for further examination of the state’s Covid pandemic response by an independent entity.

“Four years of unanswered questions, four years of families grieving, four years of zero transparency,” said Will Barclay, leader of the Assembly Republican Conference. “Under no circumstance should the 2020 nursing home directive ever have been tolerated. Last year, Gov. Kathy Hochul promised families an independent review of the state’s policies during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic; New York families are still awaiting that review.”

Medina car show will move to senior center parking lot

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Cars are on display at Medina’s Canal Basin during a car show last year. The show is moving to the Senior Center parking lot on West Avenue.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 March 2024 at 9:47 pm

MEDINA – The Village Board approved allowing use of the parking lot at the Medina Senior Center at 615 West Ave. as the new home for a car show.

The vote came after several people spoke in favor of keeping the car show at the Canal basin where there is plenty of shade and room for car owners to relax in chairs by the Erie Canal.

The car show in the Canal Basin for nearly 30 years was organized by former Orleans County Sheriff David Green. He retired from the role of car show organizer after last year. The events often drew 80 to 100 cars.

Rollin Hellner and Tom Snyder have offered to organize the shows this year, but Hellner said the costs would be less at the senior center. He owns The Walsh, a bar and restaurant across from the parking lot. He said he can extend his insurance to include the car shows, and also car enthusiasts could also use the bathrooms at The Walsh or nearby Poler’s Pub so port-a-potties wouldn’t need to be rented.

“I want to blow this out of the water,” Hellner said about drawing big crowds for the car show. “I want people to come see our village and beautiful Main Street. It’s going to take the community to make this great.”

Hellner said there are about 80 parking spaces for classic cars when the show moves to the senior center.

Staying at the Canal Basin likely won’t be an option in the near future anyway because Hellner said the state is planning to reconfigure the lot, taking away some parking to add more green space. The state hasn’t announced if and when the project will occur. It is among the proposals for the village’s $4.5 million NY Forward grant.

John Pratt, one of the classic car owners, was among the speakers who said he would prefer the Canal Basin.

“We’ve got a park-like setting,” he said about the Canal Basin. “Everybody likes it down there. It’s user-friendly with the shade and the water. There are a lot of other places they can go and sit in a land old parking lot.”

With the change to the senior center approved, Pratt asked the board to consider closing part of Park Avenue. That would make more space to park classic cars, and provide spots for the owners and their guests to sit in grass with some shade. That suggestion will be considered before the new car show season starts on May 31.

Hellner and Snyder said they are planning 12 car shows until Aug. 30. Two weeks ago they asked that the Super Cruise be on a Friday, with part of Main Street blocked off for about 200 cars. But they have relented from that and agreed to keep the Super Cruise on a Wednesday – Aug. 28.

Village officials don’t want to see Main Street closed on a Friday, which is a busy night for the restaurants.

Marguerite Sherman, the deputy mayor, cast the lone vote against the senior center parking lot for the car show. She wanted to do a walk-through of the parking lot to see how Hellner and Snyder planned to position the cars, to maximize the space. She wanted more time to consider the change, but the other board members agreed to allow use of the lot, with Hellner and Snyder to work out the particular details of how to best host the car shows.

Trustee Tim Elliott made the motion to allow use of the parking lot. He said Hellner and Snyder are eager to start promoting the event.

“The car show in the Canal Basin ended in August,” Elliott said. “This is a brand new car show. It’s their hard work going into this. It’s their money going into it.”

Expanded healthcare services now available for veterans

Posted 25 March 2024 at 1:45 pm

Press Release, Congressman Joe Morelle

ROCHESTER – Congressman Joe Morelle was joined by local leaders today to announce the full implementation of the Honoring Our PACT Act by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs.

All veterans exposed to toxins or other hazards while serving in the military are now eligible to enroll directly in VA healthcare, years ahead of schedule.

“We passed the Honoring Our PACT Act in Congress because our nation’s heroes shouldn’t have to jump through bureaucratic hoops to access the healthcare benefits they have rightfully earned from their courageous service,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I’m thrilled the provisions of our legislation have been implemented ahead of schedule, opening the door to life-saving care for millions of veterans. I am grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs for their swift action and look forward to our continued work together to ensure our veterans have the full benefits they deserve when they return home.”

The bipartisan Honoring our PACT Act, which Congressman Morelle voted to pass in 2022, expanded VA healthcare to veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service including burn pits and airborne hazards; created presumptions for 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers, shifting the burden of proof off our veterans; and streamlined internal processes so more veterans can receive the help and support they need in a timely manner.

As of March 5, 2024, the VA has fully implemented the provisions of the Honoring Our PACT Act by making all veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in our armed forces—whether at home or abroad—eligible to enroll directly in VA health care. While the Honoring Our PACT Act mandates veterans become eligible increments between 2022 and 2032, this decision waives the phase-in approach and makes every veteran eligible for care immediately.

To see if you, your family, or someone you know is eligible for care under the Honoring Our PACT Act, visit VA.gov/PACT. To learn more about how to register for healthcare through the VA, click here.

Medina trustees go to Albany seeking more state aid

Provided photos: Medina trustees Diana Baker, left, and Jess Marciano met with State Sen. Rob Ortt in Albany on Wednesday.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 March 2024 at 10:12 am

ALBANY – Two Village of Medina trustees traveled to the State Capital in Albany last week to seek more state funding for the village.

Jess Marciano and Diana Baker joined about 50 other municipal officials from around the state in Albany for a lobbying day. The event was organized by NYCOM (New York Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials) and the Association of Towns of the State of New York.

Marciano and Baker met with other officials from the state and then went to see the local state legislators, State Sen. Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

The village trustees had a list for the two state legislators. The trustees noted the village government has about 50 full-time employees serving a community with a high-poverty rate.

The employees are in the fire department (21 staff), police department (13 employees), Department of Public Works (12 workers), Clerk’s Office (4 staff) and one code enforcement officer.

The Medina trustees pressed the legislators to push for a sizable increase in AIM (Aid and Incentives to Municipalities) for Medina.

Marciano and Baker presented a chart showing Medina’s meager AIM amount of $45,523 for a village of 6,047 – for $7.53 a person. Smaller cities get more than $100 a person and this is unrestricted aid, to be spent at the discretion of the municipality. (The city of Salamanca, which is similar in size to both the villages of Medina and Albion, collects $928,131 in AIM funding or $156 per person for its 5,929 residents.)

NYCOM also is making more AIM a legislative focus, saying the $715 million total for cities, towns and villages hasn’t been increased in 15 years. NYCOM is seeking a 43 percent increase or another $309 million in AIM.

Jess Marciano, left, and Diana Baker met with Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

Marciano and Baker also said Medina needs more state funding for water and sewer upgrades, and for road maintenance.

“We’re about to go into another incredibly difficult budget year,” Marciano said. “We have to figure out a way to get more money in the village.”

Marciano said Medina isn’t just looking for a state handout. The village has been trying to convince the County Legislature to share more of the local sales tax. The Legislature hasn’t increased the sales tax to towns and village since 2001. It’s been stuck at $1,366,671 for 10 towns and four villages. Medina gets $160,160 of that total.

The local sales tax for the county totalled $23.1 million in 2023. Medina gets less than 1 percent of the total.

The village also is trying to rein in expenses without putting off long overdue projects such as a ladder truck replacement and need to expand the fire hall.

Baker said the discussions with Hawley and Ortt were “very enlightening” as they shared about so many factions in a diverse state, all pushing their own agendas. The smaller towns in rural communities often are overwhelmed by the larger cities and their needs.

Ortt was asked specifically to push legislation that would help the village. Medina has tried for years to have state legislation pass that would allow for a 2 percent occupancy tax for room rentals in the village.

Medina first tried to have the tax imposed in 2018 but it has stalled in the State Legislature.

Hawley has agreed to introduce legislation in the Assembly. Ortt has sponsored the legislation before in the State Senate but now said he is reluctant to back bills that result in a tax increase.

He told Marciano and Baker the “the circumstances have to be right” for him to push the bill in the Senate. He would have to give up something to make a deal with the Democratic Party majority. Right now, he said the Medina legislation benefits so few. But he told Marciano and Baker he isn’t giving up on the legislation.

Baker and Marciano appreciated that both Hawley and Ortt met with the Medina representatives without an appointment. Baker and Marciano said they will schedule more appointments next year so they present Medina’s challenges to more state officials.

“We had very good luck that both were available,” Marciano said about Hawley and Ortt.

Gas prices up less than penny in Orleans, but jump 6 cents in NYS, US

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 March 2024 at 9:44 am

The average price for a gallon regular gasoline went up an average of 6 cents nationally and in New York State in the past week. The national price today is at $3.53, while the statewide average is $3.43.

However, in Orleans County, the average price went up less than a cent, from $3.370 a week ago to $3.376 today, AAA reported.

Here are the prices today among Western New York counties:

  • Orleans, $3.376
  • Genesee, $3.314
  • Wyoming, $3.393
  • Livingston, $3.397
  • Monroe, $3.357
  • Niagara, $3.298
  • Erie, $3.364
  • Chautauqua, $3.522
  • Cattaraugus, $3.431
  • Allegany, $3.432

“While domestic gas demand has been lackluster, rising oil prices helped to push pump prices higher,” AAA said in a statement. “Gas prices are a lot like seasonal temperatures, rising with the arrival of spring. The demand for gasoline increasing during spring break also pushes pump prices higher.

“The upward trend in gas prices is not unusual this time of year. Another critical factor is the arrival of more expensive summer blend gas, which tends to increase pump prices by 10 to 15 cents. That transition is underway in some parts of the country.”

AAA also reported diesel prices remain relatively steady. The national average price for diesel is $4.04, up a cent from last Monday, while the New York average is $4.40, also up a cent.

Veteran quintet leads Lady Tigers softball

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 25 March 2024 at 9:40 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Leading Lyndonville into the upcoming softball season are returnees, from left, Bella Groves, Brooke Robinson, Alexa Robinson, Kayli Miller and Addie Dillenbeck.

Five returnees anchor the lineup for the Lyndonville softball team which is prepping to defend its Genesee Region League Division 2 title.

The Lady Tigers veteran quintet includes senior Kayli Miller (Outfield), junior Addie Dillenbeck (Catcher/Outfield), sophomores Bella Groves (Infield) and Brooke Robinson (Pitcher/Infield) and eighth grader Alexa Robinson (Outfield). Dillenbeck earned G-R All-Star honors last spring.

Lyndonville is also looking to freshman Hannah Fox and seventh grader Braelynn Dillenbeck to help out with the pitching duties.

“We’ve got a really young team,” said Coach Joe Moore. “It depends on our pitching. A big key is for us to gain confidence. Right now we just lack experience so it’s really important to get some games in and get some experience.”

The Lady Tigers main graduation losses included G-R All-Stars Haley Shaffer (Pitcher/Catcher), Lorelei Dillenbeck (Shortstop/Pitcher) and Brianna Krisher (Third base).

Lyndonville, which went 10-3 in the league and 15-4 overall, is scheduled to begin tuning up for the April 9 G-R opener at Elba by hosting Wilson at 5 p.m. Thursday in a non league contest.