Legislature issues many proclamations

Crime Victim Rights’ Week, Motorcycle Awareness and Safety, Older Americans among several recognized

Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature on Wednesday issued several formal proclamations to highlight citizens and programs in the county.

The top photo shows legislators Ken DeRoller and Lynne Johnson reading a proclamation in honor of Crime Victim Rights’ Week, which is April 19-25. Terri Drennan, second from left, is the Crime Victim’s Services Coordinator for the county. Christi Waldron, left, works with Restore, providing services for sexual assault victims.

May is also “Foster Care Month.” Legislator Bill Eick, right, presents the proclamation to Jeannine Larkin, supervisor of the foster care program in the county. Holli Nenni, left, is the deputy commissioner of Department of Social Services.

Motorcycle Awareness and Safety Month will be observed in May. Legislators Ken DeRoller and Lynne Johnson presented a proclamation to Chuck Persons, president of the Orleans County Chapter of ABATE of New York. There will be a motorcycle safety and awareness rally at 1 p.m. on May 3 at the courthouse steps. Motoryclists will then go on a ride throughout the county.

Legislators also issued a proclamation for “Western New York Armed Forces Week” with a special appreciation for Gold Star Mothers. Legislature Chairman David Callard, left, presents the proclamation to David Kusmierczak, a veteran from Medina.

Legislators also declared May to be “Older Americans Month.” Melissa Blanar, director of the Office for the Aging, is pictured with legislators Bill Eick, center, and Fred Miller.

The Legislature also issued a “Special Recognition” award to Niagara County Legislature Chairman Bill Ross, who is retiring after this year. He has been an elected official in Niagara County for 30 years.

He supported the Niagara-Orleans Regional Alliance with the two counties working together to fight a plan changing the way Lake Ontario water levels are managed.

The two counties are also working together on a Broadband initiative to bring high-speed Internet to underserved areas in the two counties.

“We can share the problems and solve the problems,” Ross said. “I can’t see a better partnership than with Orleans County.”